To choose a shower tray for a renovation, you need to check four things: the type of job, the dimensions of the space, the anti-slip class required by the end user and whether the tray can be trimmed on site. These criteria determine which collections are compatible with the installation, before you even think about finish or colour. That is why this guide follows the order of decisions on site: first the renovation scenario, then the choice of dimensions and, finally, the technical comparison of the whole range.
Our shower trays are made entirely in our own facilities, from design to packaging, in two proprietary materials: Acrystone® and Acrymold®. All of them are silica-free, and most can be trimmed on site and are available in special sizes within the ranges of each collection.
Which shower tray should you choose for your project?
The renovation scenario sets the starting conditions of the installation: the available space, the depth that can be recessed into the floor, the anti-slip class required and the condition of the walls. Before choosing a collection, you need to identify which of these constraints limits the job, because it is the one that narrows down the compatible options.
Replacing a bathtub with a shower
Replacing a bathtub with a shower often responds to an accessibility need: stepping into the shower without having to climb over the edge of the bathtub. On this type of job, three points therefore need to be considered: how the tray fits the space left by the bathtub, how drainage is handled and the level of safety the user needs:
- Fitting the space. Once the bathtub is removed, the tray takes its place between existing walls, which are not always square. In this case, a trimmable tray can be adjusted on site to the real dimensions of the space. You no longer depend on matching a standard size.
- Drainage. If the floor allows the tray to be recessed, the shower can be walk-in and level with the floor. A low-profile tray, such as Sperit, Kei or Orion, then limits the amount of recessing needed. If recessing is not possible, the tray can be raised with the matching riser plinth, described in the “Made-to-measure and special options” section.
- User safety. When the shower is for an older person, we recommend choosing a tray with anti-slip class PN24, the highest in the NF P05-011 standard.
- MaPrimeAdapt’ funding. Replacing a bathtub with a shower is the main item funded by MaPrimeAdapt’, the Anah grant for adapting homes to loss of autonomy. For the customer to be eligible, the work must be carried out by a professional certified RGE, Silverbat or Handibat. Knowing about this scheme allows the installer to advise the customer from the quotation stage. The conditions of the grant change often: it is best to check them on the Anah website before submitting the quote.
Creating a walk-in (level-access) shower
A walk-in shower requires the tray to be recessed so that its surface is flush with the finished floor. In France, the Élan law also requires, in new housing and depending on the case, step-free showers (zéro ressaut). The threshold cannot exceed 2 cm, or 4 cm with a ramp.
For this type of installation, the thickness of the tray determines how deep the screed has to be recessed: the thinner the tray, the lighter the work. The thinnest models in the range are:
- Sperit, from 2.4 to 3 cm.
- Kei, from 2.5 to 2.7 cm.
- Orion, from 2.6 to 3.2 cm.
- Elan Epoque, from 2.8 to 3.6 cm.
On these four models, the thickness increases with the length of the tray. For example, a Sperit up to 100 cm long is 2.4 cm thick, compared with 3 cm for a model between 161 and 180 cm. Before calculating the recess, you should therefore check the technical drawing for the size in question. The rest of the range is between 3 and 4.4 cm thick.
Fitting out an accessible bathroom or one for older people
In a bathroom adapted for people with reduced mobility or for older people, the tray must meet two conditions: one relating to dimensions and the other to slip resistance.
The dimensional condition concerns the shower area, which must offer a clear surface of at least 120 × 90 cm. If the tray fills the whole area, it must measure at least 90 cm wide and 120 cm long.
In France, slip resistance is classified under the NF P05-011 standard, with a barefoot test, in three classes: PN12, PN18 and PN24, the highest. On mcbath trays, the class depends on the texture:
- PN24: Stone textures (Nova, Andrómeda, Orion, Centuria Stone Cover, Centuria Stone Nox, Coliseo and Malenke), Epoque (Elan), Fabric and Concrete (Sperit) and Vulcano (Kei).
- PN18: Silk textures (Cotton and Centuria Silk), Slate (Centuria Slate Nox) and the Mirage finish.
- PN12: Origin.
Combining both criteria, the PN24 collections available from 90 × 120 cm are Nova, Elan Epoque, Andrómeda, Orion, Centuria, Coliseo, Sperit and Kei.
