Short answer
A shower tray is the waterproof base you stand on in a shower, which collects water and sends it to the drain. In the US it is usually called a shower base or shower pan. UK trays are sold in millimeter sizes, from about 700 x 700 mm upward, mostly in stone resin or acrylic.
Two different trays
On this site, a bathroom tray means a decorative tray for a vanity, tank lid or tub. A shower tray is plumbing: the base of a shower enclosure. Merlyn describes it as the part that collects water and directs it to the drain, protecting the floor. In the US the same thing is called a shower base or shower pan.
Common UK shower tray sizes
UK trays are sold in millimeters. These are the common sizes Bathroom Mountain lists:
Common UK shower tray sizes
| Shape | Common sizes (mm) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Square | 760 x 760, 800 x 800, 900 x 900, 1000 x 1000 | Smallest common size is 700 x 700 |
| Rectangular | 1000 x 800, 1200 x 800, 1400 x 900, 1700 x 900 | Also 1100 x 800, 1200 x 900, 1600 x 800 |
| Quadrant | 800 x 800, 900 x 900 | Curved front for corners |
| Offset quadrant | 1000 x 800, 1200 x 800, 1200 x 900 | Curved, one side longer |
| D-shaped | 1000, 1100 or 1200 wide | Flat back against the wall |
Materials and profile
- Stone resin: stronger and more rigid, heavier, usually costs more (Bathroom Mountain).
- Acrylic: lighter and easier to fit, but needs firm support underneath and scratches more easily.
- Low profile: trays around 25 to 45 mm high sit nearly flush with the floor, but the waste is recessed, which can mean altering the subfloor.
In the US, look for shower bases or shower pans sized in inches at plumbing suppliers and home centers.
Questions people ask
Is a shower tray the same as a shower base?
Yes. Shower tray is the common UK term; shower base and shower pan are the usual US terms. Merlyn, a shower maker, defines a shower tray as the shower base: the part of the enclosure that collects water and directs it to the drain.
What is the smallest shower tray?
Bathroom Mountain, a UK retailer, lists 700 x 700 mm as the smallest common size, suited to a cloakroom or small en suite. Common square sizes run 760, 800 and 900 mm, and rectangles run from 1000 x 800 mm up to about 1700 x 900 mm.
Stone resin or acrylic shower tray?
Bathroom Mountain describes stone resin as stronger and more rigid but heavier and pricier, often needing two people to fit. Acrylic is lighter and easier to install, especially upstairs, but less rigid, so it needs solid support underneath, and it scratches more easily.
Can you tile onto a shower tray?
The tray itself is a finished surface and is not tiled over. Wall tiles usually come down to meet the tray, and the joint between tile and tray is sealed. Follow the tray maker’s fitting guide, since sealing details vary by tray.
Sources
Last reviewed October 12, 2026. Sizes, finishes and listings change; check the product details and measurements before you buy, and follow the maker’s care instructions.