A shower glass’s thickness should be appropriate for its intended use. The range can vary between 6mm and 12mm. Thinner glass can be used for framed shower glass, while thicker glass is required for frameless shower glass. If you want to stick to the standard, you can go with 8mm or 10mm.
Finding the proper glass thickness is critical for your safety and your bathroom’s aesthetics. You can’t just hastily pick what you think is best without knowledge!
Different glass thicknesses are available because of where and how they are used; this also applies to shower glass options. Typically, you can measure them in inches or millimeters.
The most common shower glass thicknesses are 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, and 12mm. I’ll review their differences to let you understand these measurements better.
6mm (¼ inch) - It is the thinnest option and is standard on the older, framed shower glass as it is considered the minimum glass thickness for framed ones. It is not suitable for frameless shower doors because it is too light, weighing only 3.27 pounds per square foot.
8mm (5/16 inch) - It is more uncommon than the 6mm variant. Aside from using it for shower glass, you can also use it for double glazing, lightweight shelves, and other household purposes.
10 mm (⅜ inch) - Has a durable thickness for both frameless and framed shower glass. It is also the minimum required thickness for frameless shower glass and shower steam doors. It is heavier than the 6mmm and 8mm inch, which is 4.91 pounds per square foot. Moreover, you shall only limit it to 80 inches in height, or it will flex.
12mm (½ inch) - It offers a premium thickness that is perfect for more oversized shower doors, enclosures, and partitions. And if you intend to have a glass panel larger than 80 inches, you should think about this. Additionally, a glass this thick typically weighs 6.54 pounds per square foot.
You should note that the weight mentioned is only an average. The glass type also dictates the density of the glass, which can be Annealed, tempered, or laminated.
Fundamentally, the glass thickness is one factor that influences the strength of the glass, aside from the type of glass utilized.
It is also pretty noticeable that the more depth the glass has, the heavier and more costly it is; thus, the glass’s thickness, weight, and price parallel each other. So you might want to consider what interests you and contemplate whether it is in your budget.
If you want thicker glass but don’t have the budget, you can opt for a half-and-half where the bottom is a wall and the upper part is glass.
The load of the glass will also affect the hinges, pivots, and rollers that hold it. When considering a thicker shower glass, the support that carries it should withstand stress, weight, and movement, especially for doors.
The things mentioned earlier are not the only ones that support the glass. The surface where they are all attached should be able to hold up as well. This means you should make your wall from marble, cement, or other sturdy materials; wood might not support the heavy glass.
Frameless shower glass must be thick, unlike framed shower glass, which can be slightly thinner.
Everything boils down to a lack of metal framing, which provides structural integrity. The thicker glass compensates for the lack of a frame by supporting itself.
This also explains why frameless shower doors and enclosures are more expensive than those with frames. An additional bracket is cheaper than having heavier and thicker glass. Apparently, glass is a costly material because of its extensive manufacturing process.
As I have said, glass thickness should vary depending on your use. It applies not only to shower purposes but also to table tops, divisions, shelves, and windows. But we’ll focus on shower use since we are talking about it here.
An 8mm thick glass should be a balance if you’re looking between reliability and affordability. We could say that it is the best because it’s not too thin, and not too thick.
But despite this, you can still opt for a thinner 6mm if you want something cheaper, but you should ensure it is toughened glass. You can also have a 10mm if you wish for a heavier and more luxurious feel.
Like shower enclosures, an 8mm glass option is also best. This choice is popular for shower doors that are hinged or sliding. The thickness of shower doors should be sturdy enough because they are frequently moved, used, and has the possibility of impact.
A 10mm thick glass would have a smoother opening and a durable feel. If you want this kind of experience, you can go up a notch on the thickness, but if you don’t mind, you can stick with the 8mm.
Walk-in showers differ from shower enclosures in that the only glass used is a standalone glass panel. A 10mm glass would be the best option for providing reliable durability.
You can still choose an 8mm variant, but it’s better to have a thickness that can endure impacts and force.
The first time you may want to consider is whether you want a frameless, semi-frameless, or framed shower glass. From there, you’ll know the minimum thickness requirement you can have.
It’s also important to note that thicker glass isn’t always the best choice. But this does not mean you can’t choose to have something beyond the standard! It is just that in some cases, you will need to consider the support of your glass. You should only select the optimal thickness based on your usage.
Also, larger glass panes equal thicker glass. Evaluating between choosing the standard thickness and the next option based on the overall dimension of the panel would be preferable. Each thickness has its limit as to the height it will reach.
Choosing the right shower glass thickness depends on many factors you need to consider. From the height of the panel, the shower enclosure style, and the possible impacts it can receive.
Think wisely and choose the shower glass within your means and purpose!
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