Shower trays: shapes, sizes and selection

Shower cabins have long become a very popular filling of bathrooms and have even pushed the usual baths a little. However, it is inappropriate to choose them only by color, shape and technical filling. It is very important to know the nuances associated with the shower tray.

The shower tray is difficult to consider as a widely demanded sanitary ware. Nevertheless, the popularity of such designs is gradually increasing. Quite a few showers are equipped with shower trays by default. However, you can always use other products, including those when they were not initially included in the delivery set. It should be taken into account, however, that individual showers do not have pallets.

In such structures, there is no ceiling, and the floor is flush with the bathroom floor. The result is a minimalistic and technically simple structure. However, using a pallet is still more pleasant to live. In addition, in city apartments located in multi-storey buildings, there is no other option, by and large. There it is impossible to go deeper into the base and lay a high-quality drain in any other way.

In addition, the pallet allows:

• use additional options (aromatherapy, hydromassage, sauna mode);
• simplify and accelerate the formation of the drain;
• refuse to use special siphons (they are not needed - extraneous odors will not appear anyway);
• eliminate stagnation of water in the cabin due to clogged pipes or if they lose their throughput for another reason;
• prevent the formation of puddles, even if the tiles are not laid out too evenly;
• to mount a shower stall even where the floor itself and the walls deviate from the ideal geometry.

But if you have already decided to use a shower tray, it's time to figure out what it should be. Widespread acrylic pallets. The technology for obtaining and molding acrylic is very well developed. Therefore, a very solid construction with a variety of aesthetic properties is obtained. The geometry of the cockpit and its size practically do not play a role.

Moreover, acrylic designs can be easily supplemented with various accessories and other useful things. The acrylic pallet, in comparison with the steel analogue, stands out favorably with the minimum level of sliding. Simply put, there will be much less danger of slipping and falling.

Sometimes people are interested in a metal (or rather, cast iron) shower tray. Previously, such products were used mainly in public showers, but in recent years the situation has changed. Cast iron structures are quite reliable, and after solving some of the problems with design and functionality, the last arguments against their purchase disappeared. It should be borne in mind that the features of the material itself still impose restrictions on the design and on the practical capabilities of the pallet... There are options for cast iron structures:

• in the form of a square;
• in the form of a rectangle;
• with one oval edge.

NSCast iron oddons can withstand the weight of almost any person and can have almost any depth - this is what modern technologies provide. Drain holes usually have a diameter of 0.052 m. Therefore, you can safely buy a standard siphon and not be afraid that it will not work. Important: the chemical composition of a good alloy must correspond GOST 7565. The surface is covered with especially strong enamel, which is applied using a rather complicated technology, which additionally raises the price.

But the "hot" enamel practically does not wear off. And to split it, even deliberately, will not be so easy.

Separately, it is worth understanding with plastic pallets. In fact, this material (plastic) is the same as acrylic. Rather, these are polymers made using acrylic acid. However, the cheapness and practicality of plastic does not negate the fact that it is unstable to temperature extremes. Rather, it has a very strong thermal expansion compared to other materials.

Many people are less familiar with the ceramic shower tray than with the acrylic version. Such designs look very attractive. However, they are quite heavy and break easily. Such a pallet can be damaged both by its own fall and by being hit by a heavy object.

The severity, however, cannot be considered a significant drawback. After all even with a weight of 60 kg, carrying the pallet together is not difficult. In addition, the heavier the product, the more stable it is in itself, even without additional fasteners.

Consider also the difference between individual types of ceramics. Products made of white clay have gained popularity.

It is divided into two types - sanitary ware and sanitary ware. Sanitary ware is a little lighter and in its pure form absorbs water a little more actively than sanitary porcelain. However, in production, it is coated with a composition that completely prevents waterlogging. Due to special additives, sanitary porcelain receives not only less hygroscopicity, but also increased strength.

Dimensions of ceramic pallets do not differ from products made from other materials. It is only necessary to take into account that it is almost impossible to find deep specimens of this kind in our country. But the variety of forms they have inspires respect.

