Choosing a standard shower cabin height with a tray

Kinds

In the process of choosing plumbing installations, it is important to determine the correct parameters of each component element. Manufacturers offer a wide selection of shower cabins with different trays, which are classified by depth, shape, material, and cost.

By size and depth

Each line of pallets is presented in classic sizes. It is easy to match them with fencing and doors of any brand. The minimum parameters of a pallet are 70 x 70 cm, the maximum are 130 x 130 cm. The length and width dimensions increase by a multiple of 10 cm. If you decide on non-standard dimensions, then first think about the dimensions of the fences, which are more difficult to choose. If you are financially able, you can order individual plumbing fixtures, which will be manufactured according to the designer’s design.

Taking into account the depth of the pallet, the following options are presented:

• Deep products include products from 250 mm and more. Such models are most often presented in semicircular and angular shapes.
• A design of 100-180 mm is considered shallow.
• Flat pallets with a height of no more than 100 mm. Such models are ideal for children who often do not look where they are going. Also for older people who are not comfortable getting into the bathroom every time.

By material

• The most popular material is acrylic . The material is characterized by lightness, attractive appearance, is easy to repair, clean and lasts from 10 to 15 years. Pallets of any shape and size are created from this material.
• Cast iron will last twice as long as acrylic, but it heats up more slowly and cools down more slowly. Such models have a lot of weight and a small choice of shapes.
• Ceramic models do not warm up immediately, but they provide insulation from dripping onto the tray. This material will last a long time if you treat it with care.
• Pallets made of quaril appeared not so long ago, but due to the presence of quartz in the composition, the wear resistance, strength and durability of the product increase. With proper care, the original shine of the product is preserved.
• Products made from natural stone are an expensive option, which is characterized by strength, wear resistance and durability. This product is not susceptible to external influences and remains smooth, but not slippery. Guarantees sound insulation. Most choose marble, but porcelain stoneware allows you to save a little.

Firm

When choosing a manufacturer of plumbing fixtures, it is worth considering the service life of the products. German (Villeroy&Boch, Catalano) and Italian plumbing fixtures (Flaminia) remain of high quality, but they will cost more than domestic or the same high-quality Chinese ones. The choice directly depends on the capabilities of consumers. A cheaper option from Spain is the company Roca, but the quality is appropriate.

Price

The cost of the product directly depends on the choice of pallet material and the presence of additional functionality, for example, lighting.
The most expensive product is considered to be made from natural stone. The cheapest steel models cost from 3,000 rubles, acrylic products from China cost 3-5 thousand rubles. Czech and German manufacturers offer products made of artificial stone, as well as ceramics, for an average of 30 thousand rubles.

Form

Depending on the box shape, the following pallet options are available:

• rectangular;
• square;
• radius;
• pentagonal.

With such a variety, it’s easy to choose the best option for a small room or a spacious room. If the soul desires something original, then non-standard solutions are offered - oval, polygonal, round and asymmetrical pallets. But to implement such projects, more space is needed; some companies are ready to work to order based on individual sketches.

Which pallet to choose: useful tips for the user

The issue of choosing a specific shower tray model must be approached comprehensively, assessing it according to a number of significant criteria. You are offered 2 classification options: by external beauty/originality and by ease of use.

Selecting a pallet based on external indicators

For greater ease of perception, information regarding the design and possible external additions of the shower tray is presented in the form of a table.

Table. Choosing a shower tray based on external indicators

How to choose a practical and high-quality shower tray?

Selecting a pallet is a complex decision in which it is important to evaluate a number of criteria. It is worth deciding on the dimensions, shape and material of the product; it is also worth taking into account factors such as the height of the sides, weight and dimensions of the cabins.

Side height

A deep tray is considered a practical solution; they try to combine it with polystyrene or glass doors. This decision is also relevant if there are dogs, cats and other pets in the house that have to wash their paws after going outside.

But the most modern and innovative solution is models without sides. However, this design requires repair work to ensure drainage.

A shower without sides requires special and constant care, so not everything that is beautiful is practical.

Weight

The weight of the pallet directly depends on the selected material of the product. The heaviest option remains the cast iron version, which can tighten up to 60 kg, and the most practical and popular is the acrylic one, it has a low weight of 15-20 kg, which directly depends on the thickness of the material, and a large number of advantages.

