A crack in a shower tray is one of those problems that demands a quick decision — left untreated, water can penetrate through the crack, damage the subfloor and cause significant structural problems. But is repair the right option, or should you replace the tray entirely? Here’s how to think about it.
Why Shower Trays Crack
- Inadequate support — the most common cause. If the tray is not fully supported across its base, flex under load creates stress that eventually leads to cracking
- Heavy impact — dropping a heavy object such as a shower gel bottle or showerhead from height
- Age-related brittleness — older acrylic shower trays can become more brittle over time
- Thermal movement — repeated heating and cooling can stress joins and seals
- Subsidence or structural movement — in rare cases, movement in the property can crack fixed shower trays
When to Repair a Cracked Shower Tray
Repair is typically the right option when:
- The crack is a single, stable crack that has not grown
- The crack is not at a stress point that will cause it to re-crack quickly
- The substrate beneath the tray is sound and dry
- The tray is otherwise in good condition
- The root cause of the crack (inadequate support, for example) has been or can be addressed
When to Replace a Cracked Shower Tray
Replacement is likely the better option when:
- Multiple cracks are present or the crack is spreading
- Water has penetrated and caused damage to the floor beneath
- The tray is heavily stained, scratched or worn beyond the crack
- The tray is old and parts or matching product are not available
- The cause of the crack (subsidence, movement) is structural and ongoing
How We Repair Shower Tray Cracks
For repairable cracks in acrylic and stone resin shower trays, we clean and prepare the crack, apply a specialist flexible repair compound that bonds to the tray material, and finish to match the surrounding surface. The repair must be allowed to cure fully before the shower is used — typically 24–48 hours.
Book a Shower Tray Repair Assessment
Not sure whether repair or replacement is right for your cracked shower tray? Contact us for a free assessment and quote →
