Shower Design: Floor Formers vs Shower Trays

When it comes to designing your bathroom, the shower can determine the overall aesthetic and functionality of the space. Out of the many decisions that you will need to make, including the shower size or the type of shower head you would like, the first key consideration is whether to select a traditional shower with a shower tray or to create a wet room shower area. This initial choice sets the foundation for the entire shower area and will have a large impact on the look and feel of your bathroom.

Let’s start by explaining the difference between a floor former and shower tray. A shower tray is a standalone structure that is either placed on top of flooring or recessed to achieve a level access shower area. The base collects the water and it flows down towards the waste outlet. On the other hand, a floor former, also known as a wet room tray, acts as a base upon which you lay tiles, vinyl safety sheet flooring, resin or micro cement. It is specifically designed with either one or multiple falls to ensure that the water naturally flows towards the drain at the lowest point, eliminating the need to worry about creating the correct gradient during the wet room construction process. A floor former allows you to simplify the installation of your wet room whilst ensuring efficient drainage.

Floor Former vs Shower Tray - which is best for me?

Aesthetic and Design

A wet room presents the opportunity to create a bathroom with a heightened sense of style. You gain the freedom to design a bathroom that perfectly aligns with your preferences and aesthetic vision. With a wide variety of different flooring options and waste solutions available, you can choose each element to best suit your needs and your desired end finish.

A wet room allows for seamless integration of the shower area into the overall bathroom design, resulting in a space that feels modern and cohesive. The absence of a traditional shower tray creates a spacious and open feel, which enhances the visual appeal of the whole bathroom. By choosing to create a wet room, you can achieve a contemporary feel for your home.

Independent living

If you are looking to make your bathroom a more accessible space, making the decision between creating a wet room or using a shower tray is important. Opting for a wet room can greatly improve the accessibility of your bathroom due to its unique design features. One of the key advantages of a wet room is that the floor flows seamlessly from the bathroom floor into the shower space. This eliminates the need to step up into the shower, creating a fully level access shower area. While a level access shower tray can achieve a similar effect by eliminating the step up created by a regular shower tray, there will still be a noticeable change in the flooring, so appearance will be less seamless.

A wet room gives you the flexibility to create a shower that perfectly suits your accessibility needs. You have the freedom to customise the shape and size of the shower area, creating enough space to add a shower seat or allowing comfortable movement within the shower. This versatility is particularly beneficial for individuals requiring additional support or manoeuvring space while showering. This feature gives you the ability to tailor the space to your specific requirements.

Additionally, a wet room offers the benefit of easy cleaning. The entire area is waterproofed and the flooring flows seamlessly across the bathroom. As a result, there are no small areas where dirt and dust can accumulate, simplifying the cleaning process and ensuring a hygienic environment. The ease of cleaning adds to the overall convenience and functionality of the wet room concept.

Cost

When considering cost as a factor, it is generally true that installing a shower tray is a more budget-friendly option compared to creating a full wet room. This is primarily because the installation is a simpler and less labour-intensive process. A wet room requires you to fully waterproof the area and recess the floor former into the floor. However, a shower tray is just placed on top of the existing flooring or recessed slightly, which requires less extensive waterproofing and floor preparation.

If cost is a main deciding factor for you, then opting for a shower tray may be a more economical choice. However, it is important to weigh this up against your specific accessibility requirements and preferences. If creating a bathroom that perfectly meets your needs is a top priority, it may be worth considering the additional investment in a wet room.

If you are interested in creating a wet room but you would like to reduce the costs, there are ways to achieve this. For example, you can select more affordable flooring options that still provide the waterproofing and specific functions that you require in the space. By balancing your budget constraints and desired functionality, you can find a solution that creates a great outcome.

Purchase: Shower Trays

Purchase: Floor Formers

Types of flooring for your wet room

If you choose to use a floor former and create a wet room as your shower area, the type of flooring you select to lay over the floor former is an important factor to consider. Let’s discuss the different options available and their distinct features to help you determine which would work best in your bathroom.

Floor tiles

Tiles are a classic and popular choice for bathroom flooring. There are plenty of design options that will suit various aesthetics. Their versatility in size and shape make customisation of your space easy, creating the style you wish to achieve and they can be altered to fit any size shower. Selecting a tile with a high slip resistance is crucial to avoid slippage and accidents.

