Shower trays rarely make it to the top of a home improvement list, but they hold up the weight of daily routines and can shift the atmosphere in a bathroom. Having put in both stone resin and acrylic trays for myself and friends, small things have made big differences in real-world use.
A stone resin tray means sturdy support underfoot. It feels firm, solid, cold at first touch, but it settles fast and inspires kind of quiet confidence. These trays use a blend of natural stone and resin, pressed and molded to create a dense, almost indestructible base. Hairline cracks and surface chips rarely show up, even after years of wear — and this matters if you have teenagers or clumsy adults at home.
They bring a feeling of luxury, and there’s no creaking sound as you shift your weight. Watching a plumber muscle one into place, you notice how heavy they get, often over 30kg for an average tray. This weight helps fix them in place but complicates DIY installation. If you struggle with lifting or if the floor lacks a solid base, stone resin can prove unwieldy.
Cleaning takes less scrubbing than you might expect, as limescale doesn’t bond as much to the surface. Bacteria can’t hide in micro-scratches the way it does with older plastic trays. Still, dropping something heavy by accident — shampoo bottles, iron razors — won’t ruin the look. Builders I trust routinely choose these trays for rental units that see a lot of foot traffic.
Acrylic trays promise lightness. You can lift and fit one yourself in a pinch, which cuts down the headache of labor or surprise plumbing quotes. They don’t pull up the floor, and minor unevenness underneath won’t cause much trouble. Touch an acrylic tray and it warms instantly, kind on bare feet first thing in the morning.
These trays flex more than stone resin. You’ll notice a hollow or even squeaky sound underfoot in many cases, especially in cheaper models. Over time, the center may sag or crack under heavy use. Some homes with small children end up patching dents or worn corners every few years. Acrylic scratches more easily, too. A rough sponge leaves marks, so gentle cleaning turns into a bit of a ritual.
Price undercuts stone resin, making acrylic attractive in budget renovations or for quick fixes in rental properties. If you replace baths with showers while watching costs, acrylic brings relief to the wallet.
Good design means balancing risk, comfort, and cost. Showers see daily use. Ignoring the tray’s material can lead to regrets, especially if you get tired of wobbly footing, loud creaks, or constant repairs. Money saved upfront on acrylic might cost more in repairs down the line, just as stone resin's higher price can sting if plans change and the tray has to move.
Seeking out trays certified for slip-resistance, checking weight-handling ratings, and looking at warranty details guide better long-term decisions. Personal health, age, or mobility shape which tray fits best. Families with elders or small kids might value the stone resin’s stability; others might prioritize easy removal and lighter cost.
Above all, it helps to step barefoot across both types in a showroom. Physical feedback, noise, and temperature tell you more than any sales pitch. Recommendations gathered from plumbers, builders, and those who use the showers every day prove more useful than fancy ads or online photos. The tray you stand on today shapes how much you enjoy your home for years to come.
