Shower tray or tiled shower?

What do you think (planning-wise) about (mostly) tiled side walls? Yes, okay, a bit less brightness, but also much easier to keep clean. And the bigger the tiles, the fewer dirt-sensitive joints you have – and yes, they cost a bit more...

...if possible, I would also prefer tiles instead of glass and have the floor tiled with large-format tiles

I had a shower tray in my old apartment for a long time. However, the new one is also supposed to have a tiled shower. I am also curious about the answers here. The only thing that worries me is the limescale.. That was already a problem with the grout in the shower tray.

Our site manager has always advised against tiles. The grout must always be 100% sealed. For years. He has already experienced quite a lot of that. Unless it is being built to be disability-friendly, then a narrow shower tray and peace for decades.

Then I wonder how they manage it in swimming pools/saunas/thermal baths. The floors there are always tiled, and I don’t constantly read about closed baths etc. because the showers became leaky... In the private sector, the strain is probably even significantly lower.

So I really wouldn’t worry about that now.

We also have very hard water, and I see only two possibilities for myself:
Install a water softener system (we are seriously considering this)
Spray thoroughly with Antikal once a week, wait and rinse off. That should take care of the lime scale.

Overall, I would still tend to go for rather larger tiles combined with narrow joints.

Our site manager has always advised against tiles. The joints must always be 100% watertight. Over years. He has experienced quite a lot. Unless it is being built to be wheelchair accessible, then a narrow shower tray and peace of mind for decades.

...it is easier for the developer to install a tray. The waterproofing is mainly done UNDER the tile. The drain and the slope are naturally also a challenge, as much more has to be considered in the screed. The tray is simpler in that respect.

There are also different techniques for the slope, either the many-cut design, or a mesh (mosaic), or tiled evenly and smoothly.

It depends on where the drain is placed / can be placed (centered, or at the wall). Or simply a large granite slab...

Depending on what the tiler / developer is actually capable of, they will recommend that and badmouth the other options!

Furthermore, it is also a question of budget, taste, bathroom size, and overall bathroom planning.

Attached is a photo of how the slope can also be solved (drain at the wall with shower channel).

Regarding lime:
surely depends on the region to consider, the photo was taken after one year of use.

Just take a look at all versions in the sanitary showrooms. In terms of price, the simple central drain with the many-cut system is the most affordable solution, since you can still save on the shower channel.

My wife unexpectedly had to have surgery on her foot and was able to roll into the shower with the wheelchair wonderfully for 2 months here. We hadn’t even thought of that during planning...

Therefore, also plan the entrance door to be 1m wide!!!