Spatial continuity is an increasingly important trend in bathroom design, which is why floor-level shower trays are becoming a popular choice in contemporary interiors.

Bathrooms with visual continuity, clean lines and fewer barriers are increasingly in demand. If you are planning a bathroom renovation, you may be considering installing a floor-level shower tray to create a more open and accessible space.

But is this type of installation suitable for every bathroom? What are its main advantages? And what should be considered during installation to ensure proper performance? Below, we look at the key aspects of floor-level shower trays.

What is a floor-level shower?

Shower trays are now a common feature in bathrooms, whether used as an alternative to a bathtub or as part of a complete bathroom redesign. One of their main advantages is that they can help reduce architectural barriers and improve accessibility.

There are generally three ways to install a shower tray in a bathroom:

• Raised, on a previously built support structure.
• On top of the bathroom floor.
• Flush with the floor.

A floor-level shower tray is installed at the same height as the surrounding floor. There is no step to climb over, creating a smooth transition between the bathroom floor and the shower area.

White Line shower tray

What should be installed first: the floor or the shower tray?

Modern shower trays, especially those made with a high mineral content, require a stable and even support surface. Unlike older shower tray systems, they should not be installed on isolated support points or improvised structures.

Before installation, a flat and level base should be prepared using mortar or cement. This helps prevent deformation of the shower tray and contributes to better long-term performance.

Once the base has been prepared and the shower tray positioned, it is important to check that the tray is level and that there are no water leaks.

Polyurethane sealant is commonly used to fix the shower tray to the base. It is also important to leave an expansion joint of approximately 2 mm around the tray to allow for material movement.

When is a floor-level shower tray a good option?

Choosing between a shower tray installed on the floor and one installed flush with the floor depends on the bathroom layout, accessibility needs and desired aesthetic result.

Grafite Line shower tray

When selecting the shower tray itself, the decision can be easier with Krion Shell®. Thanks to its design versatility and installation possibilities, Krion Shell® shower trays can be installed either on the floor or flush with it.

Floor-level shower trays offer several advantages:

• They create a stronger sense of visual continuity in the bathroom.
• They help eliminate architectural barriers in the shower area.
• They reduce changes in level, helping to minimise the risk of trips and falls. As a result, a floor-level shower tray can be a safer option.
• They contribute to a more minimalist bathroom design and make cleaning easier.

How to avoid common issues with floor-level showers

Floor-level shower trays require careful planning and installation. Most potential problems can be avoided by paying attention to a few key details:

• It is important to install a shower screen to help prevent water from escaping from the shower area.
• The position of the drain and taps should be carefully planned to reduce the risk of leaks and improve usability.
• In some cases, the cement base may need a slight slope towards the drain to support proper water evacuation.

Shower screens for floor-level showers

As mentioned above, floor-level showers usually require shower screens to help keep water inside the shower area. These screens can be open or closed, depending on the layout and accessibility needs of the bathroom.

Attica Black Mate

Closed shower screens are made up of one, two or three glass panels and usually include sliding doors. This type of solution helps contain water while reducing the space needed for opening and closing.

Open shower screens, on the other hand, use fixed glass panels and leave an open access area. They allow users to enter and exit the shower without moving any panels, making them especially suitable for bathrooms designed for people with reduced mobility.

In summary, floor-level showers offer important advantages in terms of accessibility, safety, design continuity and ease of cleaning. Their main benefit is that they help remove architectural barriers from one of the most frequently used areas of the bathroom.