If during renovation in the bathroom, you want to replace the shower tray with a wet room tray, then we have some important advice for you on how to go about it.
The main reasons why homeowners want a wet room tray is the lack of a threshold. Another reason for the changes is the willingness to follow the trends as well as the overall appearance of the shower zone, which pleases more. The underfloor shower tray gives that we do not visually lose space of the interior, which is often the smallest in our home.
SHOWER TRAY
It is a low profiled tray, the edge of which slightly protrudes above the floor, or is mounted flush with the floor. Its shape is available in a square, rectangular and semi-round plan. Most often made of white acrylic material. Other materials used in their production are ceramics, conglomerate and, less often, enamelled steel. The most popular are acrylic shower trays, because of their low cost, their construction is light and they are characterised by high resistance to scratches.
WET ROOM TRAY
Is designed for installation in wet room tiled floors, suitable both for concrete and wooden floor. Its main advantage is pre-machined slope towards the drain on the entire former surface.
When replacing the tray, a place should be provided for a waste trap and a sewage pipe arranged with a suitable slope. Leave approximately 100 mm of space below the floor level for the trap and tray. The trap is usually about 60-80 mm high, and the wet room tray has a thickness of 20-35 mm. The thickness of the tray affects the slope of its surface in the direction of the drain, so the thicker the tray, the faster the water will drain off, but it will flow properly at any thickness. Water flows to one place thanks to the force of gravity, from which it is further drained into the canalisation. To facilitate the work with connection to the sewage pipe, it is worth purchasing a new tray with the same outlet as in the old shower tray. This will allow to solve the issue of changing the place of drainage. However, if the outflow is in a different place, it will be necessary to remake the sewer connection. Waterproofing of the tray connections with the floor and walls is very important. Liquid foil and sealing mats are used for them. It is worth using a sealing mat on a larger surface than a shower zone. The technology of wet room trays with correct installation is reliable. It can not contribute to unsealing the system.
Trays usually have two types of drains: linear or point. The most durable ones are those made of stainless steel. They provide very good corrosion resistance both in chemical and atmospheric exposure, with high resistance to oxidation. Wiper drains are additionally surrounded by a 30 mm wide steel collar guaranteeing the highest protection against water penetration outside the designated runoff area.
The most common and the most durable finishing material for shower trays are tiles. You can use the same pattern as on the bathroom floor or other, thanks to which the zone designated for the shower will be distinguished. After laying the tiles, we recommend filling the gaps between them with epoxy grout, which is featured by excellent moisture resistance.
If you want to enjoy the look of your wet room for as long as possible, you should take care of it properly, choosing the right cleaning products. They should be adapted to the materials that we will clean.
The new shower design looks aesthetically and really modern. It is more and more often found in our homes. In addition, from all shower versions, it is the most convenient to clean because it has the least nooks and crannies and only straight surfaces. Wet room trays and drains can be found at wetroomsdesign.co.uk.
