Shower Tray Sizes (UK): Walk-in Shower Cubicle Sizes Explained
If you’re planning a new bathroom or updating an older one, it may not seem like it at first, but shower tray sizes may be one of the most important decisions you’ll make.
The appropriate size affects how comfortable the shower feels, how safe it is to get in and out, and how well it fits into your bathroom.
Get it wrong and you could end up with a tray that feels cramped, or worse, one that doesn’t leave enough drying area in the room.
Bathrooms vary widely in size, from compact en-suites to larger family spaces. That means there isn’t one “standard” size that suits everyone.
Instead, there are a range of shower cubicle sizes and walk-in shower tray dimensions to pick from.
In this blog, we explain what the typical sizes are, how they work in practice, and what to think about before making your choice.
Key takeaways: Shower tray sizes (UK)
- Standard shower cubicle sizes in the UK usually range from 700mm × 700mm up to 1200mm × 900mm.
- Walk-in shower dimensions tend to be bigger, from 1400mm up to around 2000mm in length.
- Choosing the right tray size depends on the room, who’s using it, and how much drying space you want left.
- Compact square trays work for small bathrooms, while rectangular walk-in trays suit larger or more accessible layouts.
- Professional fitting is essential to avoid leaks and make sure the shower is safe.
What is a shower tray?
A shower tray is the base of the shower. It sits on the floor, directs water towards the drain, and forms part of the enclosure if you have a cubicle.
The size matters for a few reasons. First is comfort. If the tray is too small, you’ll feel boxed in and unable to move properly.
Second is practicality. A tray that’s too large may make the rest of the bathroom feel cramped or reduce drying space.
And finally, there’s accessibility. A bigger, low-profile tray can make it much easier for someone with limited mobility to get in and out safely.
In 2020, the National Accident Helpline estimated that 26% of all injuries happened in the bathroom.
Standard shower cubicle sizes in the UK
For traditional cubicles, most UK suppliers offer a fairly predictable range.
- Compact options usually start around 700mm × 700mm or 760mm × 760mm. These fit neatly into small bathrooms or en-suites, but some people find them a little tight.
- The most common sizes are 800mm × 800mm or 900mm × 900mm. These strike a balance — not too small, not too large — and are widely chosen for family bathrooms.
- Larger cubicles might measure 1000mm × 800mm or 1200mm × 900mm. These give you extra elbow room and are often rectangular rather than square, which can make better use of floor space.
Because UK bathrooms tend to be smaller than those in some other countries, measuring carefully is essential. It’s not just about the tray fitting in — you need to think about door swings, radiators, and how much floor space you’ll have left dry.
Walk-in shower dimensions explained
Walk-in showers are designed with easier access in mind. Instead of a high step and a small cubicle, you get a larger tray with a low profile. Often, only part of the shower is enclosed with glass, leaving an open end for walk-in entry.
Tray sizes for walk-in showers start around 1400mm × 800mm, with popular choices at 1600mm × 800mm or 1800mm × 900mm. For very spacious bathrooms, you can even go up to 2000mm in length.
The benefit is space. You can move freely, the shower feels less boxed in, and it’s easier to step in and out without worrying about tripping.
This makes them especially suitable for older adults or anyone with mobility challenges. At the same time, larger trays give a sleek, modern feel that works well in luxury bathrooms.
How to choose the right shower size for your bathroom
The starting point is always measurement. Grab a tape measure and work out how much floor space you realistically have. Remember to leave room to dry off, and think about where doors, sinks, or radiators sit in relation to the shower.
- Next, consider who’s using it. A small cubicle might work in a guest modern en-suite that only sees occasional use.
- For a family bathroom, something larger is usually better so that everyone can shower comfortably. If accessibility is a priority, a walk-in tray with minimal steps is almost always the right choice.
- And if you’re aiming for a wet-room style, a bigger tray that blends into the floor will create that open-plan look. Wet rooms tend to have no shower trays, relying on waterproofed floors with drains instead.
Layout also matters. A rectangular tray can sometimes fit more naturally into an awkwardly shaped room than a square one.
One common mistake is choosing a tray that fills almost the entire room. It might look good in theory, but it leaves no space to towel off without stepping back onto wet tiles.
Shower tray sizes UK: practical examples
To make the options clearer, here are a few real-world scenarios.
- Small flat: An en-suite with limited floor space might use a 760mm × 760mm cubicle. It’s compact but functional.
- Family bathroom: A medium-sized room could comfortably take a 900mm × 900mm or a 1200mm × 800mm tray, offering enough room without dominating the floor.
- Accessible bathroom: For safe, easy entry, a 1400mm walk-in tray with a low threshold is often the best fit.
- Luxury ensuite: In a large space, a 1800mm or even 2000mm walk-in tray can create a spa-like experience.
These examples show there isn’t one “best” size — it’s all about what suits your room and your needs.
Perfect installation is essential
If you have some DIY savvy, there may be some elements of refurbishing a bathroom you’ll feel confident in carrying out yourself.
We recently shared advice on how to install a shower screen and have plenty of other tips for bathroom maintenance in our blog.
But even the perfect tray won’t work properly if it isn’t installed correctly. Poor fitting can lead to leaks, uneven floors and safety risks.
A badly sealed tray is also much harder to fix later, since water damage can spread underneath the flooring. In another article, we run through how to waterproof your bathroom.
It’s important to get it right, which is why it’s best to trust qualified professionals. Ability Bathe specialise in bathrooms designed for comfort and safety.
We can help you choose the right shower size, fit it securely and make sure the whole shower area is easy to use. For customers with mobility challenges, that peace of mind is especially valuable.
FAQs: Shower sizes
What is the standard shower cubicle size in the UK?
Most cubicles are between 700mm × 700mm and 1200mm × 900mm. The most popular sizes are 800mm and 900mm square.
How wide is a walk-in shower?
Common walk-in trays start at around 800mm wide, with lengths from 1400mm up to 2000mm.
Can I fit a walk-in shower in a small bathroom?
Yes, but you’ll need at least 1400mm of space in one direction. In very small bathrooms, a compact cubicle might be more practical.
What size shower tray do I need?
It depends on your room and your needs. Measure carefully and think about comfort, accessibility, and how much drying space you want left.
Are bigger shower trays always better?
Not always. Large trays feel luxurious but can overwhelm a small room. The best size is one that balances comfort with practicality.
Final thoughts: Walk-in shower tray sizes
Choosing the right shower cubicle size isn’t just about what fits on paper. It’s about comfort, safety and how the whole bathroom will work day to day.
From compact cubicles to spacious walk-in trays, there’s a size for every home. And when it comes to fitting, professional help ensures your new shower looks great and lasts for years.
We hope you found this guide useful For other articles, please take a look at our full blog – with articles including:
- Replacing a bath with a shower
- Wet room ideas for the disabled
- Shower room ideas to inspire you
- Bathroom ventilation guide
Ability Bathe are bathroom fitters Devon homeowners rate highly.
We’re bathroom fitters Torquay trusts, bathroom fitters Exeter loves, bathroom fitters Plymouth….
In short, we’re a local family-run bathroom design and installation business, offering a free design visit to your home.
We design and install walk-in showers and mobility-friendly wet rooms across the South-East. For more information, contact us today.
