HOW TO FIT A SHOWER TRAY

The shower tray is a crucial part of fitting a new shower system or sprucing up your existing one. GROHE shower trays are not just easy on the eye, they’re also extra durable, warm to the touch, and easy to clean. Plus, you can fit it yourself when you know how!

So, if you’ve recently bought a GROHE Acrylic Shower Tray and want to fit it yourself but aren’t sure where to start, we’re here to help! Whether you’ve decided on one of our square models such as the ACRYLIC SHOWER TRAY 900 X 900, or one of our rectangle models such as the ACRYLIC SHOWER TRAY 800 X 1200, follow this step-by-step guide to learn exactly how to install your shower tray.

Note: GROHE’s high-quality shower trays have a low profile to make them as easily accessible as possible. Due to this fact, the fitting process is a little bit different compared to raised shower trays.

THE TOOLS YOU WILL NEED FOR FITTING A SHOWER TRAY

  • Pencil
  • Spirit Level
  • Jigsaw
  • Bucket
  • Building sand
  • Cement
  • Mortar trowel
  • Silicone sealant
  • Caulking/sealant gun
  • *Optional* glass suction lifters

Note: All plumbing work should be completed before installation and a waste pipe (to carry the excess water away from the shower) must be fitted through the floor.

FITTING A SHOWER TRAY: STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

STEP 1

Before you begin, make sure that the space where you want to install your shower tray is flat and able to hold the weight of a person showering. Try this out by standing on the floor where the tray should go. If the floor buckles slightly, then you may need to replace your floorboards for ones that are at least 20mm thick before you go any further with the installation process.

STEP 2

Now you’ve made sure your floorboards are secure, it’s time to cut an access hatch into the floorboards next to the shower tray. This is important as it enables you to access underneath the shower tray later on if any maintenance work needs to be carried out on the pipes. Note: if you skip this step, it could result in your shower tray needing to be ripped out if a problem arises.

STEP 3

Since a low-profile shower has no room for pipes between its tray and the floor, you’ll need to remove part of the floorboards so that everything fits properly. Before you blindly start cutting, it’s recommended to use a pencil to mark exactly where you want to cut. Make sure you leave a small amount of space to frame the shower tray waste while ensuring the fit isn’t too tight.

STEP 4

Now the mixing begins! Pour building sand (5 parts) into a bucket and add cement (1 part) to create mortar. When both are properly mixed, use the trowel to carefully spread a thin layer (around 15mm) over the area where the shower tray is going to be placed.

STEP 5

Lay the shower tray on top and press down gently on it. You may find a pair of glass suction lifters to be helpful so you can easily lift up and lower the shower tray until you find just the right spot. Use a spirit level to make sure the tray is straight and no bumps have formed in the mortar. Note: The bottom of the tray is already sloped to make sure the water runs out of the waste so there’s no need to tilt it at all. Once the tray is sitting exactly where you would like it, leave it for around 24 hours to dry.

STEP 6

Now it’s time to connect the pipes! Use the access hatch you cut earlier to connect the shower tray waste and your bathroom’s water waste pipe. You can check everything is secure by pouring cold water through the shower tray waste. If water starts escaping from anywhere, detach the pipes and then try connecting them again.

STEP 7

Here comes the sealing part. Use silicone sealant to secure all the way around the shower tray, but make sure to leave a 3mm gap between the walls and the tray. Leave for 24 hours. Then repeat the sealing process again, but this time make sure to fill in the 3mm gap that you just left. The reason for this is that it makes the seal even more effective so no leakages or mould growth can occur that will damage the surrounding features. Note: We always recommend that the tray is installed before the walls are tiled as this allows for a much more watertight joint.

There you have it – how to fit a shower tray. Once you’ve managed to install it and have waited 24 hours for the sealant to dry, nothing’s standing in the way of you and a nice, relaxing shower.