Common Mistakes People Make When Ordering Tempered Glass

Tempered glass, also known as toughened glass, is widely used in homes and commercial spaces for applications such as shower doors, glass railings, partitions, tabletops, and kitchen backsplashes. Its strength, safety features, and sleek appearance make it a top choice for architects, builders, and homeowners.

However, many people make costly mistakes when ordering tempered glass. Unlike ordinary glass, tempered glass cannot be cut, drilled, or modified after tempering, so errors in measurement, specification, or selection can lead to wasted materials, delays, and additional costs. This guide explains the most common mistakes people make and how to avoid them.

1. Incorrect Measurements

One of the biggest mistakes is ordering tempered glass with incorrect dimensions. Since tempered glass panels cannot be resized after manufacturing:

A few millimeters too large or too small can make the glass unusable.
Mistakes often happen with frameless shower doors, glass shelves, or tabletops where precision is critical.

Tips to avoid measurement errors:

Measure twice, preferably three times.
Account for tolerances specified by the glass manufacturer.
Consider hardware clearance if the glass will fit into a frame or have mounting brackets.

For high-accuracy measurements, many homeowners rely on professionals to ensure the right tempered glass sheet size. (Guardian Glass – Glass Installation Tips)

2. Choosing the Wrong Glass Thickness

Tempered glass comes in various thicknesses, from 6mm to 19mm or more. Selecting the wrong thickness can affect:

Strength – Thinner glass may flex or break under load.
Safety – Building codes often require certain thicknesses for balustrades, shower enclosures, and partitions.
Aesthetics – Thicker glass can give a premium look; thinner glass looks delicate.

Common mistake: assuming all applications can use 8mm glass. In reality:

Shower doors: often 8–10mm
Glass tabletops: 10–12mm
Balustrades/railings: 12–19mm

Referencing a thickness guide like GlassMirrorPro’s tempered glass guide ensures you select the right panel for your project.

3. Ignoring Glass Type and Finish

Tempered glass is available in multiple finishes:

Clear – Standard look
Frosted or sandblasted – Privacy or decorative purposes
Tinted or colored – Sunlight reduction and aesthetics
Low-iron – Extra clarity for high-end designs

A common mistake is ordering clear glass for a bathroom where privacy is essential, or forgetting to choose a finish that complements the interior design.

Tip: Consult the supplier about available finishes and coatings before ordering. (Pilkington – Glass Finishes)

4. Not Accounting for Tempered Glass Limitations

Tempered glass is extremely strong, but it has limitations:

Cannot be cut, drilled, or modified after tempering.
Sharp edge damage during installation can cause spontaneous breakage.
Direct flame or excessive localized heat can exceed thermal limits.

Many people assume tempered glass can handle any type of modification, which often leads to project delays or damaged panels. (Huide Glass – Tempered Glass Properties)

5. Overlooking Edge Finishing Requirements

Edges are critical in tempered glass. Rough or unfinished edges can:

Compromise strength
Cause safety issues during installation
Lead to chipping or breakage

Common mistakes include:

Forgetting to specify polished, beveled, or rounded edges
Ignoring manufacturer recommendations for installation hardware

Tip: Always check with your supplier regarding edge finishing options and installation guidelines. (Guardian Glass – Edge Finishing)

6. Misunderstanding Hardware Compatibility

Tempered glass often needs brackets, hinges, or mounting channels. A common mistake is ordering glass without checking:

Whether the hardware can accommodate the panel thickness
If holes or cutouts are required (cannot be drilled after tempering)
Proper clearances for sliding doors or frameless systems

Many failures occur when hardware specifications are ignored. Pre-planning ensures that tempered glass panels fit perfectly into their intended applications. (Itigalgamuwa – Glass and Aluminum Structures)

7. Neglecting Delivery and Handling Considerations

Tempered glass is durable but fragile during transport. People often underestimate the need for:

Proper packaging
Gentle handling
Professional installation

Small chips, scratches, or edge damage can cause panel failure after installation, sometimes days later. Always request professional delivery and installation if available.

8. Not Consulting Building Codes or Safety Standards

Building codes often specify:

Minimum thickness for balustrades, staircases, and shower doors
Safety glass requirements in bathrooms and public areas
Impact resistance standards for commercial applications

Failing to comply can lead to legal liabilities, insurance issues, or failed inspections. (International Building Code – Glass & Glazing)

9. Ordering Without Considering Customization Options

Tempered glass can be custom cut to size before tempering. People often make mistakes by:

Ordering pre-sized panels that don’t fit exact dimensions
Forgetting to account for holes for faucets, handles, or mounts
Overlooking unique shapes or angles

Always work with a supplier who offers customizable tempered glass sheets or panels, such as GlassMirrorPro’s range.

10. Choosing Low-Quality Suppliers

Finally, the most critical mistake is choosing cheap or unverified suppliers. Poor-quality tempered glass may:

Shatter unexpectedly
Have uneven thickness
Lack certification for safety and thermal resistance

Always verify:

Compliance with safety standards
Material certification (ANSI, EN, or local regulations)
Positive reviews and installation support

Conclusion

Ordering tempered glass requires careful planning, accurate measurements, and attention to detail. Common mistakes include:

Incorrect measurements
Choosing the wrong thickness
Ignoring glass type and finish
Misunderstanding limitations of tempered glass
Neglecting edge finishing
Hardware incompatibility
Poor delivery and handling
Ignoring building codes
Not customizing for your needs
Selecting low-quality suppliers

Avoiding these errors ensures that your tempered glass panels are safe, durable, and aesthetically perfect for your home or commercial project.

For reliable, high-quality tempered glass options that are cut to size, certified, and customizable, explore tempered glass panels at GlassMirrorPro.