When you start shopping for your shower glass you will come across a different range of thicknesses that can vary from 4mm to 12mm. However, the most common options in New Zealand are 6mm, 8mm, and 10mm.
6mm Glass Thickness
The typical or standard shower glass thickness is 6mm and it offers a good balance combination between weight and durability. The glass must be able to withstand the force, shocks, and movement when being in use or being cleaned. Commonly these are fully framed or semi-frameless shower doors.
Examples of 6mm Glass Showers
8mm Glass Thickness
If you are looking for a mid-range, then the 8mm will offer you greater sturdiness than the 6mm while still offering a lot of options for replacement parts, fixtures, and fittings. Sliding doors are often 8mm as they need the rigidity but also can’t have too much weight to run smoothly for many years to come
Examples of 8mm Glass Showers
10mm Glass Thickness
If you are looking for unmatched quality and feel, then the 10mm glass thickness is what you are after. Obviously, the thicker you go the more expensive the product will be. It is worth noting that 10mm showers are often frameless.
Examples of 10mm Glass Showers
Ensure that your glass is 'safety glass'
‘Safety glass’ is designed to withstand much more force than non-safety glass, so it is harder to break therefore minimising any risks of injury to yourself. Safety glass is law in New Zealand with all shower glass needing to meet the AS/NZS2208:1996.
To ensure that your glass is a safety glass, each panel must be marked with:
- The name, registered trademark, or code of the manufacturer or supplier.
- The type of safety glazing material (for example, T for toughened glass)
- The Standard to which the material has been tested, such as AS/NZS 2208
- The Classification for Impact Test Behaviour (for example, A for Grade A)
Comparisons
6mm vs 8mm Shower Glass
If you have a budget in mind, then choosing a 6mm over 8mm makes sense as it will be cheaper. Both 6mm and 8mm offer a wide variety of replacement parts, fixtures, and fittings. While 6mm shower glass is safe, an 8mm will offer a higher level of quality and therefore give you more peace of mind.
6mm/8mm vs a 10mm Shower Glass
As mentioned, if you are after a high-quality and great feel, then the 10mm shower glass option is the way to go. The only downside of a 10mm is its price which is higher than the other options.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing the thickness of your shower glass will come depending on your personal preference and budget size. If possible, we recommend you upgrade the shower thickness as we believe this is a worthwhile investment in the look, feel, and safety of your shower.
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