Glasshelp Guide · 2025

Read time: ~6–8 mins · Updated: 20 Sep 2025

Deciding the right thickness for your shower glass is more than just durability—it affects safety, aesthetics, cost, and the look of your bathroom overall.
In this updated guide, you’ll see what 6 mm, 8 mm, and 10 mm glass offer, with comparisons, safety norms, and tips to help you choose smartly.

Why thickness matters

Thickness impacts a few critical things in glass shower design:

• Strength & rigidity: thinner glass flexes more; thicker glass maintains shape better under use.
• Safety: tougher glass reduces risk, especially in large or frameless panels.
• Appearance & finish: thicker glass feels premium and often looks more substantial.
• Hardware requirements & cost: thicker glass needs heavier hinges, stronger fixings, more care in installation.

6 mm vs 8 mm vs 10 mm comparison

Which thickness for your shower setup

• If your glass width is under ~800 mm or you’re using a framed screen, 6 mm is cost-effective and safe enough.
• For frameless or semi-frameless screens of moderate width (e.g. ~800-1200 mm), 8 mm gives less flex and better durability.
• For premium walk-in showers, large panels or doors, go with 10 mm—just ensure your fittings can support the weight.

Installation, cost & safety

• Check that all fixings, hinges, and hardware are rated for the thickness you choose.
• Expect higher shipping & handling costs with thicker glass.
• Edge finishing: polished or safety-finished edges reduce risk and improve appearance (especially for exposed edges).
• Always use toughened safety glass certified to BS EN 12150 and check CE or UKCA marks. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
• Consider spill, water spray, door movement: flex can cause strain, seal wear, leaks if glass is too thin for the span. Thicker glass helps mitigate this.

Safety standards & regulation

Here are some UK rules and expert references to help you stay compliant:

• According to GlassGuide from ToughGlaze, shower doors are often sold in 6-12 mm thickness, with 8 mm & 10 mm being very common, and all panels required to be certified to BS EN 12150. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
• Building regulations require safety glass for glazing within 800 mm of the floor or within 300 mm of a door’s edge, and in door panels/sidelights lower than 1 500 mm from floor level. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
• Glasstrends uses 10 mm toughened safety glass certified to BS EN 12150 and impact tested to BS EN 12600 for its frameless showers. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Frequently asked questions

Is 6 mm glass safe enough for shower doors?
For smaller or framed panels, yes—but for frameless or wide doors, 8 mm or above is usually safer and more durable. Many UK manufacturers specify BS EN 12150 toughened glass for safety. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Will 10 mm make a visible difference?
Absolutely for large spans—10 mm gives a more rigid, premium feel with less visual flex. But you pay more and need strong hardware. Examples from Glasstrends and ToughGlaze confirm this. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Does thicker glass require special maintenance?
Not really—just care with edges, seals, hinges, and using non-abrasive cleaners. No special cleaning needed beyond standard care.

Expert Advice · 2025

Read time: ~7–9 mins · Updated: 20 Sep 2025

Choosing the right safety glass isn’t just about looks—it’s about keeping your family safe and your project compliant.
This quick, practical guide shows typical UK “critical locations”, when to use toughened vs laminated glass,
and simple steps to measure, order, and install with confidence.

Where safety glass is required in UK homes

Use safety glass where impact risk is higher or glazing sits close to doors/floors. Common “critical locations” include:

• Within and around doors (side panels, glazed doors, door panes)
• Low-level glazing close to the floor (often up to ~800–1500 mm, context-dependent)
• Bathrooms and showers (screens, enclosures, splash zones)
• Balustrades, Juliet balconies, landings, stair edges
• Internal partitions and room dividers in busy areas

Tip: If in doubt, assume safety glass is needed for low-level or high-traffic locations and request compliance marking on the pane.

Toughened vs laminated — which to choose?

Common thicknesses & edge options

Edges: arrised (basic smooth), polished (premium clear), bevelled (decorative). For exposed edges, choose polished.

How to measure & order correctly

1. Check squareness. Measure width top/middle/bottom; height left/centre/right. Use the smallest dimension.
2. Allow clearances. Leave 2–4 mm fitting tolerance (confirm with hardware/seals).
3. Choose hardware early. Hinges, channels, clamps decide hole sizes/positions for factory processing.
4. Specify edges & corners. Polished edges for visibility; radius corners where exposed or child-reach.
5. Compliance marks. Request appropriate safety markings where required.

Installation tips for a neat, safe finish

• Use setting blocks/gaskets—never rest glass on bare metal or masonry.
• Match clamps/channels to thickness and load; avoid point-loading corners.
• For showers: leave expansion gaps; use neutral-cure silicone; fit seals after alignment.
• Final check: plumb, level, square—tighten hardware before sealing.

Care, cleaning & warranty basics

Use a soft cloth and non-abrasive, ammonia-free cleaner. Squeegee showers after use to reduce limescale. Keep proof of purchase and any compliance labels for your records.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need safety glass next to doors?
Yes—glazing within and around doors is usually a “critical location” and should be safety glass, especially at low level.

Which is safer—toughened or laminated?
Both are safety glass. Toughened is very strong and granulates; laminated retains fragments via its interlayer, helping maintain a barrier.

Can you cut toughened glass after it’s made?
No. All cuts/notches/holes must be specified before toughening.

What thickness for a shower screen?
8–10 mm toughened is typical for frameless doors/panels. Confirm with hardware guidance.

Is laminated good for sound reduction?
Yes. The interlayer improves acoustic performance vs monolithic panes of similar thickness.

How do I protect visible edges?
Specify polished edges; use compatible gaskets/blocks; avoid point loads on corners.

UK homeowner’s guide. Yellowed or cracked shower door seals cause leaks, squeaks and a tired look. This step-by-step shows you how to choose the correct profiles, measure precisely, remove residue without scratching, and fit new seals for a clean, watertight finish. If you’re comparing glass strength types while upgrading, skim our primer on tempered glass first.