How to Install a Shower Tray: Level and Leak-Free

Shower trays need to be level, solid, and watertight. Get it wrong and you've got a tray that pools water, rocks underfoot, or leaks. Here's how to install one properly.

Types of Shower Tray

Stone resin: Heavy, strong, usually on legs or frame. Most common for quality bathrooms.

Acrylic: Lighter, cheaper, needs proper support underneath to prevent flexing.

Low profile/wetroom: Minimal height, may sit on or in the floor. Different installation approach.

Before You Start

Check:

• Waste position - does it match the tray outlet?
• Floor condition - solid, level, able to take weight?
• Access for plumbing - can you get to the trap?
• Fall to waste - water needs to flow out

Positioning the Waste

The waste needs to be in the right place before the tray goes in:

• Measure the tray waste outlet position
• Run waste pipe to that position
• Leave enough height for trap (50-90mm usually)
• Ensure fall on waste pipe (minimum 1:40)

If the waste is in the wrong place, it's much easier to move it before fitting than after.

Leg-Mounted Trays

Most stone resin trays have adjustable legs:

1. Attach legs to tray (usually screw into base)
2. Position tray roughly in place
3. Connect waste trap loosely
4. Adjust legs until tray is level
5. Check level in both directions
6. Make final waste connection
7. Lock legs at set height if mechanism allows

Frame-Mounted Trays

Some trays sit on a metal frame:

1. Assemble frame per instructions
2. Set frame level on floor
3. Fix frame to floor/walls
4. Lower tray onto frame
5. Connect waste

Floor-Supported Trays

Acrylic trays especially need full support:

• Use foam support boards or mortar bed
• Support must be even - no high spots
• Some trays need specific manufacturer support systems

Getting It Level

Shower trays should be level, not tilted towards the waste. The tray itself is shaped to drain towards the outlet. Tilting the tray messes with this and causes pooling.

Check level:

• Front to back
• Side to side
• Diagonally

Adjust until right. This is fiddly but important - a visibly tilted shower tray looks wrong and doesn't drain properly.

Sealing

Around the edges:

• Silicone seal between tray and walls
• Use sanitary-grade silicone
• Apply after tiling but before grouting

The access panel situation:

You need access to the trap for future maintenance. Options:

• Tile-in access panel in the side
• Access from adjacent room
• Access from below (if there's a ceiling underneath)

Don't box it in completely with no access. You'll regret it.

Testing

Before final finishing:

• Run water - does it all drain?
• Fill with 25mm of water - any leaks?
• Check waste connections
• Is the tray solid - no flex or rocking?

Common Mistakes

• Waste in wrong position - check twice
• Tray not level - causes pooling
• Insufficient support - tray flexes and cracks
• No access to trap - nightmare for future maintenance
• Poor sealing - leaks cause expensive damage

Tools Needed

• Spirit level
• Adjustable spanner for waste
• Drill for any fixings
• Silicone gun
• Tape measure

Take your time with shower tray installation. Water damage from leaking showers is expensive to fix and avoidable if the installation is right.