How to Measure for a Shower Tray: Finding the Right Size

Getting the right size shower tray sounds simple enough - until you're standing in the bathroom with a tape measure wondering which measurement actually matters. And with so many different tray sizes and shapes available, it's easy to order something that looks right on paper but doesn't quite work in your space.

The good news is that measuring for a shower tray isn't complicated. You just need to know where to measure, what dimensions to look out for and how your measurements relate to the tray and shower enclosure you're planning to use.

In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to check before ordering, so you can find a shower tray that actually fits your space - without the dreaded "oh...that's not going to fit" moment.

What measurements do you need?

Before you reach for the tape measure, it helps to know exactly what you're looking for. You don't need to measure every inch of your bathroom - just the area where the shower tray will actually sit.

The main measurements to take are:

• Width - the distance from one wall to the other.
• Depth - how far the shower area extends from the wall.
• Available floor space - particularly important if the shower is going into a tight corner or recess.
• Enclosure dimensions - check the size of the shower enclosure you're planning to use, as the tray and enclosure need to be compatible.
• Tray shape - whether you're looking at a square, rectangular, quadrant or offset quadrant tray will affect which measurements you need to take.

It's also worth measuring the space in more than one place. Walls aren't always perfectly straight or square, particularly in older homes, so the measurement at the top of the shower area might not be exactly the same as the measurement at floor level.

We would also recommend to write down your measurements in millimetres rather than centimetres. Shower trays are usually listed by their dimensions in millimetres, so this makes it much easier to compare your measurements with the tray sizes available.

How to Measure Your Shower Area

Once you know which measurements you need, the actual measuring is pretty straightforward. The important thing is to measure the space where the tray will sit, rather than simply measuring the room and working backwards.

Start by measuring the width of the shower area from wall to wall. Then measure the depth from the back wall to the point where you want the front of the tray to finish. Take both measurements at floor level, as this is where the tray will actually be installed.

If you're replacing an existing shower tray, measure the existing tray itself as well as the space around it. Don't automatically assume that the tray size you have is the exact size of the available space - older trays can have slightly different dimensions, and the walls may not be perfectly square.

For a new shower installation, mark out where you want the tray to sit and measure the available space within those boundaries. If the shower is going into a corner, measure both walls rather than just taking one measurement and assuming they're the same.

It's also a good idea to take each measurement twice. A few millimetres might not sound like much, but when you're trying to fit a tray into a specific space, they can make the difference between a straightforward installation and a very annoying one.

How to Measure for a Shower Tray in a Recess

If your shower is going into a recess between three walls, you'll need to be a little more careful with your measurements. The tray needs to fit neatly into the opening, so it's important to know the actual space you have rather than relying on the size you think the recess is.

Start by measuring the width of the recess from wall to wall at floor level. Then measure the depth from the back wall to the front of the recess. Take each measurement at several points, particularly if you're working with older walls, as they may not be completely straight or square.

If your measurements vary, use the smallest measurement when deciding what tray size you can fit. For example, if the recess measures 1210mm at its widest point but only 1195mm at its narrowest, you shouldn't choose a 1200mm wide tray and assume it will fit.

It's also worth taking into consideration the finished wall dimensions if you are measuring before any boarding or tiling has been complete, as these can reduce the available space by several millimetres.

Once you have your measurements, compare them with the actual dimensions of the shower tray, rather than just relying on the size shown in its product name. A tray described as 1200 x 800mm may have slightly different specifications depending on the manufacturer.

How to Measure for a Quadrant or Offset Quadrant Shower Tray

Quadrant and offset quadrant trays can be a little trickier to measure because of their curved front, but the basic measurements are still fairly simple. The key is to measure the straight edges of the tray, rather than trying to measure around the curve.

For a quadrant tray, measure the two straight sides that sit against the walls. These will usually be the same length, such as 800 x 800mm, 900 x 900mm or 1000 x 1000mm.

An offset quadrant tray is slightly different. It still has a curved front, but one side is longer than the other. So, you'll need to measure both sides separately. Common sizes include 1200 x 800mm and 1200 x 900mm, although there are plenty of other options available.

If you're fitting the tray into a corner, measure from the corner out along both walls and check that you have enough space for the full length and depth of the tray. Don't forget to check which side the longer section of an offset tray needs to sit on, as they are available in left and right handed options.

As with a recessed shower, take your measurements at floor level and check them in more than once place. If the walls aren't quite square, use the smallest available measurement when deciding which tray size will fit.

One thing that's easy to overlook: don't just measure the old tray and order the same size. If you're changing the enclosure or altering the shower area, the tray and enclosure need to be compatible with each other. Always check the manufacturer's dimensions before ordering.

How to Measure for a Square or Rectangular Shower Tray

Square and rectangular shower trays are probably the simplest to measure, as you're working with straight edges rather than a curved front. You'll still want to take a little care, though - especially if your walls have seen better days!

For a square tray, measure the distance available along each wall from the corner. Both measurements should be the same, for example 800 x 800mm or 900 x 900mm.

For a rectangular tray, measure the width and depth of the shower area. These can be different lengths, such as 1200 x 800mm or 1400 x 900mm, depending on the space you have available.

Take your measurements at floor level, as this is where the tray will sit. It's also worth measuring each wall in a couple of places to check for any differences. If one side measures 1200mm at one point and 1190mm at another, use the smaller measurement when working out which tray size will fit.

And remember! Take into consideration the finished wall dimensions and double check the tray's actual dimensions before ordering to avoid any hiccups in your bathroom renovation.