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Buying guide

3/8" vs. 1/2" Shower Glass: Which Thickness Should You Choose?

Most frameless shower doors use either 3/8" or 1/2" tempered glass. Both are strong and safe. The difference is feel, weight and cost.

Corner frameless shower with brushed gold hinges
Corner frameless shower with brushed gold hinges

3/8" glass

This is the most common choice. It's lighter, puts less strain on hinges and walls, and costs less. It works well for most standard doors and enclosures.

1/2" glass

Half-inch glass feels heavier and more solid when you open the door. It's a good choice for wide doors, tall fixed panels and high-end bathrooms. It needs heavier hinges and solid wall blocking behind the tile.

Tempered is required

Building codes require safety glass in showers and tub enclosures. All of our shower glass is tempered, which is much stronger than regular glass and breaks into small pieces instead of sharp shards.

Clear or low-iron?

Standard clear glass has a slight green tint you can see on the edges. Low-iron glass is ultra-clear and shows white or marble tile in its true color. It costs a bit more.

Questions

FAQ

Is 1/2" glass safer than 3/8"?

Both are tempered safety glass and both are safe for showers. Half-inch is heavier and stiffer, not safer.

Can my walls hold 1/2" glass?

Usually, if there's solid blocking behind the hinges. We check this when we measure.

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