One of the main benefits of tiles is that the installation process is relatively easy. With the correct tools and techniques the tiles can be installed efficiently, providing a durable and long lasting flooring solution. Maintaining them is generally straightforward, just involving regular cleaning with appropriate products to keep them looking at their best. When selecting your floor former consider buying a complete kit that includes the tanking system for waterproofing the area, with either a paint on system or the time and cost efficeient self-adhesive butyl tanking system.

However, it is important to consider some of the downsides of using tiles in your bathroom. Over time the joints can separate and require resealing to maintain their integrity and prevent water damage. It is recommended that you periodically inspect the grout lines and reseal them if necessary to maintain their waterproofing properties and ensure they are fully leak proof. You may also wish to reseal them for aesthetic purposes, as over time dirt and stains can accumulate. Regular cleaning may not be sufficient to remove deeply embedded dirt or to stop them harbouring bacteria and mould. Although proper cleaning techniques and products can help mitigate this issue, resealing is a potential option to renew the space and regain their clean appearance.

Another factor to note is that tiles can feel cold and hard underfoot which may be uncomfortable, particularly during colder seasons. This can be addressed by incorporating underfoot heating systems or using rugs and mats to provide additional warmth and comfort in the space.

Purchase: Floor Formers for Tiled Flooring

Purchase: Wet Room Tanking Systems

Vinyl safety sheet

Vinyl safety sheet flooring is an excellent choice for your bathroom, offering a range of benefits. Firstly, in terms of safety, it provides slip resistance, which is crucial in wet environments like bathrooms. It also offers a comfortable standing experience, as it tends to feel warmer and softer underfoot compared to other flooring options.

In addition to safety, vinyl sheet flooring is fully water resistant and has antibacterial properties. Its water resistance helps to prevent moisture damage and the antibacterial properties enhance hygiene in the bathroom. The vinyl sheet flooring creates the waterproofed wet room area, so it is important fixtures and fittings penetrate the surface.

Vinyl sheet flooring can be a budget-friendly option compared to other flooring materials. It offers extensive design freedom, as it comes in a variety of designs, colours and patterns, meaning you can create a bathroom that matches your personal style. Additionally, the way it is installed creates a seamless finish from the floor to the wall, providing a cohesive final outcome.

Maintenance of vinyl safety sheet flooring is relatively simple, requiring regular cleaning with non-abrasive products to maintain its appearance. It is known to be durable, with a typical lifespan of 10 to 20 years, depending on the initial quality and maintenance. This makes it a practical and long-lasting flooring solution for your bathroom.

However, when choosing vinyl flooring there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, If you are uncertain about its long-term suitability for your home then it’s important to note the fact that removing vinyl sheet flooring can be challenging, and is not recyclable. Therefore you should carefully consider your plans for the bathroom before installing it.

Additionally, vinyl sheet flooring can be susceptible to damage from sharp objects that might be present in your bathroom, so it is essential to handle such items with care. Heavy objects left on the flooring for an extended period of time can cause dents. If either of these things occur and you wish to remove the damage, often the only option is to replace the entire floor.

Purchase: Floor Formers for Vinyl Safety Sheet Flooring

Micro cement

Micro cement is a specialised type of cement that offers a range of benefits for bathroom flooring. It is formulated with polymers, pigments and additives making it a versatile material that can be customised to suit your preferences. Available in a wide range of finishes, colours and textures, micro cement allows you to create a unique and personalised finish to your bathroom.

A key advantage of micro cement is that it can be applied onto almost any surface including existing flooring. This flexibility means you can easily transform the space without worrying about extensive work to remove your current flooring choice. Micro cement can be used throughout the whole bathroom, including the walls, to create a seamless and modern finish, allowing you to design a cohesive and unified bathroom. Floor formers and grates are available for use with Micro cement click for more...

In terms of maintenance, micro cement is a flooring choice that is easy to clean and maintain. Its smooth and non-porous surface makes it simple to wipe down, contributing to a hygienic bathroom environment. Regular cleaning with mild, non-abrasive cleaners is usually sufficient to keep the flooring looking at its best.

Micro cement is a durable choice of flooring. It is resistant to scratches, impact and stains, so it can easily withstand the demands of daily use. When properly installed and maintained, you can expect micro cement to last you for many years, providing a long-lasting and reliable flooring solution for your bathroom.

