GLASS SIZE MADE SIMPLE
What You Need to Know Before You Buy
Planning a project that involves glass, like a new shower, window or railing? The single biggest decision is choosing the right size and thickness. Getting this right ensures your project looks great and most importantly safe.
Here is a straightforward guide to the common sizes and strengths of glass.
Thickness: How Strong Does Your Glass Need to Be?
The thickness of the glass (the gauge) determines its strength and what it can be used for. We measure this in millimeters (mm).
| Glass Thickness | What It’s Usually Used For | The Simple Rule |
|---|---|---|
| 2mm–4mm | Picture frames, small cabinet glass, greenhouses and shed windows. | Used indoors only. Delicate — must be framed and protected. |
| 6mm | Kitchen splashbacks, shelves, glass tabletops and small side tables. | Good for flat surfaces that won’t be leaned or pushed on. |
| 8mm–10mm | Frameless shower doors, large glass tabletops, office partitions. | Standard for most frameless installations — strong & clear. |
| 12mm | Walk-on glass floors, full glass walls, heavy-duty countertops. | Very strong — used where glass must bear weight. |
Panel Size: When Can You Go Big?
Glass comes in huge sheets and we cut them down to fit your space. While we can custom-cut nearly anything, here are some points on how panel size works:
The Big Slab: Standard glass sheets are massive, often over 10 feet long. Your specific piece is cut from this sheet.
The Safest Size: Always work with your installer. For safety reasons, extremely large windows, doors or railings will often need to be made from a laminated glass (two layers of glass bonded together) for maximum safety or they may need to be split into multiple smaller panels.
Common Project Size Considerations
| Project Type | Typical Thickness Used | What Limits The Size |
|---|---|---|
| Shower Doors | 8mm or 10mm (toughened) | The weight of the glass, hinge strength and the opening size. |
| Glass Railings | 12mm to 21.5mm (laminated safety) | Building codes and the need to withstand heavy push or falls. |
| Window Panes | 4mm to 6mm (toughened or laminated) | Size of the frame and whether the window opens or is fixed. |