Renovating an old bathroom: out-of-square walls and offset drain
In old bathrooms, it is common for walls not to be square, for the drain not to be where planned or for the space not to match any standard size. In these situations, it is better to choose a frameless tray that can be trimmed on several sides and adapts to the real geometry of the space:
- Centuria, in its four versions (Silk, Slate Nox, Stone Cover and Stone Nox), can be trimmed on three sides.
- Coliseo has a central drain and can be trimmed on all four sides.
- Kei can be trimmed on three sides.
Sperit can also be trimmed on three sides, even though it has a perimeter frame. Nova, Elan Epoque, Cotton, Andrómeda and Orion can be trimmed on one end. In every case, the technical drawing of each collection shows where cutting is possible.
Small bathroom or corner shower
For a corner shower, the shape of the tray matters as much as its dimensions. For these spaces, the Malenke collection comes in a square version (Malenke Square) and a quarter-circle version with a 55 cm radius (Malenke Angular), in 80, 90 and 100 cm. It is PN24-rated and 3.5 cm thick. As it cannot be trimmed, it must be ordered to the exact dimensions of the space.
If the space is rectangular, Centuria, Andrómeda, Sperit and Kei are made from 70 × 80 cm. They can also be trimmed for the final fit on site.
Design project: marble effect, colours and finishes
When the tray is part of the bathroom design, the choice also involves the finish. The range offers four options with a distinctive character:
- Mirage: marble effect in four finishes (Calacatta Blanco, Marquina Negro, Travertino Gris and Travertino Beige), with a drain cover matching the finish of the tray. Cannot be trimmed.
- Origin (Acrymold® Solid Surface): matt white. Its material is homogeneous throughout its thickness, which makes it possible to renovate and repair the surface on site. Cannot be trimmed.
- Elan Epoque: texture inspired by ancient mosaics and linear drain with a cover in four finishes: steel, gold, copper and graphite.
- Cotton: four standard colours and four collection colours (Azul Océano, Naranja Salmón, Rosa Nature and Amarillo Canario).
The other Acrystone® collections are made in ten standard colours and in RAL colours. On Centuria, Coliseo, Orion and Malenke, the drain cover can also be lacquered in the colour of the tray.
Which shower tray size should you choose?
Once the job scenario is defined, the next step is to check which collections fit the space. The size of the tray depends on two factors: the available space and the flexibility of each collection. Some are available in special sizes within their ranges, others only in standard sizes, and most can then be trimmed on site. Knowing these margins before ordering avoids ordering a tray that does not fit.
Measuring properly before ordering
Before placing an order, you need to check whether the dimensions of the space match a standard size or require a special size. Based on this criterion, the range is divided into three groups:
- Custom width and length: Nova, Orion, Centuria, Coliseo, Sperit and Kei.
- Fixed width and custom length: Elan Epoque, Cotton and Andrómeda.
- Standard sizes only, cannot be trimmed: Origin, Mirage and Malenke. With these models, you need to measure the space accurately.
Centuria Slate Nox, Centuria Stone Nox and Coliseo are manufactured to the millimetre. On Elan Epoque and Sperit, textured edges are only available in standard sizes.
You must also take the manufacturing tolerance into account: tray dimensions may vary by ±0.3% from the size ordered.
Shower tray dimensions
The table shows the widths and lengths of each collection, special sizes included.
| Collection | Width (cm) | Length (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| Centuria | 70–120 | 70–210 (at 120 wide, up to 180) |
| Andrómeda | 70, 80, 90 and 100 | 70–210 |
| Cotton | 80, 90 and 100 | 100–210 |
| Coliseo | 75–100 | 80–200 |
| Sperit | 70–100 | 80–200 |
| Kei | 70–90 | 70–200 |
| Elan Epoque | 80 and 90 | 100–200 |
| Orion | 72–100 | 101–200 |
| Nova | 70–120 | 100–180 |
| Mirage | 70, 80, 90 and 100 | 100, 120, 140, 150, 160 and 180 |
| Origin | 80 and 90 | 120, 140, 160 and 180 |
| Malenke | 80, 90 and 100 | Square or quarter circle |
Made-to-measure and special options: tray extensions and custom formats
When the job requires a size that is not in the table, three made-to-measure accessories are available:
- Extension: a 3 cm thick piece that enlarges the surface of the tray. Available for trays in Stone texture.
