Frameless shower glass is commonly 3/8 inch (10 mm) or 1/2 inch (12 mm), with lighter doors sometimes using 5/16 inch (8 mm). The right thickness depends on the door size and weight, the hinge and hardware ratings, and the look the client wants. It must be tempered safety glass. Thicker glass feels more solid and suits larger doors, but the hardware and the hole spacing have to match the thickness you choose.
JIT Homes supplies frameless shower hardware for project teams. This guide explains how thickness is chosen and how it affects the hardware, so you can spec the glass and hardware together.
Why thickness matters on a frameless door
A framed door is supported by its frame, so the glass can be thin. A frameless door has no frame, so the glass is the structure. That is why frameless doors use thicker glass, and why the thickness drives the hardware: hinges are rated for a glass range, and handles are made for specific thicknesses. Choose the thickness and the hardware follows.
Common thicknesses
These are typical, not universal. Confirm against the hardware ratings and any local requirement.
| Thickness | Typical use | Feel |
|---|---|---|
| 5/16 in (8 mm) | Lighter doors, smaller panels | Lighter, more flex |
| 3/8 in (10 mm) | The common all-round choice | Solid, widely supported by hardware |
| 1/2 in (12 mm) | Larger or premium doors | Heaviest, most solid |
10 mm is the common default for frameless doors because most hinges and handles are made to suit it and it balances feel against weight. 12 mm suits larger doors and a premium feel but adds weight, which raises the demand on the hinges and the wall fixings.
Tempered safety glass
Shower glass must be tempered safety glass, which breaks into small blunt pieces rather than shards. This is a safety requirement, not a preference. When you spec the thickness, you are specifying tempered glass at that thickness. Confirm the requirement for your jurisdiction and that the supplied glass is certified.
How thickness affects the hardware
- Hinges. Each hinge is rated for a glass thickness range and a door weight. Thicker, heavier glass needs hinges rated for it, and sometimes more hinges. See the Shower Door Hinge Types guide.
- Handles. Made for specific thicknesses, with hole spacing drilled into the glass. See the Shower Door Handle Types guide.
- Seals. Sold to fit the glass thickness, so the seal set is matched to the glass. See the Types of Shower Door Seals guide.
This is why the glass thickness is the first decision in the hardware set, not the last.
How to spec
To order glass and hardware that match, provide:
- Door and panel sizes (which drive the weight)
- The chosen thickness, or a request to advise based on door size
- Confirmation the glass is tempered and certified
- Hinge, handle, and seal selections matched to the thickness
Frequently asked questions
What thickness is frameless shower glass? Commonly 3/8 inch (10 mm) or 1/2 inch (12 mm), with lighter doors sometimes 5/16 inch (8 mm). The choice depends on the door size and the hardware.
Is 10 mm or 12 mm better for a shower door? 10 mm is the common all-round choice and is widely supported by hardware. 12 mm suits larger or premium doors but is heavier and raises the demand on the hinges and fixings.
Does shower glass have to be tempered? Yes. Shower glass must be tempered safety glass. Confirm it is certified for your jurisdiction.
Does thicker glass need different hardware? Yes. Hinges are rated for a glass range, handles are made for specific thicknesses, and seals are matched to the glass. Spec the hardware to the thickness.
Spec your shower glass and hardware with JIT Homes
JIT Homes supplies hinges, handles, and seals matched to your glass thickness.
Explore shower hardware or contact us with your door sizes. New to specifying an enclosure? Start with How to Choose Frameless Shower Hardware.