Acrylic shower tray - the best choice for a shower corner

The pallet is one of the most important elements of the shower corner, a lot will depend on its choice. In addition to the shape, size and cost, you must also take into account the material from which the shower tray is made, it greatly affects its performance.

Types of shower trays

These sanitary devices can be divided into groups according to several characteristics.

Thus, the form can be distinguished:

• square, for example, 900x900 or 1000x1000 mm;
• with a rounded outer edge - set in the corner of the bathroom;
• Pentagonal - used only for angular placement of the shower corner;

Note! Models with a rounded outer edge and 5-angle models can save a bit of space, this is important if the bathroom is small.

As for the height, the pallets can be divided into shallow, deep and ultraflat. Deep depth models of pallets can compete with some bathrooms.

When reviewing pallets can not be ignored and the material from which they are created.

In general, the following can be distinguished:

• metal models (for beauty and extra protection, they are covered with a layer of enamel). On the market you can find both unpretentious steel pallets, and massive cast iron. In terms of strength, cast iron, of course, is better, because they are quite rigid and do not bend under the weight of the human body;

Note! Despite the high strength of the metal and its flexibility (in the case of steel), enamel is a rather fragile material. So when installing, special attention should be paid to the bottom does not bend under load.

• ceramic - they are distinguished by high weight and increased fragility; at impact, the probability of cleaving is quite high. As for the cost, the price range is quite high, a lot depends on the manufacturer and the specific model. The price of expensive ceramic pallets can easily reach 15-20 thousand rubles and even more. Of the features of such models, you can select a special pattern and anti-slip coating;
• models of natural stone - are used quite rarely, due to their high cost. They are made by grinding a single piece of natural stone;

• fake diamond not bad replaces the natural, apparently the difference is almost impossible to notice. Such pallets are decently weighed, rather durable, easy to wash and have a high durability;
• acrylic - strictly speaking, they are not entirely composed of acrylic, additionally used reinforcement metal or durable polymer. Mark can be low weight, ease of repairing small defects, relatively low cost;
• designer - each such product is single-piece and is not produced in large quantities, the maximum is in small batches, but even in this case the price will be such that it is better to stay on a more familiar model.

If you try to list models of pallets from different materials in descending order of popularity, the order will be approximately like this:

• the first place is shared by metal and acrylic models;
• on the second are ceramic products;
• followed by trays of artificial and natural stone;
• and just close the list designer shower trays.

The reasons for precisely this distribution of positions are given below.

Selection and installation of a pallet

Considering the fact that even one manufacturer of sanitary appliances often produces dozens of different models, it is quite difficult to make the right choice. In addition to the shape and size, it is also necessary to take into account the material from which the pallet is made; this also affects the operation convenience quite strongly.

What to look for when choosing

It is necessary to take into account such factors as:

• form - if you plan to install in the corner, then it is best to focus on a model with a rounded edge or on a 5-angle pallet;
• dimensions, for example, dimensions 80x80 cm may not be enough for a comfortable shower;
• material - cheap steel models are quite noisy, stone is expensive, acrylic is easily scratched (although then you can easily get rid of scratches);
• it is desirable that there is a notch or a special anti-slip coating on the bottom, and it is better that both;

Note! If the risk of slipping is high in the model you like, then you can simply purchase a rubber mat separately from the pallet.

• it is also necessary to take into account the height of the pallet, usually deeper are made pallets of medium and large size in the plan. That is, a miniature model of 90x90 cm just does not make sense to make too deep.

Flat or deep pallet

If the dimensions of the sanitary fixture in terms of, in principle, are in the same range (the most common options are from 800x800 mm to 1200x1200 mm), then in the case of depth the spread of values ​​is much higher. On sale you can find almost flat models, and fairly deep pallets.

Deep acrylic shower trays are usually additionally equipped with a seat, they can be recommended in cases where:

• flow capacity is small. In this case, you can take a shower and not worry about the fact that water will spill over the entire bathroom;
• It is often necessary to bathe small children - to take a full bath of water for a long time, and it is uneconomical, and the size of a regular pallet is enough;
• there is a need to wash clothes by hand, and there is no desire to mess with the basins.

Note! Some manufacturers are equipped with their shower stalls such pallets, which can partially replace even the bath itself. Of course, it is hardly possible to stretch out to his full height, but it will be possible to sit in warm water without problems.

Among the shortcomings of such models, it is possible to single out the need to raise the legs high when stepping over the side. For children and the elderly, this can be a serious inconvenience.

But the flat models are suitable for lovers of minimalism. Its low height allows it to be positioned so that the upper surface is flush with the floor. As a result, a small pallet of 100x100 cm will organically fit into the decor of the bathroom.

Acrylic Pallet Quick Installation Guide

As for how to install an acrylic shower tray, then, in principle, the process does not differ much from the installation of any other shower tray.

The basic steps remain the same:

• the pallet is installed in place;
• connects to the sewer;
• the gap between the floor and the sides is masked by decorative panels.

But such a description looks too general, so we consider the process in more detail, and the following instructions are suitable for installing a pallet of medium height:

• at first, the tray is simply put on it, this is necessary in order to estimate where the drain hole will be located and how many corrugations it will need to connect it to the drain pipe;
• before installation it is necessary to evaluate the rigidity and strength of the frame on which the pallet will rest. If the bottom bends, then additional points of support will be needed below it - an ordinary brick with a piece of rubber on top will fit;

• it is better to connect the corrugation to the drain pipe in advance and generally prepare everything so that after installing the pallet it remains only to connect the pipe to its drain hole;

• With an angular installation, the line of contact with the wall must be smeared with sealant. Otherwise, the water on the wall will roll down and fall on the floor - dampness is guaranteed;
• after installation and connection of the pipe to the drain it is necessary to achieve the horizontal position of the pallet with the help of the construction level and adjustable legs;

• and only after that you can install decorative panels.

Note! In some cases, the delivery set does not include panels; in this case, it will be necessary to disguise the gap between the floor and the edge of the pallet with your own hands. You can use ordinary brickwork, however, repair and replacement of pipes in this case will be complicated - you will have to dismantle the pallet.

In conclusion

Acrylic trays have long and firmly occupied their niche in the market. Their popularity is justified, because a person for a relatively small amount of money gets a light, strong and durable tray for a shower corner. The installation of such sanitary equipment can be done independently, absolutely without the help of specialists.

The video in this article shows the installation process of the shower tray.