So, you’ve decided to invest in a beautiful glass shower, but how do you know what thickness of glass to select?
If you’re renovating your bathroom, the thickness of the glass of shower door enclosures is one of the most important things that you should consider. It’s important to choose the appropriate glass door thickness. You’ll need to choose a thickness that works best for you and the design of your shower door.
Knowing the right thickness for your shower door is critical. You’ll need to know all the dimensions and features that you want for your shower enclosure to ensure long-term satisfaction with the final product.
To learn more about what thickness of glass you should have for a shower enclosure, keep reading.
Points to Ponder When Choosing Shower Enclosure Glass
There are a few things that you need to consider when calculating the glass thickness you need for your custom shower enclosure. In a sense, you’re building your shower from scratch. Because of this, you’ll need to make important decisions.
For example, you’ll need to decide on the features of your door. You’ll also need to consider what features will work with the existing structure of your bathroom.
There are many kinds of shower enclosure glass. However, there are four kinds that homeowners choose often. These glass types include:
• Annealed glass
• Heat-strengthened glass
• Laminated safety glass
In most instances, you’ll want to choose laminated glass. Laminated glass is much safer compared to other options.
Imagine, for example, if your glass enclosure were to shatter. With laminated glass, it would break into small pieces.
Also, the lamination will hold much of the glass together. These characteristics make the laminated glass much safer than other options, which can break into large, jagged pieces.
Matching Glass Thickness to Enclosure Style
You’ll also need to match the thickness of your glass to the type of shower enclosure. For example, you may plan to install a sliding door. Alternatively, you may want to install a hinged door.
Still, there are other options. For example, you may want a shower enclosure with a frame. Alternatively, you may want a modern, frameless enclosure.
Your options are limited with thinner glass. If you choose thinner glass, you’ll need a framed enclosure.
However, you may want to choose a frameless shower enclosure. If so, you’ll need to choose thicker glass. Thicker glass can support its own weight.
You’ll also want to consider the design of the door. Thicker glass is more aesthetically pleasing. It often looks nicer compared to other options.
For example, you might want to create a straightforward, contemporary look for your bathroom. If so, you’ll want to choose a thicker glass material in a frameless enclosure.
Still, a framed shower enclosure can add character to your bathroom. Framed glass shower enclosures are available in a variety of finishes. The right framed shower can add a nice decorative element to your bathroom.
With so many choices, it can prove challenging deciding between a framed or unframed shower enclosure. Designers can create beautiful, custom-designed shower enclosures based on your preferences. Choosing whether you want a framed are frameless enclosure ahead of time, however, will make the process of selecting materials easier.
Other Buying Considerations
You must also consider the structural capabilities of your home. For example, you’ll need to assess the weight-bearing capacity of your bathroom walls.
It’s important to know how much weight your walls can handle. You’ll need this information before you order your custom shower enclosure.
In some cases, the framework around your bathroom cannot support a lot of weight. In this case, a shower enclosure with thick glass may not serve you well. Instead, you’ll need to choose a framed enclosure that can support its own weight.
You must also consider your budget. Before you start shopping for options, it’s important to understand how much you’re willing to pay for your new shower enclosure.
Your budget is an important deciding factor in the thickness of the glass you’ll choose for your shower enclosure. It’s important to choose options that are within your budget.
For example, thicker glass has many positive qualities. However, it’s also more expensive compared to other options.
For this reason, it’s vital to establish your budget before you start choosing options for your custom enclosure. Once you know how much you want to spend, you can narrow down your choices for shower enclosure glass thickness.
Glass for Framed Enclosures
There are four common glass thicknesses for shower enclosures. These sizes are 3/16 of an inch, one-fourth of an inch, 3/8 of an inch, and a ½ of an inch thick.
For a frame shower door, 3/16 of an inch is the minimum glass thickness you can select. Framed shower doors are sturdy. They provide the support needed to ensure that your glass enclosure is safe with thinner glass.
However, thinner glass is also more affordable. For this reason, a 3/16-inch glass framed shower door is the least expensive option among various thicknesses.
¼ inch shower enclosure glass is thicker than 3/16-inch shower glass. However, it’s still relatively thin.
For this reason, you’ll still need to choose a frame if you want one quarter inch shower enclosure glass. Nevertheless, it costs more than 3/16-inch shower enclosure glass.
Of course, one fourth inch shower enclosure glass is thicker and stronger than 3/16-inch material. However, it’s also comparatively more attractive.
Alternatively, you may want to consider thicker glass options. If so, you can explore even thicker glass enclosure materials.
Glass for Frameless Enclosures
3/8 of an inch is the minimum thickness for a frameless shower. This thickness will provide your shower enclosure with stability. However, it’s a more affordable option among frameless shower enclosures.
Meanwhile, half-inch-thick glass is obviously thicker. It feels sturdier compared to 3/8-inch-thick shower enclosure glass.
It’s also more aesthetically pleasing. However, half-inch-thick shower enclosure glass is the most expensive option out of common enclosure materials.
Now you have a basic understanding of how the thickness of shower enclosure glass can affect your selection. Hopefully, you’ll find it easier to make a decision!
Shower Enclosure Extras
By now, you should have a better idea of the right glass thickness for your shower enclosure. Now, you’re almost ready to order the new update for your bathroom.
However, there’s something else that you should consider before you start shopping. You should think about other customisable shower enclosure options. A few shower enclosure ideas may help you dream up the perfect design for your needs.
Today, custom enclosure manufacturers can provide you with a range of options. For this reason, it’s helpful to know what options are available for your new shower enclosure.
An exceptional enclosure designer will listen to your needs. Also, they’ll help you sort through available options. However, it’s helpful to know a bit about enclosure options in advance.
There are a few options that you may want to consider. For example, have you considered ordering relaxing body shower jets for your shower enclosure?
Shower jets can add a touch of luxury to your new bathroom. You can choose from a square or round design unit.
Additional Shower Extras to Consider
You may also want to order a grab rail. A grab rail will give you extra stability while you’re showering.
For example, you may need a little assistance when stepping in and out of walk-in shower enclosures. If so, a grab rail is an ideal option.
You may also want to consider a shower seat. A shower seat enables you to take your shower in a seated position. Taking a shower while you’re seated is a bit easier than standing.
There’s a range of shower seats available on the market. With a little research, you’ll discover that there are many types of shower seats that might suit your tastes.
For example, some shower seats flip up. This kind of shower seat is ideal for a shared bathroom.
Finally, you’ll want to consider the fixtures for your shower enclosure. Contemporary fixtures can turn your shower enclosure into a work of art. Your enclosure designer can walk you through the many available shower fixture options.
Add Style and Function with a Contemporary Shower Enclosure
Now you know more about what thickness of glass you should have for a shower enclosure. What you need now is a skilled designer who can help you create your dream, custom-designed bath enclosure.
Bespoke Frameless Glass can help you give your bathroom a modern touch with a beautiful frameless shower enclosure. Glass shower enclosures are popular renovations for homeowners who want a bathroom with modern amenities. We can help you choose a beautiful glass tub enclosure that will add modernity and functionality to your bathroom.
Contact a Bespoke Frameless Glass design expert today at 0117 961 2709 or connect with us online to get started learning more about adding a beautiful new addition to your home.
