Glass Thickness Guide
The thickness of your shower glass influences both its appearance and application. Whether you're choosing a lightweight bath screen or a large frameless walk-in enclosure, selecting the correct glass thickness helps achieve the right balance of strength, stability and aesthetics.
This guide explains the differences between 6mm, 8mm and 10mm toughened safety glass, helping you choose the most suitable option for your project.
At a Glance
Thickness
6mm
8mm
10mm
Best For
Lightweight Screens
Most frameless enclosures
Large glass panels
Appearance
Slim & practical
Premium
Luxury
Typical Use
Small hinged screens
Walk-in screens, door & enclosures
Oversized walk-in screens & statement installations
What glass thickness should I choose?
For most frameless shower enclosures, 8mm glass is the most popular option.
It offers the best balance of strength, weight and overall appearance, making it suitable for the majority of installations.
6mm Glass
6mm glass is available where required, but is generally used for more specific applications.
It is lighter in weight, but does not provide the same solid feel or visual presence as thicker glass.
For this reason, it is not commonly specified for frameless enclosures where a more substantial, high-quality finish is desired.
8mm Glass (Most Popular)
8mm glass is the most popular choice and is what we recommend for most shower screens and enclosures.
It offers:
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A strong, durable construction
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A solid, high-quality feel
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A well-balanced weight for ease of use
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A clean, premium appearance
This thickness works well across a wide range of layouts and is suitable for both fixed panels and hinged screens.
8mm glass is available in a range of finishes, including clear, ultra clear and frosted. Explore our Glass Options Guide to compare the available glass types.
10mm Glass
10mm glass provides a thicker, heavier appearance and is often chosen for larger panels or where a more substantial look is preferred.
However, it is noticeably heavier, which can affect usability in certain situations — particularly with hinged panels or doors where additional weight may impact movement.
We will advise where 10mm glass is beneficial and where a lighter option may be more suitable.
Panels can also be specified with our Redleys Easy-Clean protective coating to help reduce the build-up of limescale and make ongoing maintenance easier.
Which thickness is right for my shower?
The best choice depends on your layout, panel size and how the screen will be used.
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8mm → best all-round option for most installations
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10mm → suited to larger panels or where a heavier look is desired
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6mm → used for specific applications where appropriate
Is thicker glass stronger?
Yes, although all Redleys shower glass is manufactured from toughened safety glass. Thicker glass generally offers greater rigidity and a more substantial feel, making it particularly suitable for larger frameless installations.
Is 10mm glass better than 8mm?
No.
It depends on the application.
8mm is ideal for most shower enclosures.
10mm is often chosen for larger panels and a more premium appearance.
Is 6mm glass safe?
Absolutely.
All Redleys shower glass is manufactured from toughened safety glass.
6mm is commonly used for smaller shower screens.
Need help Choosing?
If you’re unsure which thickness is right for your space, we’re happy to help.
Send us your layout, measurements or photos and we’ll guide you through the best option.