They are the two materials we fit almost all the time, and the choice makes a real difference to how the shower feels day to day. Neither is better in the abstract: it depends on the use, the size of the bathroom and who is going to shower there.
Resin tray
Mineral-filled resin, usually with a gel-coat layer on the surface. It is the most common choice in homes.
- Warm underfoot. That is the most noticeable difference in winter.
- It is cut on site, so it fits irregular recesses without leaving odd joints.
- Light, which makes installation on upper floors easier.
- A wide range of colours and textures, including slate-type finishes.
Against it: the surface can be scratched by grit or an abrasive product, and very dark colours show limescale if the shower is not dried. A local repair is possible, but it shows.
Porcelain tray
A large-format ceramic piece, the same material as the bathroom floor.
- Very resistant to scratching and to weight.
- It lets you carry the same floor material through and make the shower disappear visually.
- Slim, which is useful when there is little height available.
- It does not yellow over time.
Against it: it is cold underfoot, it weighs considerably more, and if something heavy is dropped on it, it can chip. It is cut in the workshop, so it calls for precise measuring.
How we decide
In practice we apply three criteria.
Who uses the bathroom
If there are older people or small children, resin. The warmth and the slightly grippier feel count for more than scratch resistance. It is also what we fit in most bathroom adaptations.
The size of the recess
Over 160 cm long, or in recesses with corners out of square, resin is cut on site and works better. In clean, large openings, porcelain looks better.
The height available
When the floor structure leaves little room to give the waste a fall, porcelain's lower thickness wins. It is a common case in older flats, and we cover it in the article on flush showers in older homes.
And the price
For a standard size, resin works out at between €150 and €350 depending on the finish, and porcelain between €350 and €700. The difference across the whole job rarely exceeds €400, so it is not worth deciding on that alone.
If you are unsure, we bring samples of both to the visit so you can handle them in the light of your own home. Ask us for the visit whenever you like.
