ᐅ Shower Tray or Tiled Shower Base?

What do you think (from a planning perspective) about mostly tiled side walls? Yes, ok, there is somewhat less brightness, but they are also much easier to keep clean. And the larger the tiles you use, the fewer grout lines there are that can get dirty – and yes, they cost a bit more...

...if possible, I would also prefer tiles instead of glass and have the floor covered with large-format tiles

I had a shower tray in my old apartment for a long time. In the new one, I want to have a tiled shower instead. I’m also curious about the answers here. The only thing that worries me is limescale. That was already a problem with the grout in the shower tray.

Our construction manager has always advised against using tiles.
The joints must be 100% watertight at all times. Over many years.
He has seen quite a few issues with this.
Unless the build has to be accessible for people with disabilities, a narrow shower tray is the best option for long-term trouble-free use.

Then I wonder how they manage it in swimming pools, saunas, and thermal baths. The floors there are always tiled, and I don’t constantly hear about pools closing because the showers became leaky... In private homes, the stress on the flooring should be significantly lower.

So, I really wouldn’t worry about it.

We also have very hard water, and I see only two options for myself:
Install a water softener system (we’re seriously considering this).
Spray with a limescale remover once a week, wait, and rinse off. That should take care of the limescale.

Overall, I would still tend to choose rather larger tiles combined with narrow grout lines.

Tihiddi schrieb:
Our site manager has always advised against tiles.
The grout lines must be 100% waterproof—consistently over the years.
He’s seen quite a few cases.
Unless you specifically need to build for accessibility, a narrow shower tray and peace of mind for decades is the better choice.

...it is easier for the builder to install a shower tray. The waterproofing is mainly done UNDER the tiles. The drain and slope are naturally additional challenges, as they require much more consideration during the screed stage. The tray is simpler in this regard.

There are also different techniques for the slope: either many cuts in the tile design, a tile mesh (mosaic), or a smooth, uniform tiling.

It depends on where the drain is placed / can be placed (center or against the wall), or possibly a large granite slab...

Depending on the skills of the tiler / builder, they will recommend what they are most experienced with and possibly speak negatively about other options!

Furthermore, it is a question of budget, taste, bathroom size, and overall bathroom design.

Attached is a photo showing how the slope can also be solved (drain against the wall with a linear shower drain).

Regarding limescale:
this certainly has to be considered depending on the region; the photo was taken after one year of use.

Just look at all the versions in bathroom showrooms.

In terms of price, the simple central drain with the many-cut system is the most affordable solution since you can also save on the shower drain.

My wife unexpectedly had foot surgery and was able to comfortably wheel into the shower in her wheelchair for two months. We never even thought about that during planning...

That’s why it’s important to plan an entrance door 1m (3.3 feet) wide!!!