How to Fit a Shower Tray

What we’ll cover…

• Preparation: Sourcing the appropriate tools and materials for installation.
• Selecting the location: Tips for choosing the best spot to position the shower tray.
• Installation steps: Detailed instructions with regards to levelling, securing, and connecting the waste pipe.
• Sealing: Recommendations for the application of sealant for leak prevention.
• Finishing touches: Final adjustments to deliver a professional appearance.

Your shower tray installation guide

When planning to fit a shower tray, there are one or two things to be aware of before anything else. 

Importantly, installation or replacement of a shower tray is generally rated as a medium to moderately difficult task, so it is advisable to seek professional advice if you are not familiar with basic DIY techniques.

If you are confident at DIY, then why not follow our step-by-step guide on how to fit a shower tray?

Shower trays are an essential part of a shower enclosure installation, and although it’s important to choose one that’s durable and built to stand the test of time, it doesn’t matter how good the tray is if it’s not fitted properly.

What type of shower tray are you fitting?

For all intents and purposes, there are essentially two different types of bathroom shower trays.

Before fitting your shower tray, you will need to identify if it’s height adjustable or a low level one, as the installation steps slightly differ. 

Low Profile Trays

Low profile shower trays are designed to sit as close to the floor as possible, offering a step-free entry to your shower. 

If you’re aiming for a seamless, ground-level shower experience or considering the installation of a wet room shower tray, low profile trays should be your go-to option.

Adjustable Height Shower Trays

Adjustable height shower trays are supported by adjustable legs, providing the flexibility to raise or lower them to your desired height. 

They also facilitate easy access to the pipes beneath, which can be advantageous in case of leaks or the need for replacements.

We highly recommend fitting the shower tray before commencing wall tiling or installing wall panels. 

This ensures a more secure seal around the tray’s edges, contributing to a leak-free shower experience.

If you need help with choosing a new tray, our expert shower tray buying guide will point you in the right direction.

Shower tray sizes

Shower trays are available in a wide range of sizes, and are designed to suit almost any bathroom shape. They can measure anywhere between 25mm-45mm high, and range in width and length between 700mm and 1800mm.

Quadrant and offset quadrant shower trays are great for small bathrooms as the curved front maximises space.

Square & rectangular shower trays are very versatile and can be fitted with a variety of shower enclosures to suit your bathroom design.

Essential Tools and Materials

Before embarking on the installation journey, it’s important to ensure you have the correct tools and materials:

• A pencil
• A spirit level
• A drill
• A jug or kettle
• A hacksaw/jigsaw
• Silicone sealant
• Sealant gun

For fitting a low-profile shower tray, you’ll also need:

• Cement
• Building sand
• Mortar trowel

Installing an adjustable height shower tray

Follow these steps to properly install an adjustable height shower tray:

Step 1 – Position the shower tray at your desired location and ensure it fits into that space without any clearance issues. 

Secure the legs into place and adjust the height until the tray reaches your desired level. Attach the tray’s waste outlet to ensure proper alignment.

Step 2 – Adjust the riser legs to create an appropriate fall for efficient drainage, typically a 50mm fall per metre length of pipework. 

Initially, it’s easier to level the tray by adjusting the key corner legs first. Don’t forget to install the centre leg.

Step 3 – Plan the most efficient route from the waste trap in the tray to the waste pipe. If your outlet pipe is in place, connect it to the trap.

Step 4 – Place the tray in position, having already attached the lower part of the waste to the pipework.

Step 5 – Use a spirit level to confirm that the tray is completely level all the way around. 

This step is crucial, as an unlevel tray can lead to drainage issues and potential overflows. The design of the tray ensures water flows toward the waste outlet, eliminating the need for tilting.

Step 6 – Ensure all legs are engaged and that the lock nuts are securely tightened, touching the flange.

Step 7 – Pour water from a kettle or jug down the shower drain to ensure it flows smoothly without any drips or leaks.

Step 8 – Conceal the gaps around the tray’s sides using skirting boards or shower tray side panels.

Step 9 – Apply a bead of sealant behind the tray, between the wall and the tray, to cushion the tray and serve as a primary seal against leaks. Add a bead of sealant along the top edge and the wall.

Step 10 – Install the tiles, leaving a gap of approximately 3mm between the tray and the tiles. Apply a bead of sealant between the bottom of the tile and the tray to create a secondary seal.

Step 11 – Cut the side panels to the required length and secure the leg clamps in place on the legs before attaching the panel. You may choose to fix battens on the floor to support the panel.

How to fit a low level shower tray

Follow these steps to properly install a low-profile shower tray:

Step 1 – Ensure the floor beneath your tray is completely secure. Position the shower tray where you want it and test the floor’s strength. If it lacks stability, remove the floorboards in that area and replace them with marine plywood, preferably over 20mm thick.

Step 2 – Cut an access hatch in the floorboards next to the shower tray to enable easy access to the tray’s underside for maintenance on the pipes.

Step 3 – Since a low-profile shower tray has limited space between the tray’s base and the floor, remove part of the floorboards to accommodate the pipework.

Step 4 – Create a mortar by mixing building sand and cement. Carefully spread a thin layer over the area where the shower tray will sit. Position the tray on top and use a spirit level to ensure it sits completely level. Allow it to dry for approximately 24 hours.

Step 5 – Use the access hatch to connect the waste trap to the outlet pipe and the outlet pipe to the waste pipe beneath the tray.

Step 6 – Apply silicone sealant to ensure a secure and watertight seal all the way around the tray.

How to fit a shower tray waste

It’s important to choose the correct type of shower tray waste, as there are different types available. Follow the below step-by-step instructions for fitting a 90mm high-flow shower tray waste.

Step 1 Peel the masking away

Remove the masking from around the shower tray waste area by carefully peeling it away. Make sure to keep the masking on the rest of the tray to keep it protected.

Step 2 Use a good quality silicone sealant

Use a good quality silicone sealant for sealing between the waste and tray. It’s important to use a sealant that’s suitable for this task.

Step 3 Apply a small bead of sealant

Apply a small bead of silicone sealant to the waste top nut flange, which ensures a waterproof seal.

Step 4 Insert the waste

Inset the waste into the shower tray and hold the trap underneath.

Step 5 Tighten the waste

Once you’re happy the waste is in the correct position, tighten in a clockwise direction until it’s a tight as you can get it.

Step 6 Wipe away excess sealant

Wipe away any excess sealant and position the top part with the chrome cap into the waste hole. You have now fitted your shower tray waste.

Maintaining Your Shower Tray

After the installation, it’s crucial to maintain your shower tray for longevity and optimal performance. 

Here are some maintenance tips:

• Regularly clean the tray to prevent soap scum or limescale buildup.
• Use white wine vinegar and baking soda to address rust marks.
• To prevent mildew in the shower enclosure, regularly use mold cleaning spray on the shower tray sealant.

By following these installation guidelines and maintenance tips, you can enjoy a perfectly functioning shower tray and a pristine bathroom for years to come. 

Proper installation is the key to avoiding costly leaks and ensuring a watertight, hassle-free shower experience.

Something to remember

DIY is a great way to save time and money, however to avoid disappointment, invalidating your warranty, and potential injury we recommend hiring a trained professional.

This how to fit a shower tray guide is for your information only and if you do decide to be bold and try it, we cannot be responsible for any outcome.