Resin shower trays: everything you need to know before you choose

When you renovate a bathroom, choosing the shower tray is one of the most important decisions. Among the materials on the market today, the resin shower tray has become the benchmark for anyone after a solution that blends modern looks, long life and everyday safety. It is no passing trend: it is the result of years of technological development applied to bathroom design, which has made this material the most widely used in homes as well as in public and commercial settings.

In this guide we look in detail at what shower-tray resin actually is, what its technical properties are, how it differs from other materials and why a solution like the Nova Touchstone collection from CSA Box Doccia is worth considering.

What a resin shower tray is and how it is made

The resin used for shower trays is not just any plastic. It is a specific compound, usually made up of 30% polymer resin and the remaining 70% mineral fillers, finished on the outside with a gel coat layer. This composition gives a very high surface hardness, greater than materials such as acrylic, while keeping the weight down thanks to the lightened inner core.

The result is a resin shower tray that weighs less than equivalent ceramic or stoneware solutions, making it easier to transport and fit, yet offers impact and wear resistance comparable to the toughest materials. It is no surprise that this type of product is widely chosen in hotels, sports facilities and busy public spaces.

The technical properties that make the difference

Choosing a resin shower tray means bringing into the bathroom a set of qualities that go well beyond looks alone.

The first is the anti-slip surface. Every resin tray in the Nova Touchstone collection is certified to DIN 51097, the standard that governs slip resistance on wet surfaces. This is no minor detail: the shower is one of the highest-risk areas in the home for falls, and a certified anti-slip surface genuinely reduces that risk for the whole family.

The second is stain resistance. The gel coat finish makes the surface water-repellent and resistant to the everyday chemicals found in bathroom cleaners. Limescale, ferrous water marks and soap residue struggle to cling to the surface, making daily cleaning far quicker and simpler.

The third is the antibacterial property. The surfaces of the Nova Touchstone resin shower trays are given a specific treatment that inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi, keeping the tray more hygienic even after years of heavy use.

There is then a fourth property that often surprises anyone meeting this material for the first time: repairability. Unlike ceramic or stoneware, which have to be replaced if scratched or chipped, the resin shower tray can be repaired. CSA supplies a dedicated kit to restore the material, letting you bring back the original look without dismantling the whole installation.

The Nova Touchstone resin shower tray: textures and colours

The Nova Touchstone collection from CSA Box Doccia has taken the idea of the resin shower tray to a level of design research once reserved for premium surfaces. The available textures draw directly on nature and on the most refined raw materials in contemporary interiors.

Three finishes are offered: stone effect, slate effect and velvet effect. Each comes in four colours: White, Clay, Grey and Anthracite. The shapes available in the stone-effect finish are One, One Curvy, Flow and Eclipse. The slate finish comes in the One line, while the velvet finish pairs with the One and Zen lines.

All Nova Touchstone products are CE-marked in line with European directives under standards UNI EN 14527, UNE EN 251:2014 and DIN 51097, and are covered by a 2-year warranty. The whole collection is designed and made in Italy.

You can browse the full range on the page dedicated to CSA Nova Touchstone shower trays.

Installation: surface-mounted or flush with the floor

One of the features that makes the resin shower tray so versatile in design terms is the option to fit it either surface-mounted or flush with the floor. Surface mounting is the traditional approach, with the tray sitting above the bathroom floor level. Flush fitting, on the other hand, is the preferred choice in more contemporary renovations: the tray is recessed into the floor, creating a visual continuity that opens up the space and gives the whole shower area a clean, linear look.

Thanks to its ultra-slim profile of just 3 centimetres, the Nova Touchstone resin shower tray lends itself perfectly to both fitting methods, without calling for excessive structural work even in flush installations.

On this point it is worth keeping accessibility in mind: if the bathroom needs to be usable by older people or those with reduced mobility, flush-floor installation removes access barriers without compromising the look. You can explore the dedicated solutions in the accessible showers section of the CSA site.

Made to measure: no limits on space

Another thing that sets the resin shower tray apart from ceramic options is how workable it is. Nova Touchstone shower trays can be cut to size and edge-finished, or customised with cut-outs and diagonals to suit unusual layouts: recesses, oblique corners, spaces under stairs or rooms with non-square walls.

This makes them compatible with any type of shower enclosure in the CSA catalogue. Whether you are fitting an alcove shower enclosure, a corner shower enclosure or a walk-in solution, the resin shower tray can be sized to the exact real dimensions of your space, with no compromise.

Pairing with wall cladding panels

The Nova Touchstone collection also includes wall cladding panels that coordinate with the resin shower trays, available in the same finishes and colours. This lets you complete the whole shower area with a consistent, harmonious look: same texture, same colour, same material on tray and walls.

Alternatively, you can create deliberate colour contrasts between the finish of the resin shower tray and the panels, adding character to the space without giving up stylistic coherence. It is a design option that suits those who favour a neutral, refined bathroom just as well as those who prefer a bolder look.

Resin shower tray or other materials: how to choose

The market today offers shower trays in several materials, each with its own qualities. Porcelain stoneware, for example, gives a look very close to natural stone and is extremely durable, but it is heavier, cannot be repaired and cannot be cut to size with the same flexibility as resin. CSA also offers stoneware shower trays in the Nova Touchstone collection, for anyone after that exact look.

Tempered glass is the choice for minimalist, exclusive interiors, with more saturated colours and a very distinctive visual effect. Here too Nova Touchstone has a dedicated line.

But for anyone seeking the best balance of technical performance, design freedom, easy maintenance and value for money, the resin shower tray remains the most complete solution. It is the material that combines safety certifications, scope for customisation, repairability and Italian manufacturing in a single product.

You can compare all the available materials on the page dedicated to CSA shower tray materials.

FAQ on the resin shower tray

Is a resin shower tray suitable for heavy use?

Yes. The 70% mineral filler composition gives a high surface hardness and a long working life, even in busy settings such as hotels or sports facilities.

How thick is a Nova Touchstone resin shower tray?

The thickness is just 3 centimetres. That makes it ultra-slim compared with many alternatives on the market, easing both surface-mounted and flush-floor installation.

Can a resin shower tray be cut to measure?

Yes, Nova Touchstone resin shower trays can be cut to size and customised with cut-outs or diagonals. Feasibility should be checked with the CSA technical office before ordering.

How do you clean a resin shower tray?

The gel coat surface is water-repellent and stain-resistant, so a damp cloth with a neutral cleaner is enough for routine cleaning. No harsh products are needed.

Can a resin shower tray be repaired if it gets scratched?

Yes. Unlike ceramic, resin is a repairable material. CSA supplies a dedicated kit to restore the surface in the event of accidental scratches or chips.