A more elite option is a granite pallet. Such designs immediately give the interior solidity and even some pomp. Compared to marble, granite is much stronger and withstands temperature extremes much better. And even quite strong blows the stone pallet is guaranteed to withstand. If there can be mechanical influences that can split it, then such forces are definitely not found in household use. However, it should be borne in mind that you will have to use special care products for natural stone.

If you like solid granite pallets, but cannot afford, you can choose the version made of artificial stone. In appearance, they are no worse, and the price difference reaches 10-30% and even more. Synthetic stone immediately adds simplicity and grace to the look of the bathroom. In terms of service life, it is not inferior to natural counterparts. Of course, if we talk about quality products made from good materials.

Quite a few manufacturers are ready to offer porcelain stoneware shower trays. Some variants of this material are specially polished. Proven technologies allow simulating:

• cracked marble;

• natural wood;

• concrete;

• metal surfaces;

• natural granite and other attractive types of rocks.

Shower trays come in a variety of sizes. But in practice, it is very inconvenient to use structures less than 90x90 cm. Even adolescents and people with slender build find it difficult to turn around in such a limited space. What can we say about other users. Showers with a floor of 100x100 cm are much more comfortable choice.

Models of this size are in great demand. And manufacturers are responding to stable demand by ensuring a constant replenishment of the assortment in this particular segment. But about the 60x60 cm and 80x80 cm versions, only one thing can be said: this is a solution only for bathing small children. Or for an apartment of a very small area, when literally every square centimeter has to be saved.

There is a stable demand for the following models:

• 900x900 mm;
• 120x80 cm;
• 800x800x1975 mm.

Important: in any case, pallets with a protruding rim are more practical than completely flat options. It is useful to consider other nuances of the geometric shape of this plumbing item. The square shape is compact and ergonomic. It can be chosen for rooms of a relatively small area. But even in a large space, such a product will not look out of place.

Most often, the sides of the squares are:

• 0.8 m;
• 0.9 m;
• 1m;
• 1.2 m.

Of course if desired, you can always order a pallet of a completely different size. Or even choose it ready-made in the store.

The situation is somewhat different with rectangular pallets. These designs are also in great demand and also fill stores in abundance. However, they already require a little more space.

Theoretically, they can be placed in a small area, but in terms of design, such a decision is questionable. In most cases, the rectangular shape implies the use of ceramics, while square pallets usually made from acrylic. The most widespread modifications are:

• 1.4x0.9 m;
• 1.4x0.7 m;
• 1.5x0.7 m;
• 1.2x0.7 m.

The top three of consumer sympathies are confidently closed by corner pallets. They are both stylish and compact in size. The most common serial type of corner products is a quarter circle. It is appreciated for its easy fit into almost any interior. Consumers who want to stand out often prefer non-standard solutions.Selected suppliers are responding to this demand by producing round, trapezoidal, spiraling and even more intricate pallets.

But most of these designs are made to order. And they do them as part of a design project for a specific bathroom. Therefore, just buying such a copy just because you liked it in the photo will not work, and it is inappropriate. Moreover, functionality should come first.

Important: whatever configuration of the pallet you like, it will be derivative in relation to the shape of the shower stall... Fitting when the geometric lines do not match is almost impossible. The width of the walls in the asymmetric version ranges from 0.7 to 1.5 m. On individual orders, some manufacturers are ready to make even a multifaceted structure. It is curious that in terms of technology it is simpler than having clear straight lines.

In some cases, round and semicircular pallets are used. But this is a purely amateur product. Pentagonal variants are rare. The dimensions of their sides are not officially regulated in any way. But it is common practice to match the lengths of the pentagonal and rectangular pallets.

In the overwhelming majority of cases, mass-produced products are issued in white... It is this solution that fits perfectly into almost any plumbing composition. Concerning colored (gray, marbled, deep black, blue and other pallets), they immediately stand out against the general background. However, the white modifications are much more convenient and have the following advantages:

• less visible plaque remaining from water and detergents;
• easier cleaning;
• more variety of options for geometry and dimensions;
• easy search for repair kits of the appropriate color.

It should be borne in mind that it is also quite difficult to find colored pallets on sale themselves. And one more subtlety - the leading firms in the industry, operating under solid brands, do not offer such a product. Therefore, lovers of good quality need to abandon experiments. The drawing can be applied in a repeating print format. An alternative are laser engraved designs.