Cabin sizes: standard and large

Choose a cabin so that the largest member of the family can move comfortably in the shower. It should tilt freely while standing directly in the tray. The movement of arms and legs should not be constrained, but should be free.

Features of installation of pallets of various shapes and sizes

The method of installing the pallet depends on the design features. Some models come with supports and a frame, but more often they have to be purchased separately. As a rule, models made of cast iron, steel, and acrylic are installed on the legs. Ceramic trays do not require additional support. There are also models that are mounted directly into the floor or into the podium.

Helpful information! To ensure proper functioning of the drain and to avoid stagnation of water, it is important that the pan is aligned strictly horizontally.

The gaps between the product and the wall should be carefully sealed. This will eliminate moisture leakage and protect against mold and mildew that may form under the structure.

Large cast iron trays: are they used for showers?

Cast iron models are used for shower stalls and corners. Due to the characteristics of the material and weight of the product, there is a meager choice of shapes on the market. Cast iron as a material is characterized by wear resistance, strength and durability.

A corrugated bottom or a special anti-slip coating are mandatory considerations when choosing a pallet made of this material.

The market offers a wide range of pallets, allowing you to take into account personal preferences, bathroom features and design projects. Having studied the selection criteria presented, it will be easier to decide on the appropriate option.

Choice

The authors sincerely believe that the shape of the pallet should not influence the choice. Taking it with a low or high side is a matter of taste. The main thing is the overall dimensions. A manufacturer cannot adapt its exclusive product to an individual consumer. There is no such task. But people continue to be stubbornly interested in how dimensions should affect the choice of a rectangular shower stall. Much of the information concerns the installation of rectangular shower enclosures.

Since in most cases (rectangular shape) there is a connection to the electrical network, not everything can go smoothly with the approval of the reconstruction. Approval will be written below, at least we’ll figure out who can demand it and where to apply. But dimensions in this case are only of secondary importance. As they increase, so does the complexity, and additional options spring up like mushrooms after rain. This is what causes the need to renovate the premises.

So, shower cabins with deep trays usually have a pronounced rectangular shape. For obvious reasons of structural strength. This, for example, a bending pipe can withstand a greater load than a sheet of metal equal to the length of its circumference. It is very difficult to buy a rectangular (obviously different from a square) pallet separately. As a rule, the shower cabin is assembled. Consequently, the process of choosing a box comes down to deciding on the availability of additional options:

1. Deep tray.
2. Hydromassage.
3. Ceiling.
4. Turkish bath.
5. Rain shower, etc.

Rectangular cabin

What's special here? Most of these options require connection to a 230 V 50 Hz power source. But the problem is that many sites don't point this out directly. Consequently, you can choose a shower cabin with a high tray and only then find out about the need to improve the electrical network (see below). There is nothing good about this. In this case, call the store in advance or come in person to find out the issue of connecting to the electrical network.

Deep tray or low

When people buy a deep tray, they usually mean the opportunity to sit quietly with their feet in the water. Because you obviously won’t be able to lie there. In our opinion, you can steam your feet with mustard during illness in a bucket; the main advantage of a high tray is that the water does not overflow even with poor drainage. And a deep tray is easier to install. Because it has its own legs.

But a low (shallow) pallet is 20 kg lighter. The problem with it is to create a solid foundation when necessary. A deep pallet has a higher curvature of shapes, which ensures high strength. In addition, it has its own stand with a durable steel basket. This ensures reliability in many respects. And to install a low pallet, you need to be able to make the foundation correctly: a flat shape bends easier.

Which to choose? All other things being equal, take the shallow one, but install it according to all the rules, do not let the swimmers trample the middle. Otherwise, the paint will crack and the appearance will be unsightly. It is impossible to completely revive the enamel. Even when contacting specialized companies.

Sometimes you will like a shower stall for something different. And then a low tray is bought in addition to the cheap hydromassage option. As a rule, this is caused by some kind of promotions and discounts. But a pallet that is small in depth is rarely rectangular, so this is not relevant to the topic under consideration.

Please note that low pallets often require a foundation to be built. Which worsens the conditions of access to sewer pipes.

Pallet feet

The tray with legs is placed directly on the floor. The advantage of this technical solution is obvious. Alignment to the horizon is carried out according to the building level. Control the way the legs are attached. In some cases, they are welded to the bottom on a small plate. During operation, deformations will occur in this area. It is recommended to additionally place high-density polystyrene foam under the bottom. Read about the problems that arise during the construction of the foundation in the review on the repair of shower cabins.

