How To Choose the Best Glass for Frameless Shower Doors 

How To Choose the Best Glass for Frameless Shower Doors: Key Takeaways 

• When choosing glass for your frameless shower door, consider glass thickness and type, maintenance needs, and design  

• Mistakes to avoid include picking the wrong glass thickness, skipping protective coatings, and ignoring safety 

• To keep your shower glass looking new for years, wipe it down regularly, use gentle cleaners, and check hardware and seals 

• Buy from a trusted supplier to ensure top quality and reliable installation 

Your shower area renovation is going as planned: you’ve picked the tiles and the fixtures. But now you face a deceptively simple dilemma: choosing the right glass for your frameless shower door. 

Will any glass do? What do you need to consider when considering your options? 

This guide will break down: 

• How to choose the right glass for your frameless shower door 

• What mistakes to avoid when making the decision 

• Tips to keep your frameless shower door looking new for years 

How To Choose the Best Glass for Frameless Shower Doors 

At first glance, choosing shower glass seems like picking up what you like best. But the real decision goes much deeper: into safety, function, and daily upkeep.  

1. Determine the Glass Thickness You Need 

Glass thickness directly impacts the door’s strength, stability, and overall feel. Typically, you’ll choose between: 

• 3/8 inch (10 mm): Probably the most popular choice, this option is rigid enough to hold a frameless door while having a relatively light weight for easy installation. It’s recommended for standard-sized residential bathrooms, condo or apartment showers, and guest bathrooms. 

• 1/2 inch (12 mm): This glass is thicker, looks stronger, and is used in showers where you need extra stability; for example, in luxury master bathrooms, large walk-in areas, or custom spa-style showers. Note that thicker glass is heavy, requiring sturdier hardware, hinges, and brackets. You’ll also need professionals to install it.  

2. Choose the Right Type of Glass 

Wet, high-traffic areas like bathrooms need special precautions to ensure safety, as it’s easy to slip and fall.  

That’s why it’s key to opt for durable glass types that are resistant to impact and, when broken, will minimize the risk of injury. 

The two most common options include: 

• Tempered glass: Considered the industry standard, this glass type is up to five times stronger than standard glass due to the heating process used for its production. If it breaks, it crumbles into blunt pieces rather than sharp shards that ensure you stay safe from cuts. 

• Laminated glass: Used in high-end or custom projects, it has a layer of resin or film between two glass panes, which adds extra soundproofing and protection. If smashed, the interlayer holds the fragments together. You can also find tempered laminated glass for added protection. 

3. Consider Your Bathroom Design 

The glass choice for your frameless shower door can make or break the look and feel of your bathroom. Think about visual transparency, lighting, and privacy.  

You may choose from various options like: 

• Clear glass: The most common type of shower glass, it gives your bathroom an open feel and is an excellent choice for modern bathrooms and small spaces, making them appear larger. 

• Low-iron glass: Much like clear glass but without the greenish tint, this type reveals a clear view of your bathroom design. It’s best for high-end bathrooms with colorful tiles and black or white accents. 

• Frosted or etched glass: Having a soft, blurry look, this glass adds to your privacy while still letting in natural light. It’s a great choice for shared bathrooms, master suites, or spa-style settings. 

• Tinted glass: Available in gray or bronze, tinted glass adds an exquisite touch to your shower area, suppressing bright light. Choose it when you want to tone down strong lighting or give your shower space a cozier feel. 

• Textured or patterned glass: Featuring waves, dots, or rain patterns pressed into the surface, this glass type helps hide water spots and fingerprints, which is ideal for statement showers and busy households. 

4. Factor in Maintenance and Cleaning  

A new bathroom always looks elegant and revitalizing. Until it’s no longer new. Can you keep the fresh appearance longer? It’s possible with the right glass type.  

Consider the following: 

• Clear and low-iron glass: These types give your shower area an airy feel but make water spots, soap streaks, and fingerprints more visible. To keep them looking spotless, opt for a protective coating so you don’t need to spend the weekend scrubbing. 

• Frosted and patterned glass: Both options help disguise smudges, spots, and streaks, making them a great favorite with busy homes or low-maintenance homeowners.  

5. Shop at a Trusted Glass Supplier or Manufacturer 

You think that’s all? Here’s another expert tip: look for a reliable supplier or manufacturer that offers:  

• Certified, safety-rated glass products ️(Make sure the glass carries certifications such as ANSI Z97.1 or CPSC 16 CFR 1201, confirming it meets the U.S. safety regulations). 

• A variety of thickness and designs options 

• Custom sizes 

• Friendly customer support 

Common Mistakes To Avoid When Choosing Shower Glass 

Selecting frameless shower glass may seem simple, but overlooking details may lead to long-term hassle.  

Choosing the Wrong Thickness 

Going for glass that’s too thin can compromise stability. Going too thick may add unnecessary weight and increase the cost for material and installation.  

Assuming All Glass Looks the Same 

Standard clear glass has a natural greenish tint. If you have a high-end or light-colored bathroom, and want a truly transparent, color-neutral look, you might like opting for low-iron glass.   

Overlooking Protective Coatings 

Glass that doesn’t have a water-repellent coating is more likely to collect water spots, soap scum, and mineral residue, affecting its beautiful appearance and increasing cleaning time.  

Prioritizing Looks Over Safety 

Frameless shower doors must use tempered or tempered-laminated safety glass that meets building codes and prevents injury. Any other type can be unsafe and non-compliant. 

Keep Your Shower Glass Looking New: Long-Term Care Tips 

With the renovation finally done, your bathroom feels fresh and inviting. Now the real challenge is keeping it that way. 

Wipe Down After Each Use 

Water spots and mineral buildup make your shower door look dull and old. Use a squeegee or microfiber cloth to wipe the surface after every shower. 

Use Mild, Non-Abrasive Cleaners 

No one likes scratches on glass. If you see some, that may be the result of harsh chemicals. Avoid abrasive pads and clean the door with pH-balanced cleaners or white vinegar and water solution. 

Refresh Protective Coatings  

Glass coatings can wear down over time. Make sure to ask your installer when you’ll need to reapply coatings and whether you can use DIY products. 

Inspect Hardware and Seals 

Loose hinges or worn-out seals can cause leaks or compromise glass. Check regularly if the door moves smoothly and fix issues before they turn into problems. 

Clean the Tracks  

If you have a sliding door with a bottom track, clean hair, grime, and mold with routine cleaning. 

For more insights into cleaning glass shower doors, check out our detailed guide. 

Shop Glass for Frameless Shower Doors at Steel City

 Serving Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C., Steel City Glass has been delivering high-quality custom glass solutions like mirrors, cabinet glass, glass shelving, and insulated glass for residential and commercial projects since 2000. 

Our products are: 

• Tailored for strength, style, and long-term performance 

• Certified and insured so you have peace of mind that your glass is safe to use 

• Installed with care and precision to ensure aesthetic appeal and functional use 

Transform your space with bespoke solutions from Steel City Glass. 

How To Choose the Best Glass for Frameless Shower Doors: FAQs 

What’s the lifespan of frameless shower glass? 

Tempered or laminated glass can last for 15–20+ years if you take proper care. 

Is it worth buying glass with a protective coating? 

Protective coatings are worth the extra cost if you want to spend less time cleaning. They don’t allow for accumulation of mineral deposits and soap and keep your shower clean with less effort. 

Can tinted glass make my shower area too dark? 

Tinted glass comes in gray or bronze shades and may slightly darken your shower area. It’s a good option for bathrooms with large windows and good lighting.