All About Shower Trays
Everything You Need to Know About Shower Trays
Choosing the right shower tray is one of the most important decisions in a tile shower build. The tray creates the sloped substrate that directs water to your drain, and it determines your drain position, curb style, and overall shower layout.
What Is a Shower Tray?
A shower tray (also called a shower pan or shower base) is a pre-sloped foam substrate that sits on your subfloor. It replaces the traditional mud bed, saving hours of labor while delivering a perfectly pitched surface for tile installation. Trugard trays are made from extruded polystyrene (XPS) foam — lightweight, waterproof, and ready to tile over with thin-set mortar.
Standard vs. Curbless Shower Trays
Includes a raised perimeter curb that contains water inside the shower.
- Most common configuration
- Works with all drain types
- Ideal for enclosed showers
- Perfect for tub-to-shower conversions
- Best for most residential bathrooms
Ramped entry transitions smoothly from bathroom floor into the shower.
- Seamless, walk-in look
- Meets ADA accessibility requirements
- Requires linear drain at entry side
- Modern, open aesthetic
- Great for aging-in-place designs
Drain Types
Linear Drains
Run along one wall, creating a single-slope floor pitch. Allow large-format tiles on the shower floor and deliver a modern, streamlined look. Required for curbless showers.
Shop Linear Drains →Square (Center) Drains
Sit in the center of the tray with the floor sloping inward from all four sides. Traditional configuration that works well for smaller showers and standard layouts.
Shop Square Drains →Available Sizes
| Size | Best For |
|---|---|
| 32 × 60 in | Standard tub replacement |
| 36 × 36 in | Compact square shower |
| 36 × 48 in | Small rectangular shower |
| 36 × 60 in | Standard rectangular shower |
| 48 × 48 in | Large square shower |
| 48 × 60 in | Spacious rectangular shower |
| 48 × 72 in | Extra-large walk-in |
Custom sizes can be achieved by cutting XPS foam trays to fit. See our installation videos for cutting and fitting instructions.
Placement Configurations
Your drain placement affects floor slope and tile layout:
Which Tray Is Right for You?
| Your Goal | Recommended Configuration |
|---|---|
| Modern walk-in look | Curbless tray with linear drain |
| Replacing a bathtub | 32 × 60 standard tray — fits most alcoves |
| ADA-compliant shower | Curbless with a bench seat |
| Budget-conscious build | Center-drain standard tray — simplest to install |
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between standard and curbless shower trays?
Standard shower trays have a raised curb around the perimeter that contains water within the shower area. Curbless (also called barrier-free) trays sit flush with the bathroom floor, creating a seamless transition that's ADA-compliant and ideal for accessible or modern walk-in shower designs.
How do I measure for a shower tray?
Measure the interior dimensions of your shower footprint at the subfloor level — length, width, and the location of your drain center. It's important to measure from stud to stud (not finished wall to wall) since the tray sits on the subfloor before wall materials are applied.
Can I cut a Trugard shower tray to fit?
Yes, Trugard shower trays can be trimmed to fit non-standard dimensions using standard tools. Score the tray with a utility knife and snap along the line, or use a circular saw with a fine-tooth blade for more precise cuts. Always measure twice before cutting.
What drain type is compatible with Trugard trays?
Trugard shower trays are compatible with standard 2-inch center drains and most linear drain systems. Each tray comes pre-sloped toward the drain location, ensuring proper water flow. Check the product specifications for your specific tray model to confirm drain compatibility.