Coating

A cast iron pan is rarely low (and there are some) and covered with frits. This is a refractory mass that reliably protects the surface at temperatures of about 1000 degrees Celsius. Enamel familiar to everyone from Soviet times. It will not be possible to replace it with spray paint (checked). Frits are not used for thin steel trays because they crack easily. The slightest deformation, and the enamel will begin to fly off.

Among modern coatings for low pallets, acrylic paint dominates. The polymer is not so hard, therefore it is more tolerant of mechanical stress. Acrylic paint today has become a de facto standard, both for new products and for restoration work.

Ceiling

Where the ceiling appears, in most cases a connection to an electrical current source is required. This creates a big difference in the order of approval of the completed installation. The ceiling is the obstacle that prevents light from entering the cabin. This radically changes the balance of power: it is almost impossible to bring lighting inside. As a result, many design solutions assume the presence of low-voltage light bulbs in the ceiling (12.5 V, etc.).

Bathroom lighting

There is an occasional rain shower in the ceiling. To be honest, it’s hard to say what advantage this has, except that you don’t have to rub yourself with your hands after lathering up, washing off the foam. There is something good in this. The question is, is it worth paying for this option? It dramatically complicates the design. If the bathroom already has an outlet, then it’s okay, otherwise, refurbishment is necessary. Again, 220 V wires should not be located in this area (see GOST R 50571.11). In general, many difficulties arise.

A Turkish bath, that is, a steam generator, is often built into the ceiling. People familiar with household appliances will not be surprised by this. The design resembles an iron or steamer. This dramatically increases the cost, but the main thing is that a powerful source of energy is required. Such a shower cabin can easily overload the power grid.

Many units come as additional options (River Temza 150/150/55). Please note that the example shown has a square tray and is for illustrative purposes only. This constructor slightly reduces the overall price. For example, River Temza, which is quite large in size, is inexpensive for its size and configuration.

Hydromassage

The hydromassage option greatly complicates the design in terms of water distribution. Each injector must be adjusted separately. The number of control valves increases greatly. This reduces the reliability of the system, which increases the frequency of repairs. However, there are persistent rumors among people that hydromassage is a good remedy for cellulite. At least no one claims otherwise. Therefore, if you have a wife, it is recommended to purchase!

The number of nozzles can be very different. From 6 to infinity. The more, the more expensive. The purpose of the massage is to improve skin circulation, which helps smooth the skin and reduce fat reserves in this area. According to some reports, hydromassage of the legs relieves varicose veins. In fact, it is widely known that this disease is incurable. Symptoms are partially relieved, but complete recovery does not occur. Therefore, hydromassage to some extent can alleviate the course of the disease.

Shower with hydromassage function

Control type

There are many varieties in this category. From completely manual to completely electronic. The latter is found only in expensive boxes. This is not advertised, but it turns out that the larger the cabin, the more expensive it is. For some reason, it’s difficult to find a small cozy corner crammed with electronics. Market analysis shows that suppliers do not take into account the class of sports people, but work for homebodies: relax, unwind, do nothing, and also get a massage and listen to music. Consequently, there is a demand for precisely such products, and athletes shop elsewhere.

Form

When choosing a shape, you should also not forget about the area of ​​the bathroom. With small sizes, square or rectangular shapes fit well, ideally a corner cabin. If there is enough space, you can choose the shape of any geometric figure, based only on the taste of the apartment owner.

Conditions when choosing a pallet shape:

1. Buyer's desire.
2. Interior Design.
3. Bathroom dimensions.

Shower tray shapes:

1. Angular (radial) – ¼ circle shape. Ideal for a very small bathroom.
2. Oval. Should be placed in the center of the bathroom, which should help expand the space and create specialized communications.
3. Polygonal. Place it in the corner of the room or against the wall.

Tray depth:

• deep;
• low;

The depth of the tray varies from 4 cm to 25 cm.