If the pallet has a raised surface, it will look better than its sleek counterpart. Important: in the presence of a relief, an anti-slip coating is of particular importance. In addition to the decorative role, this type of surface also has a practical function.

The recent appearance of models with a well-concealed drain. It is not easy even for an observant observer to spot it. This approach is very simple to implement: an additional pad is used, and a kind of "double bottom" appears. Most often, overlays are formed from the same material as the shower stalls themselves. Rapidly gaining popularity now solutions with LED additives.

They allow you to achieve an almost limitless range of design effects. However, one cannot expect that built-in lamps will replace full-fledged lighting in a bathroom or even a separate booth. When choosing a specific design option, take into account:

• its practicality;
• compatibility with the rest of the bathroom interior and the house as a whole;
• tastes of all family members.

Perhaps, the worst type of shower trays can be considered plastic products. In the process of heating and cooling, they change their size. Therefore, the installation is already significantly complicated, and you have to use a special sealant. In addition, inexpensive plastics (and expensive ones in such things are almost never used) can serve as a source of unpleasant odors. Finally, the strength of plastics isn't always good for people.

If considerations of economy are in the first place, it is better to give preference to reinforced pallets made of enamelled steel. However, it must be remembered that such designs often have to be modified with a file. In addition, steel is good in the country. But in an apartment or in a constantly used country house, you need to pay attention to more advanced materials. The fact is that the strength of steel is overshadowed by its increased thermal conductivity and "loudness".

Of no small importance when choosing a pallet for a cabin in a bathroom is the height from the floor. Small pallets are considered those with a depth of 0.01-0.03 m. The middle group includes those that reach 0.04-0.07 m in depth. The deepest specimens can reach 0.7 m. A large recess is needed not only for bathing children or washing clothes, as one might think. It also acts as an additional safety net against water spills throughout the house.

And if in a suburban dwelling this last consideration is not too fundamental, then in a city apartment the situation is completely opposite. However, it is just there that it is impossible to install a very deep pallet with entry into the floor. The solution is to use structures with high podiums. True, another problem appears here - low bathroom does not allow the use of such a solution... If technically possible, it will create many aesthetic inconveniences.

You will have to find the optimal balance and try different ways to compensate for the shortcomings. It is generally believed that in the shower enclosure and in the niche with a glass door supplemented with a seal, the height of the pallet is not critical. However, when using textile curtains, low models will have to be abandoned. In such cases, pallets of at least 0.03 m are used. The average board height allows you to soar your feet or soak everyday things for a while.

When choosing the length and width of the pallet, you should take into account the place of its installation. However, in any case, modifications less than 0.9 x 0.9 m are too inconvenient. They are mounted only when something more capacious cannot be supplied. Along with the pallet, it is advised to select a fence or shower door.

A siphon on a deep pallet can be of almost any diameter, but in a shallow bowl it must be wide, otherwise water will constantly overflow over the side. Important: the siphon is selected individually for each model. The fact is that their dimensions are not standardized. It is very important to find out exactly how the installation will be carried out. Only then will it be possible to choose the most optimal model. Of the useful options, it is worth noting:

• drain covers (make the design more beautiful);
• click-clack complex;
• seat (found only on deep modifications).

The size of the shower tray is selected for the largest user. This applies not only to the size of the product (so that you can stand up and turn freely there), but also to the level of permissible load. Important: the movements of the arms and legs should be absolutely free and natural. If the purchase is planned for the elderly and chronically ill people, it is worth giving preference to pallets with a seat. If there are pets in the house, you need to buy a container as deep as possible for technical and financial reasons.

Recommendation: instead of a more expensive pallet with an anti-slip coating, you can purchase a budget-class product and cover it yourself with a special film. In terms of the quality of protection, such a combination will be no worse. It is worth checking the completeness of the purchased model in accordance with the documentation. It is also important to pay attention to the reviews of the end consumers. And, of course, you should find out what the size of the plum is. Then you can either choose a structure for direct connection to the sewage system, or immediately buy the missing adapters.

You can find out how to make a shower tray from tiles with your own hands by watching the video below.