When it comes to designing or renovating a bathroom, one of the big decisions is about your shower; do you go for a shower tray or a tiled floor? Like everything, each option has its pros and cons, and understanding them can help you to make an informed choice about what best suits your preferences, budget, and lifestyle. 

Shower trays have long been a popular choice, all thanks to their convenience, ease of installation, and maintenance. However, tiled floors offer a customisable and luxurious aesthetic that’s increasingly appealing to homeowners.  

In this blog, we’ll be taking a closer look at the pros and cons of shower trays and tiled floors, considering factors such as cost, installation, maintenance, and overall appeal. Let’s get started! 

Cost considerations 

As a general rule, installing a tiled floor tends to be more expensive than opting for a shower tray. Tiling requires materials such as tiles, grout, adhesive, and possibly waterproofing materials, all of which can add up quickly. On the other hand, a shower tray is a more straightforward and cost-effective solution, normally requiring fewer materials and less labour for installation.  

Installation restrictions 

Another big factor to consider is installation restrictions. While shower trays offer more flexibility in terms of installation, tiled floors may come with limitations.  

For instance, if your bathroom has structural constraints or uneven flooring, installing a tiled floor could be challenging or even impossible without significant (and costly) modifications. Shower trays, with their pre-formed designs and adjustable legs, can adapt to various bathroom layouts much more easily, making them the more practical choice for many homeowners. 

Maintenance and cleaning  

When we talk to customers, we try to get a sense of their lifestyle in order to help them make the right choices for their home. After all, you can love the look of a certain piece, but you may not want the cost and work that comes with maintaining it. 

One of the most significant advantages of shower trays over tiled floors is that they’re much easy to maintain and keep clean. Tiled floors on the other hand can be notoriously difficult to keep clean.  

Grout is typically more prone to staining, requiring regular scrubbing and sealing to prevent mould and mildew buildup. In contrast, shower trays offer a smooth, non-porous surface that is easy to clean with simple wiping or rinsing, making it the better option for busier households – parents and pet owners, we’re looking at you! This makes shower trays a more hygienic and low-maintenance option. 

Safety 

Shower trays generally have a smooth acrylic surface which means you’re pretty unlikely to slip, however, the shampoos and conditioners you use can make the shower more slippery so that’s something to be mindful of. The two main shower tray manufacturers we use offer an anti-slip finish which is a good compromise between keeping your shower tray clean and additional slip resistance. 

If you’re set on a tiled floor, tiles are available in numerous textures, however, a very good anti-slip tile is more difficult to keep clean. We’d also recommend you avoid a high gloss tile if slipping is a big concern as they tend to be a bit more on the skiddy side! 

Aesthetic appeal  

While practical considerations are of course essential, aesthetics are always going to play a significant role in the decision-making process. Tiled floors offer endless design possibilities, allowing you to create custom patterns, incorporate decorative accents, and achieve a cohesive look with the rest of your bathroom. The natural beauty of tiles, whether ceramic, porcelain, or stone, can totally transform the overall ambiance of the space and add a touch of luxury to any bathroom. 

On the other hand, shower trays come in a variety of materials, such as acrylic, fiberglass, or stone resin, offering different textures and finishes to suit your style preferences. While shower trays may not offer the same level of customisation as tiled floors, they can still contribute to the overall aesthetic of the bathroom, especially when paired with complementary fixtures and accessories. 

Need some extra help deciding whether a shower tray or tiled floor is the best option for your bathroom? Come have a chat with our friendly team.