Depends:

1. Height of bathroom and cubicle partitions. Thus, the structure must fit into the bathroom space.
2. Drain siphon. There is a siphon under the tray, which will have to be cleaned periodically. That is, the space under the cabin should be sufficient so that all manipulations are carried out comfortably for you.
3. Physical component for children and the elderly. The shower cabin should be convenient for every family member to use. Therefore, for older people and children, the low height of the tray will not make it difficult to enter and exit.
4. Animals and very small children. Small children need to be bathed often; a high tray can serve as a bathtub for the child. Also, when washing animals, high sides will prevent unwanted water from getting onto the floor.
5. When a shower stall is the only means of taking water procedures in an apartment , it is better to purchase one with a high tray, as in some cases it will save you from many everyday difficulties. For example, if your car breaks down, you can do laundry in the shower.
6. If the apartment is located in a house that was built more than a decade ago , it is better to choose a deep tray. Older homes commonly have clogged pipes, which can cause water to drain slowly. With a low pan, it may turn out that the water will simply flow out.

Pallet height classification

When choosing a shower tray, an important parameter is depth.

Modern manufacturers offer products that are classified as follows:

• Deep pallets . The height of products in this category is 250 mm or more.
• Shallow shower trays . The height of structures in this category varies between 100-180 mm.
• Flat pallets . This category includes products with a height of up to 100 mm.

Deep shower trays often have a semicircular or angular shape. They fit organically into the corner of the sanitary area and occupy a minimum amount of free space. Deep structures look aesthetically pleasing with polystyrene or glass doors.

Using a deep tray in a shower is considered practical and optimal in baths. Such places are visited by people who not only prefer healing steam, but also adore water treatments.

If you purchase a very deep tray, it can be used as a small-sized bathtub or equipped with additional elements, creating a Jacuzzi with hydromassage and other functions

Flat pallets are the best option for arranging public or individual sanitary areas visited by children, elderly people and people with disabilities.

A built-in flat tray is a universal design that successfully combines the functions of a small bathtub and a full-fledged shower stall.

A flat tray looks stylish and compact in a spacious and small bathroom; it is more convenient, but requires quick draining

Such designs are convenient to use, since they do not have a high side that you have to step over every time you take a shower.

Image gallery

Photo from

Bottom side of high tray

Flat pallet in concrete screed

Medium height sanitary tray

High design for shower stall

Features of making shower trays with your own hands

You can make a shower tray with your own hands using concrete mortar, ceramic tiles and other building materials. In this case, it is necessary to remember some features of the operation of such structures, which are reflected in their manufacture:

• on the base of the floor (subfloor, floor slab and other building elements) it is necessary to lay a layer of solid insulation, which can be used as polystyrene foam, polystyrene foam or their analogues - this will provide the necessary thermal insulation of the structure;
• the presence of a cement (concrete) screed on top of the insulation will ensure leveling of the prepared base;
• waterproofing is one of the most important elements of the product being constructed, because it is this that provides protection against moisture penetration into building structures;

Features of making a shower tray made of concrete and ceramic tiles - diagram and some details

• using the second layer of concrete, the specified slopes are created towards the installed ladder;
• finishing (tiles or other finishing material) must have a water-repellent effect;
• when laying sewer pipes, their angle of inclination must be at least 3˚ from the drain towards the receiving sewer pipe;
• It is necessary to make a collar around the perimeter of the pallet being constructed to ensure that water does not penetrate from the internal space of the assembled structure.

To finish a self-assembled shower tray, various materials can be used - tiles, smalt, natural and artificial stone

Due to the fact that the market for plumbing products is quite saturated, shower trays can be bought in any corner of our country. They are sold both by large retail chains and small stores specializing in the sale of plumbing fixtures and building materials. In such organizations you can get advice from specialists, and also choose the model you like from the product catalog of a certain manufacturer, where you can find out the main characteristics of the device, overall dimensions and prices.

Large retail chains and specialized stores have a larger selection of models, and here you can always order a shower tray from a catalog

Design and types of shower boxes

The design of a rectangular shower box is completely simple and consists of a tray, walls, racks, doors, and there are models with a roof.

Shower stalls can be open (the most inexpensive option) or closed.

• An open type shower stall consists of a tray, a door, and the walls can be the walls of the bathroom itself.
• A closed box consists of a pallet; there are options when a bathtub, walls and roof can serve as a pallet. The cabin with this type of construction is completely insulated.

When choosing a model, you need to focus on the appearance, functionality, materials from which the box is made, be sure to check the quality, integrity of the parts, and their complete set.