- Custom frame: a perimeter frame made from a position plan, to be sent with the order. Available for trays in Stone texture.
- Riser plinth: it raises the tray when the drain cannot be recessed into the floor. It comes in three height ranges (4 to 9 cm, 10 to 15 cm and 16 to 20 cm) and in all Acrystone® textures. In Silk texture, it is only available in Blanco, Marfil and Fango.
For any other size, we recommend requesting a custom format study through the contact form, stating the dimensions of the space and the model you are interested in.
Comparison of mcbath shower trays
Once the job scenario and size are defined, the comparison lets you confirm your choice according to the technical characteristics of each collection: material, anti-slip class, thickness, perimeter frame, trimming option and available colours.
| Collection | Material | Anti-slip | Thickness (cm) | Frame (cm) | Trimming | Colours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Centuria | Acrystone® | PN24 in Stone; PN18 in Slate and Silk | 3 | Frameless | 3 sides | 10 + RAL (Silk: 3) |
| Coliseo | Acrystone® | PN24 | 3 | Frameless | 4 sides | 10 + RAL |
| Kei | Acrystone® | PN24 | 2.5–2.7 | Frameless | 3 sides | 5 |
| Sperit | Acrystone® | PN24 | 2.4–3 | 5.5 | 3 sides | 10 + RAL |
| Orion | Acrystone® | PN24 | 2.6–3.2 | 4 | 1 side | 10 + RAL |
| Elan Epoque | Acrystone® | PN24 | 2.8–3.6 | 4 | 1 side | 10 + RAL |
| Andrómeda | Acrystone® | PN24 | 3–3.5 | 5.5 | 1 side | 10 + RAL |
| Nova | Acrystone® | PN24 | 3 | 5 | 1 side | 10 + RAL |
| Cotton | Acrystone® | PN18 | 3.5–4 | 4 | 1 side | 4 + 4 collection colours |
| Malenke | Acrystone® | PN24 | 3.5 | 5 | No | 10 + RAL |
| Mirage | Acrystone® | PN18 | 3 | Frameless | No | 4 marble finishes |
| Origin | Acrymold® | PN12 | 3.8–4.4 | 3 | No | White |
Before installation: what to check
A well-chosen tray also needs to be properly received and properly installed. These checks must be done before closing up the job, because any later correction means removing the finishes:
- Receiving the order. Check that the tray is in perfect condition within 24 hours of delivery.
- Drainage. Confirm that the waste can be recessed into the floor. If this is not possible, the tray can be raised with a matching riser plinth.
- Level and slope. Before tiling, fitting the shower screen or laying the floor covering, check the level, the slope and that the water drains properly.
- Installation. Follow the instructions supplied with each tray. For handling and positioning, mcbath makes the Lifter, a tool designed to tilt and place shower trays.
- Maintenance. Acrystone® trays are cleaned with soapy water. To repair the surface, there are specific repair kits for Acrystone® and Acrymold®, as well as a cleaning kit for stubborn stains. We recommend passing this information on to the customer when the work is handed over.
Frequently asked questions
Here are short answers to the most common technical questions about choosing an mcbath shower tray.
Which mcbath shower trays are rated PN24 anti-slip?
PN24 is the highest class of the NF P05-011 standard. In the mcbath range, it applies to trays in Stone, Epoque, Fabric, Concrete and Vulcano textures: Centuria Stone Cover, Centuria Stone Nox, Coliseo, Nova, Andrómeda, Orion, Malenke, Elan Epoque, Sperit and Kei.
Can a resin shower tray be trimmed on site?
Yes. All mcbath Acrystone® trays can be trimmed, except Malenke. Origin and Mirage cannot be trimmed either. The technical drawing of each collection shows on which sides cutting is possible.
What tray thickness is needed for a step-free shower?
The Élan law does not set a tray thickness, but the maximum height of the threshold: 2 cm, or 4 cm with a ramp. The thinner the tray, the less the screed has to be recessed to fit it. The thinnest mcbath trays start at 2.4 cm (Sperit), 2.5 cm (Kei) and 2.6 cm (Orion).
Are mcbath shower trays silica-free?
Yes. All our shower trays are silica-free.