9 Best Materials To Use For Your Shower Tray

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From durable and affordable to sleek and luxurious, choosing the best material for a shower tray can be a complex decision. Not long ago, builders had only a couple of reliable options, such as tiled-in concrete bases and enamel-coated cast-iron shower pans. While these classics are still popular today, the market has seen an explosion of materials in the last 50 or 60 years. Today, homeowners can choose from budget-friendly acrylic and fiberglass shower trays or opt for high-end materials, like deluxe walk-in showers made with natural stone.

Homeowners and builders consider several factors when choosing shower trays. Since showers receive daily use, durability is a key consideration. Some materials are prone to cracking, chipping, and premature wearing. Given the potential for water damage, it doesn't always pay to buy the cheapest shower tray. Additionally, when it comes to cost, you have to factor in installation and maintenance to get the complete picture for your budget.

From heavy cast iron to stylish natural stone for sleek designs, the right shower tray often depends on your existing plumbing setup and the size and shape of your space. Whether you have an alcove shower or a corner shower, standard dimensions for shower pans can limit your choices. However, homeowners who want a truly personalized look often choose custom shower bases designed to fit unusual layouts. With so many choices on the market, here's a look at the best shower tray materials to consider for your bathroom. 

Homeowners looking for an affordable shower pan need look no further than fiberglass. Compared to heavy materials like cast iron, this lightweight option makes installation simple. Fiberglass shower trays come in a variety of standard dimensions, shapes, and drain locations, so it's easy to find one to fit your bathroom.

On the downside, fiberglass shower trays are easily scratched, and they may yellow as they age. While they work well with most surrounds, they often include foam backing for support, which may wear unevenly and begin to flex with prolonged use.

A step up from fiberglass, acrylic is another lightweight and affordable shower base material. Acrylic is slightly stronger and more durable than fiberglass, with a smooth, non-porous finish that's easy to clean and resists stains and scratches.

Unfortunately, acrylic shower pans can still scratch, crack, and get dented, and they're more difficult to repair than fiberglass. Both fiberglass and acrylic are used in budget renovations and rental units, but acrylic is more popular for family homes and high-turnover rentals because its appearance is easier to maintain.

For a quick upgrade to an old shower base, inserting a wood shower tray can breathe new life into your bathroom. Pairing a wood shower tray with a teak bench can elevate both the usefulness and appearance of your bathroom with minimal effort.

Wood shower trays are a hassle-free and stylish update, but they do have some drawbacks. Using sustainable hardwoods like oak and teak makes them durable for long-term use, but they require regular oiling. They also need to be cleaned underneath to prevent problems with grime buildup and mildew.

If you've ever stepped on a Lego, you know how hard ABS is. Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene is used to make everything from drain pipes to Legos, and it's often paired with acrylic when manufacturing shower trays. It's lighter than fiberglass but more heavy-duty than foam, so it's frequently used to reinforce various types of shower tray bases.

Unfortunately, ABS shower trays aren't nearly as indestructible as the Lego bricks they're compared to. Harsh and abrasive cleaners can damage the surface and cause it to discolor over time. They're also not as luxurious as composite stone and solid surface shower bases.

Many modern shower bases are made from composites of materials formed into standard and custom shapes to achieve virtually any aesthetic. Homeowners benefit from the durability of quartzite and stone resin composite shower trays. These non-porous surfaces are affordable, easy to clean, and low-maintenance.

Composite shower trays are attractive and trendy, with prices that range widely — anywhere from $200 to $1,000 depending on size, materials, and complexity. Professional installation may also add to your expenses. 

Some categories of shower trays can be a bit confusing due to the considerable overlap. Solid surface shower trays are resin-based and classified as a type of stone shower pan. As the name suggests, solid surface shower trays are a seamless option that makes cleaning a breeze. 

The only significant drawbacks of solid surface shower bases are their weight and price. Otherwise, these shower trays are a great way to level up your bathroom without the expense of natural stone.

Anyone who appreciates the benefits of cast iron patio furniture and cookware will understand why it's one of the best materials for shower trays. For long-term use, almost no other material matches the durability of cast iron.

While you're not likely to regret spending more for durability and low-maintenance, the weight of these shower trays matches their hefty price tags, making installation difficult for some. 

If your walk-in showers are getting a deluxe upgrade, ceramic tile shower bases are a good option. Tiled surfaces are elegant and versatile, easily able to accommodate a variety of layouts. You can also use multiple patterns of various colored and shaped tiles to achieve a custom design for your home decor.

Tiled surfaces do have some significant drawbacks, however. The grout is difficult to keep clean, and mold growth can be a problem. Installation is also time-consuming, which drives up costs if you're having a professional do the work.

Whether you use granite slabs, large slate tiles, or pebbles, natural stone is one of the best shower trays in terms of feel and appearance. Because natural stone comes in so many colors and shapes, prices vary widely depending on the type of stone and installation methods.

Finding pre-fabricated natural stone shower trays isn't difficult, but expect to pay up to $3,000 for one. Additionally, while natural stone offers the same flexibility as ceramic tiles, it also comes with extensive labor costs.