You can find shower trays with an infinite number of different finishes, dimensions and formats, which will make your bathroom a space with a functional and very pleasant atmosphere. Since such a variety exists, it is an element that can be perfectly adapted to any type of need.
Among all this diversity of models, we can find resin shower trays, extra-flat shower trays or mineral-filled shower trays, among others. We can observe different sizes, proportions and materials, although we always respect the quality of the latter to ensure that we can offer you the best shower plate solution tailored to your needs.
How do I know if a shower tray is of good quality?
Mineral-filled shower trays and extra-flat shower trays, among others
One of the first factors to consider when determining whether a tray is of good quality is the rating of the anti-slip treatment. You should also pay special attention to the material it is made of and, above all, see if it has a good Gel Coat.
Today, there are a large number of manufacturers of shower trays and this is because bathtubs are practically no longer installed on new construction sites. Only showers are installed. In addition, in homes that already have bathtubs, they often choose to change them and install a shower tray, due to the great comfort it offers. That’s why there is more and more competition in their production; and because of this, manufacturers are striving to create and design the best models, use the best materials they have access to and expand the palette of colors they use in them, to give even more versatility to this element.
When manufacturing a shower tray, it is very important to ensure that the steel moulds used to make it have regular and exhaustive controls, as these moulds tend to deform over time. Controls will not prevent deformation, but they can prevent more defective products from being made with this mould.
The plates have a multitude of characteristics, but we could highlight, especially, two: that the surface is non-slip and the waterfall is adequate.
Extra-flat shower trays
Previously, we mentioned the Gel Coat, which is the last layer of the plate and the one that is seen and gives it its external appearance. It gives the appearance of quality and color to the product, as well as protecting against degradation, scratches and moisture. This means that with a good Gel Coat the shelf life of the product is increased. Translated from English, it means “gel coat”, so its function is that of protecting against external agents. It also has antibacterial properties and makes mold and moisture stains no longer a problem.
The different materials used in the manufacture of shower trays must be of good quality and mixed in the appropriate proportions. This is what will make the difference between an excellent end result and a mediocre one.
You can find them in acrylic or reinforced fibre; mineral charged, which is a mixture of resins and minerals; and synthetic or technical resin.
Considering the range of colours, it is essential that the plate is coloured dough. If it is accidentally peeled, the mass from which it is made will be very similar to the exterior color and it will be more difficult to appreciate the damage.
A distinction must be made between plates which are injection coloured inside the mould and those which are coloured after manufacture. The best option is to apply the colour inside the mould, as this will make it much more difficult to get spalling on the product.
The weight of the shower tray varies depending on the material being manufactured:
The classic mineral load plate is a very heavy plate and its texture simulates slate. On the other hand, a plate with the latest generation of mineral load is almost half as heavy as the first one. On the other hand, those made of technical resin, for example, are five times lighter than the latest generation of mineral fillers, although they have the same strength and consistency.
In terms of height, there are plates called extra-flat plates, which are usually between 2 and 3 centimetres high, which can be really useful in some cases, such as when they are going to be used by elderly people or people with reduced mobility, since they are almost at ground level.
How to choose the best shower trays made of resin and other materials?
When you’re looking to renovate your bathroom, you’re faced with a situation that is never as simple as it sounds. There is an enormous amount of information, designs and variety of models, so it is common to feel overwhelmed or overwhelmed when it comes to choosing what you like and really need. Many times, it’s just a matter of paying attention to the little ones.
One of the most important choices in a bathroom is undoubtedly the shower tray. Therefore, it is very important to choose the material, size, shape and model that best fit your bathroom and you.
What is a shower tray?
It is a slab that can have different sizes and is manufactured in a large number of different materials. Its purpose is none other than to lead the water to a drain valve, so it is placed in the shower area. The material they are made of also prevents possible leaks.
If you want to replace the bath with a shower plate, you should pay special attention to the following:
The size and shape
If the space in your bathroom is not very large, the best recommendation we can make is to choose a round or square shape. Rectangular trays with slate-style textures are only recommended when you have a large room.
The material
After choosing the size and shape, the next step is to select the material of your plate. The most popular are resin, natural stone, ceramic and acrylic. You must choose the one that best suits your needs and tastes.
The end user
To buy the tray that suits you best, you must first know who will use it. If you have small children or your parents are elderly and it is their bathroom that you are going to remodel, it is essential that the surface has a higher quality anti-slip surface.
If the people for whom the tray is intended have certain disabilities, extra-flat shower trays are certainly the best choice, as you can place them flush with the floor.
In addition, you can select an additional antibacterial or anti-slip treatment for your plate.
Types of shower plates
Resin shower trays
They are the most resistant and durable. Their advantages are strength, warmth and thickness, so they are solid, light and of good quality.
Acrylic shower trays
It’s very reasonably priced. They are cheaper than resin or porcelain, but may have some long-term drawbacks.
They are composed of an acrylic outer layer and, in their internal composition, polyurethane or fibreglass predominate. Although they are very resistant, their color disappears with time. Compared to resin trays, their quality is somewhat inferior.
Porcelain or ceramic shower trays
It is the same material that is used for the manufacture of washbasins, toilets or bidets. It’s extremely heavy and quite cold.
Characteristics of a resin shower tray
You can find resin plates of different models: anti-slip, Gel Coat, anti-bacterial, etc., but what should you look for?
When we talk about a tray with Gel Coat treatment, we refer to the fact that it has a high anti-slip power. We can classify this characteristic into three distinct levels:
Grade one, which is the one that offers the least slip resistance, although it guarantees that you won’t slip.
Grade two, with an anti-slip power higher than the first, but lower than the third.
Grade three, with the highest level of slip resistance available.
Characteristics of an antibacterial shower tray
This type of shower tray has the particularity of preventing the growth of bacteria in them, which is very important, due to the large amount of germs and microbes that live in the bathroom.
It is not essential that your plate has this characteristic, as good hygiene would be enough; although, if you live with someone who has a contagious disease, having this shower plate could be interesting.
Non-slip shower trays
With shower trays there are things you should keep in mind. The first thing you need to think about is that the shower tray you get should be non-slip. This will make sure that slips are not a problem for you or anyone else living in your home.
When it comes to decoration, it is important to choose the size and colour that best suits your tastes and the needs of your bathroom. Choose warm colors if you have a small space, but if you have a large space you can risk darker colors that will also look great on your home.
Combine the perfect shower enclosures with your favourite shower tray and you’ll have a magazine bath at the end.
Conclusion about shower bases
In order to choose the one that best suits you among the different shower trays, you should know that the most important requirements to be met are: that it be made of resin, have Gel Coat, have a coloured mass and, of course, have a good guarantee.
In the central plant of NUOVVO of 17 thousand m2 located in Cox, Alicante, the human team is integrated by more than 50 workers in the factory of shower trays that are distributed in sections of R+D+I, manufacture and packing; other 18 people attend the offices carrying out accounting and marketing tasks, going through an exclusive area of export.
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