Additionally, micro cement is resistant to humidity, perfect for bathrooms due to the high moisture levels, and hygienic, another ideal property for the space. It has non-slip properties which provide an added layer of safety, reducing the risk of accidents in this wet environment.

While micro cement offers many advantages, it is important to consider the potential drawbacks to this flooring choice. Firstly, micro cement installation requires the expertise of a professional. The mixture needs to be accurately prepared and applied at the right temperature for optimal results. Therefore, hiring a skilled contractor is necessary to ensure proper application and avoid potential issues.

Over time, there is the potential for micro cement to develop cracks. While this is not common, it is important to be aware of the need for occasional repairs or maintenance. Prompt repairs can help address any cracks that may appear, ensuring the longevity and appearance of the flooring.

Another factor to consider is the design options available for micro cement. While there are a wide range of colours and textures available, this flooring does not offer the same design element that you could expect with a tile or vinyl flooring, making it less visually interesting. Depending on your personal preference and desired aesthetic, this simplicity of design could be an advantage or a disadvantage.

Purchase: Floor Formers for Mirco Cement

Why is a higher point load limit important

A point load limit refers to the maximum weight that can be exerted on a particular point of a surface without causing damage.

A higher point load limit is a crucial consideration when selecting a shower tray or floor former, particularly if you intend to include a shower seat in your design. When seated on a shower seat, the entire body weight of the individual is concentrated on the legs of the seat, exerting significant pressure on a small area of flooring. Therefore, it is essential to choose a product that can withstand and distribute the concentrated weight effectively.

Regardless of whether your shower seat has one, two or four legs, the load is still concentrated onto a small area. Without a sufficiently high point load limit, the flooring can be prone to damage or may crack under the applied pressure, which can compromise stability and safety in the shower area. For this reason, you must choose a shower tray or floor former that has been specifically designed and tested to be able to withstand the possible load limits of showering, including the use of a shower seat.

By choosing a shower tray or floor former with a higher point load limit, you can ensure that the structural integrity of the shower area is maintained, and that you have access to a stable and secure foundation when using a shower seat, without worrying about long term durability.

Types of waste grate / grid options

When it comes to how you finish the waste, the style may dictate the floor finish for your shower area, there are three types to consider: linear, square and circular. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each will help you make an informed decision that considers your specific needs and preferences for your shower area. Let’s explore the characteristics of each option in more detail.

Circular waste grate / grid

Circular waste grates or grids, are for bathrooms and shower areas with vinyl safety sheet flooring, micro cement or resin flooring. Ranging in diameter from 130 to 180mm the circular design can blend seamlessly with the overall aesthetic of your shower area. The smaller size of the circular shape simplifies the cleaning process as there are fewer crevices and edges to maintain. The grid patterns are non-slip stainless steel or PVD colours, several can be customised to match your floor finish and several have security screw fixing holes.

However, it is important to consider the potential limitations if you have a power shower there is a higher risk of water accumulation and potential flooding due to the smaller area available for water to drain through. Proper drainage and maintenance are key to ensuring effective water flow and preventing any potential damage to the bathroom due to flooding.

Compatible types of flooring:

Vinyl safety sheet
Resin
Micro cement

Purchase: Circular Grates / Grids

Square waste grate / grid

Square waste grates and grids are for bathroom and showers with tiled flooring, with a large aperture to the waste below for easy cleaning. The grid patterns are non-slip stainless steel or PVD coloured.

Compatible types of flooring:

Floor tiles

Purchase: Square Grates / Grids

Linear waste

Now let’s discuss a linear waste option. This type of drain only requires one gradient for proper water drainage. This makes it particularly effective for bathrooms where a seamless and modern aesthetic is desired. The unique and contemporary appearance of a linear waste can add an extra touch of style to your bathroom design.

One of the standout benefits of a linear waste is its ability to handle a higher outlet of water flow. This makes them an excellent choice if you have a power shower as it can effectively accommodate the increased water volume without the risk of flooding your bathroom.

However, if cost is an important factor for you when considering the waste choice, you should note that compared to circular drains, linear wastes are generally more expensive. This is due to their specialised design and the materials required for proper installation.

Compatible types of flooring:

Floor tiles
Vinyl safety sheet
Resin
Micro cement

Purchase: Linear Wastes