Two ways to get a flush floor
A low-profile tray can be set into the floor so its top sits level with the surrounding surface. It keeps the tidy look of a tray and is quicker to fit where the floor allows it.
A tiled former, the same approach used in a wet room, builds the fall into the floor itself and is tiled over. It suits rooms where a chair needs to roll in, or where the shower area should blend into the rest of the floor. Either way, the area around it is waterproofed so the step-free floor stays dry beneath.
Details that make it safe
Floor finish matters most. A textured or small-format tile gives grip underfoot because of the extra grout lines, and the finish should be chosen for slip resistance when wet.
Thermostatic control holds the water at a steady temperature and limits the risk of a sudden hot surge, which is important for anyone who cannot move away quickly.
Grab rails are only as strong as what they are fixed to. We plan their positions before the walls are boarded and add solid backing behind the board, so rails can be fitted securely now or later without searching for a stud.
Planning around the person using it
The best layout depends on how the shower will be used. Someone who stands needs a rail within reach of the controls; someone who sits needs a fold-down seat at the right height and a handset they can reach from it. If a carer helps, the space beside the shower matters as much as the shower area itself.
What shapes the cost
We do not give a price range on this page. The cost depends on the factors below, and we give a fixed written quote including VAT after a free survey. Pricing for accessible wet rooms is on our wet room service page.
| Factor | Effect on the job |
|---|---|
| Tray or tiled former | A former involves more floor work and tanking |
| Floor construction | Timber and concrete floors are prepared differently |
| Removing a bath | Taking out a bath adds strip-out and wall tiling |
| Rails, seat and controls | Backing, fold-down seats and thermostatic valves add to the specification |
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a level-access shower and a wet room?
A wet room tanks and tiles the whole floor. A level-access shower can be a flush tray or a tiled former in part of the room, with the rest of the bathroom left as normal.
Can grab rails be added later?
Yes, if solid backing is fitted behind the wall boards during the job. We plan for that even if rails are not wanted straight away.
How much does a level-access shower cost?
It depends on the tray or former, the floor and the fittings. We give a fixed written quote including VAT after a free survey.
Is a shower chair usable on a sloped floor?
Yes. The fall is shallow and consistent, and we plan it so a chair sits steadily in the washing area.