Replacing a bath with a shower: shower tray or built-in shower

Replacing the bath with a shower is one of the most common bathroom renovations. It frees up space, makes daily use easier and gives the bathroom a more modern look. But there are several ways to do it, and it helps to understand the differences before deciding. Here we go through the two main options, their advantages and what to watch for in each.

Why replace a bath with a shower

• It frees up space in small or narrow bathrooms.
• It is more convenient day to day and safer, especially for older people or those with reduced mobility.
• It uses less water than filling a bath.
• It is easier to clean.
• It gives the bathroom a more current look.

If you use the bath often, for example with small children, it is worth thinking about first. Every home and family is different.

Ready-made shower tray

A pre-made piece installed on top of the floor or flush with it. There are resin, stone-effect and other materials, in different sizes and finishes.

Advantages

• Quicker installation, with fewer stages and less drying time.
• A range of sizes and finishes, including stone-effect and anti-slip.
• Usually the cheaper option.
• Easy to replace if one day it gets damaged.

Things to bear in mind

• Sizes are more limited: if the space is irregular, it may not fit well.
• The seal between the tray and the walls needs care.
• Depending on the model, it may stand above the floor and not give fully level access.

Built-in (walk-in) shower

It is built in the bathroom itself: the slopes towards the drain are formed, it is waterproofed and finished with the same material as the rest of the bathroom or a different one.

Advantages

• Adapts to any size and shape, even if the space is irregular.
• Can sit completely flush with the floor, with no step.
• Gives the bathroom visual continuity, with the same tiles on the floor and in the shower.
• Allows linear drains and large showers.
• A good option for accessibility.

Things to bear in mind

• It takes more stages and more time, with drying between each.
• Waterproofing is critical and must be done by a professional.
• It usually costs more than a ready-made tray.
• The tile grout needs periodic maintenance.

Tray or built-in: how to choose

1. If the bathroom is a standard size and you want a quick, economical solution, a ready-made tray is usually enough.
2. If the space is irregular or you want a large, fully flush shower, a built-in shower adapts better.
3. If accessibility matters, both can work, but step-free access is simpler with a built-in shower.
4. If maintenance matters to you, the tray has fewer joints to look after.
5. If the budget is tight, part of the saving lies in the ready-made tray.

The screen: more than a detail

The screen contains the water and shapes the feeling of space. The most common types are:

• Fixed glass panel: minimalist, easy to clean and with no tracks.
• Sliding: saves space in narrow bathrooms.
• Hinged: convenient, but needs clear space to open.
• With an anti-limescale treatment, which makes cleaning easier.

It is measured once the tiles are in place and usually takes a few days to make, so it should be in the work schedule. To see how the whole process is organised, read our guide to how long a bathroom renovation takes.

Taps and accessories

Choose the shower fittings before the tiles go on, because they set the positions of the water points. Thermostatic, column and concealed types have different requirements. Take a look at our taps and faucets shop if you would like to choose with us.

Common mistakes

• Choosing a tray without checking it fits in the space with the joints.
• Not placing the drain in the right spot or with the correct slope.
• Using a slippery tile on the shower floor.
• Forgetting a niche or shelf for products.
• Leaving the screen to the end without allowing for the manufacturing time.

How we do it at New Home 10

We measure your bathroom, assess both options with you and give you a proposal with materials, schedule and a detailed price. If you want to see how it will look, you can add 3D design. Discover our bathroom renovations service or tell us about your project on the quote page.