When shopping for a shower glass enclosure, thickness is a specification that gets less attention than it deserves. The thickness of the glass affects how the door feels when you open and close it, how it sounds, how well it holds its position, and to some extent how it looks. Here’s what you need to know.
Shower glass typically comes in three thicknesses: 3/16 inch (5mm), 3/8 inch (10mm), and 1/2 inch (12mm). Some framed enclosures use 1/4 inch (6mm) glass. The thicker the glass, the heavier, more solid, and more premium the feel.
The thinnest option is typically found in framed shower enclosures where the frame itself provides structural support. It’s the most economical option. The glass moves more easily and the enclosure feels less substantial, which is appropriate for the price point.
This is the most common choice for semi-frameless enclosures and entry-level frameless designs. It provides a noticeably more substantial feel than 3/16 inch glass and works well in most residential shower applications. Fleurco’s enclosures in this thickness offer excellent value.
Half-inch glass is the premium standard for frameless shower enclosures. The door is noticeably heavy, closes with authority, and the entire enclosure has a solidity that reads as high quality. At this thickness, hardware quality is equally important — the hinges and brackets need to be engineered for the weight.
Regardless of thickness, all shower glass is tempered safety glass — it’s heat-treated to be far stronger than standard glass and, if it does break, shatters into small rounded pieces rather than dangerous shards.
We carry Fleurco shower glass in multiple configurations at Vanity Mart’s Waterloo showroom. Visit us at 1-90 Frobisher Drive or call 519-886-3240.
