How to Choose the Right Shower Tray Size and Shape for Your Bathroom

A comfortable shower begins at floor level. The tray sets the footprint, the drainage and the entry height – so getting it right matters. Irish homes come in all shapes and sizes, from tight box rooms to airy new builds, and picking the right tray is about matching the space you have, how you like to shower and the look you want.

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Step 1: Measure the space you actually have

Measure in millimetres along the floor and again at about one metre height, because older walls are rarely perfectly square. Note door swing, radiator positions, window reveals and vanity depth, then check that your enclosure opening won't clash with anything. If you're upgrading an existing shower, measure the current tray and enclosure, and check where the waste pipe runs – this can dictate your new tray choice.

Allow for these clearances:

• A clear standing area of about 600 to 700mm in front of the enclosure entry.
• Wall profiles and enclosure frames – usually 20 to 40mm per side depending on the model.
• Floor build-up, including any tanking kit or leg and panel set if pipework needs to run above the floor.

Step 2: Choose a shape that suits your layout

Square trays – compact and easy to place

Square trays work well in small rooms and standard alcoves. They suit sliding, hinged and bi-fold doors, and keep the layout simple. If space allows, 900 x 900mm feels comfortable for daily use; 800 x 800mm works for very small ensuites. A good example is the Tailored Low Profile Square Shower Tray at just 30mm high. Browse our full square shower tray range.

Rectangular trays – more elbow room and a walk-in look

Rectangular trays stretch the standing area, which feels more generous and helps keep spray away from the bathroom entrance. They suit single sliding doors, walk-in panels and wet room style screens. Common sizes in Irish homes include 1200 x 800mm, 1400 x 900mm, and 1500 x 900mm. The Sonas Slate Antislip Rectangular Shower Tray is a popular choice at around 30mm high. Browse the full rectangular shower tray range.

Quadrant trays – curves that save circulation space

Quadrant trays fit into a right-angle corner and use a curved front to free up floor space in tight rooms. They feel generous for the footprint and pair neatly with matching curved doors. When ordering, check the radius on both tray and enclosure to make sure they match – typically 500 to 550mm depending on the brand. See the Crosswater Creo Quadrant as a customer-favourite option, or browse all quadrant shower trays.

Offset quadrant trays – corner fit with extra shoulder room

Offset quadrant trays keep the curved front and add extra length on one side, giving you more shoulder room while maintaining a smooth, corner-friendly shape. The Merlyn Level25 Offset Quadrant is a solid choice. Browse all offset quadrant trays.

Wet room trays and formers – level entry with a minimalist finish

Wet room trays create a flush, level-entry showering area and channel water to a linear or square drain. They're ideal for accessibility and easy cleaning, but they do require correct subfloor preparation and waterproofing. The Jackoboard Aqua Flat central drain board is a popular choice for this type of installation. Browse all wet room shower trays.

Step 3: Pick a size for comfort today and flexibility tomorrow

As a rule of thumb, aim for a showering area of at least 900 x 900mm for everyday comfort. For accessibility, Ireland's Centre for Excellence in Universal Design recommends a domestic shower space of at least 1000 x 1000mm – see the CEUD Building for Everyone guidance on sanitary facilities.

If you're planning a level-access shower, the CEUD Internal Layout Checklist (2025) sets a minimum of 1100 x 1100mm. As an additional benchmark, Scottish Building Standards accept a level-access shower with a drained area of not less than 1000 x 1000mm, or a 900 x 900mm tray as an equivalent – useful context when weighing up comfort against footprint. See Scottish Building Standards section 3.12 for details.

Step 4: Decide on tray height and entry

Low-profile trays – typically 25 to 40mm high – make entry easier and look clean alongside tiling. Many can sit almost flush with adjacent tiles. If your waste needs to run above the floor, a leg and panel kit will raise the tray and keep the underside serviceable. If your goal is true step-free entry, a wet room tray or board is the right option. Good low-profile choices include the Flair Gemstone Slate Quadrant Shower Tray at 25mm and the Sonas Unity Rectangular Shower Tray at around 30 mm.

Step 5: Match the waste position and flow rate

Most modern trays use a 90mm high-flow waste. Check where the waste sits on the tray so your pipe run clears joists and reaches the stack with enough fall. If you enjoy large rainfall heads, a faster waste helps keep up with the water volume – some 90mm wastes are rated at around 32 litres per minute. Many of our trays include a waste, but do check before buying.

Step 6: Choose a material and finish that fits your routine

You'll typically encounter three types of construction:

• Stone resin or mineral cast – dense, rigid and stable underfoot. The premium choice for everyday feel.
• Slate-effect resin – tactile texture with a natural anti-slip feel, often very slim.
• ABS acrylic over stone resin – lighter and more budget-friendly, but durable enough for busy family bathrooms.

Step 7: Pair your tray with the right enclosure

Tray and enclosure must match in size – and on curved trays the radius must match too. Sliding doors save space in tight rooms; hinged doors feel more premium if you have the clearance; bi-fold or in-fold doors are excellent for narrow alcoves. Walk-in panels give a minimalist look on longer rectangular trays and are increasingly popular in Irish bathrooms.

Browse: All Shower Enclosures · Sliding Shower Doors · Quadrant Enclosures · Offset Quadrant Enclosures

Which tray works in common Irish bathroom layouts?

Small bathroom, about 1.7 to 1.9m wide with the door near a corner

A 900 x 900mm quadrant placed in the corner by the door opens up the walkway. Pair it with a sliding door to maximise the available space.

Long and narrow bathroom, about 2.6 x 1.3m

A 1200 x 800mm or 1400 x 800–900mm rectangular tray along the long wall works well here. Add a walk-in panel for a clean, uncluttered finish.

Family bathroom with a windowed corner

An offset quadrant at 1200 x 900mm keeps the shower bright and provides extra shoulder room. Check hinge clearances before ordering.

Installer tips before you order

• Confirm left- or right-handed versions on offset trays and doors – getting this wrong is a costly mistake.
• Dry-fit the enclosure and test drainage before final sealing.
• Tank the wet area fully, then apply silicone only after the tanking has fully cured.
• If the floor is timber, add bracing or a shower base board to remove flex under the tray.

Ready to choose?

Browse the full range at Bathroom Outlet shower trays. If you spot a better like-for-like price, use our Match a Quote form and we'll match or beat it. For friendly advice, get in touch with the team.