Does Shower Screen Strength Depend On Glass Thickness?

A white bathroom with a walk-in shower enclosure made of clear thick glass panels.

Trendy frameless or glass shower screens are all the talk these days; from sleek to modern havens, they turn an Aussie’s bathroom into a whole new aesthetic. However, with all the open areas comes a worry about whether the glass thickness is tough enough to handle your typical shower routine.

Are frameless shower screens less durable than framed ones?

Framed shower screens might seen sturdier due to frames but that’s not the whole story. The truth is, framed screens often use thinner glass panels (around 6mm). This means that the frame provides extra support on the glass. On the other hand, frameless screens depend solely on the strength of the glass, so they typically use thicker panels ranging from 8mm to 10mm.

At first glance, the framed screen might seem more solid, but the increased glass thickness in frameless can be as tough or tougher.

How does glass thickness impact frameless shower screen strength?

In Australia, there are rules to ensure your shower screen is safe. The standard shower screen thickness depends on the size and setup. Generally, a minimum of 6mm of toughened (tempered) glass is okay for smaller screens. But for more extensive panels or those with unsupported edges, you’ll want at least 8mm or even 10mm thick glass for ultimate safety and durability. This implies that minimum thickness is needed for maximum safety. 

What are the benefits of thicker glasses?

Thicker glass isn’t all about being a safety champ (though that’s a plus!). Here’s why a thicker slab might be the right call for your fancy frameless shower:

  • No more shower wobble: Think diving board. A flimsy board bends easily, but a thick one feels solid. The same goes for glass! Thicker panels are sturdier, making the whole screen feel less like it might flex under pressure. This is especially important for bigger showers.
  • Shower serenade without the complaints: Thicker glass muffles noise and vibrations better, making your shower a more peaceful experience. No more waking the household with your epic shower jams!
  • Fancy vibes on a budget: A thicker panel makes your shower screen look more high-end and swanky, adding a touch of luxury to your bathroom without breaking the bank.

Bathroom with a walk-in shower featuring a thick frameless shower screen glass door.

  • Cleaning like a boss: Thicker glass tends to be flatter and smoother, making it easier to wipe down and keep sparkling clean. Less scrubbing, more singing in the shower!
  • Think of it as simple: The thicker the glass, the stronger the barrier, just like choosing a thicker steak for a more satisfying sizzle!

Beyond glass thickness: What makes a frameless shower screen durable?

While glass thickness plays a key role, it’s not the only player on the team. Picking the right glass is an important thing to consider for a long-lasting shower screen.

The type of glass used also affects how tough your shower screen is. In Australia, building codes require safety glasses for shower screens. 

  • So, toughened glass is the all-star for frameless showers. It’s been through a special heat training session that makes it stronger than your average window pane. No worries, if it ever breaks (fingers crossed it doesn’t!), it explodes into a million tiny, not-so-sharp pieces instead of turning into giant, stabby daggers.
  • Laminated glass is another choice, like a super strong sandwich. It’s two or more pieces of glass stuck together with a clear plastic layer in the middle. So even if it breaks, the plastic keeps everything together, like a safety net for your shower. Additionally, laminated glass is cool but a bit more pricey than toughened glass. For most home showers, good-quality toughened glass is the way to go!

Now, the hardware that holds the glass in place is also essential. You want stuff like stainless steel or solid brass – basically champs regarding moisture and wear and tear.

Finally, even the best shower needs a good installer. If someone installs it wonky, it’s more likely to move around and break. Find someone with a good professional who knows frameless showers.

How to balance safety, durability, and budget?

So you wanna ditch the tired shower frame and rock a sleek, frameless look in your Aussie bathroom? Rad! But hold on a sec, with all this talk of glass thickness and stuff, you might be thinking – what on earth do you need?

Don’t sweat it! The key is finding the sweet spot between safety, how long it’ll last, and not blowing your budget.  Here’s the lowdown:

  • Safety first: Make sure the glass is thick enough for your shower’s size and style. Toughened glass is your best mate here – it’s super strong, and if something (hopefully not!) happens, it won’t turn into a million tiny daggers.
  • Don’t be a crackhead (Durability matters): Think about how big your shower is and how often you’ll be belting out shower tunes. For bigger showers or ones with fancy bits sticking out, grab 8mm or even 10mm thick glass. This makes it sturdier, less likely to crack, and bonus – it’s quieter and easier to clean!
  • Cash is king (Budget bliss): Toughened glass is usually the most wallet-friendly option. Laminated glass is the ultimate safety net, but it’ll cost you a bit more. Weigh the pros and cons based on your needs and how much moolah you’re willing to spend.

Large modern bathroom with a walk-in shower featuring a frameless glass door.

With this in mind, you need to consider where to get quality thick glass for frameless shower screens.

Still feeling unsure? Kwikglass can help!

We get it; you want that swanky, frameless shower screen for your Aussie bathroom! At Kwikglass, we’re all about helping you create a bathroom that looks schmick and works a treat. We’ve got a bunch of top-notch frameless shower screens with different glass thicknesses and fancy hardware to match your style, all without wrecking your budget. Our team will be there to help you pick the perfect one and install it like champs, so you can enjoy your awesome shower for years to come.

We’ll help you find the perfect frameless shower screen that’s stylish and built to last! We offer free frameless shower quotes & consultations!