When selecting a shower base for your bathroom, one important consideration is the weight rating of the tray. The weight rating determines how much load the base can support without compromising its integrity. In New Zealand, where building standards are high and the focus is on durable and safe construction, understanding the differences between acrylic and tile over base trays can help you specify the right tray for your next project.
So, how strong are acrylic shower trays?
Despite their seemingly lightweight looking nature, acrylic trays are engineered to support substantial loads. High-quality acrylic trays typically have a weight rating, making them suitable for residential applications. Here at Newline Showers, our Acrylic shower Trays come in a variety of shapes, including 2-Sided, 3-Sided, Curved and Neo as well as in several sizes starting from 820 x 820 to 1500 x 915mm.
Our Newline Standard Shower Bases have a point load of 250kg, while our Low Profile ones sit at a 350kg point load. If you want to learn more about our Acrylic Shower Trays, then download our Free Buying Guide on Acrylic Shower Trays.
If you are specifying an acrylic shower tray for social housing projects, then check our TuffBase™ Tray which offers a 50-Year Structural Warranty and sustains a remarkable point load of 500kg. Offering unmatched strength and long-lasting performance, TuffBase™ is a 3-Sided 900 x 900mm Acrylic Tray that was designed to suit shower curtains, and a vinyl flooring set up.
And what about Tile Shower Bases?
Tile Shower Bases are built to be exceptionally strong and durable. These bases can typically support weights exceeding 400kg, making them ideal for both residential and commercial applications.
ProFinish™, which is out Customisable Tile Shower Tray Systems is made in New Zealand from high density, environmentally safe, rigid polyurethane, and replaces the need for a traditional sand and cement sloped tile shower base. These tile over bases can be fully customised and have a point load of 200kg with tiles.
DryFit™, which is a durable and reliable solid resin tray, offers 40mm upstands on all 4-sides, and utilizes a single sheet acrylic liner as its waterproof membrane, mirroring the dependability of acrylic showers. Endorsed by TANZ (The National Tile Association in New Zealand), DryFit™ offers a 30-year warranty a point load of 250kg.
It is worth noting though, that all acrylic or tile shower bases need to be fully supported. If you want to learn more on that, they read this article.
Conclusion
To sum up, both acrylic and tile over base trays have their unique advantages and are suitable for different applications. By understanding their weight ratings and other key differences, you can make an informed decision that meets your project’s specific needs and preferences. If you are wanting more information on Tile Shower Bases, download our Tile Over Base Tray Guide.
If you have any questions or need further assistance in choosing the right shower base for your project, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at Newline Showers. We’re committed to helping you achieve the best results for your bathroom renovation or new project specification.
Give us a call on 0508 639 5463 or email us at info@newline.co.nz for more information.