Which Thickness Is Better for Your Shower Enclosure? 6mm vs 8mm vs 10mm in the UK

Picking the right shower enclosure isn't just about style or size. Often times thickness of the glass matters more than you might think. If the glass is too thin, it might feel flimsy. Too thick, and it could eat into your budget or overwhelm a small space. If you're going through the same confusion, this blog will break down the 6mm vs 8mm vs 10mm glass for shower enclosures, wet rooms, and walk-in shower enclosure. debate in plain terms.

Why Does Shower Enclosure Glass Thickness Matter?

In a modern UK bathroom, the glass shower enclosure boasts elegant gold fixtures. The dark herringbone-tiled walls contrast beautifully with the white shower base, while a small shelf conveniently holds toiletries.

Shower glass isn't "one size fits all." Thicker glass feels sturdier. It reduces noise and can add a touch of luxury. On the other hand, thinner glass is lighter, cheaper, and works well in compact bathrooms. But there's more to it. Let's compare 6mm and 8mm glass across five key factors.

1. Durability: Will It Last?

All 6mm,8mm, and 10mm glass are toughened (tempered) to meet UK safety standards. In other words, they are designed to shatter into small, blunt pieces if broken. Whereas, thicker glass handles daily wear effectively.

6mm Glass: It is perfectly durable for most homes. Thin glass resists scratches and chips during normal use. However, it may flex slightly if leaned on, which could affect hinges or seals over time if the bathroom is frequently used.
8mm Glass: It sets a solid structure. Compared to 6mm glass, it supports flexing. This makes it ideal for frequent use (or enthusiastic teenagers). 8mm glass works well in busy households or along with frameless designs needing extra stability.
10mm Glass: A less common option in the UK probably due to higher costs, 10mm glass shower screen for shower enclosures, wet rooms and walk in showers offer superior strength and durability. Their thickness makes them rigid even under pressure and reduces stress on fixtures and hinges. However, they are heavier to hand. Prefer these if you have high traffic use and want to create a luxurious look.

2. Cost: What's the Damage?

This elegant UK glass shower enclosure features a sleek black metal frame and a rain showerhead. It's set against white tiles and a green wall, with a cozy shelf holding towels and toiletries. The glass’s ideal thickness ensures both style and durability in your bathroom oasis.

Budget often drives decisions when it comes to renovating new bathrooms. Here's the rough breakdown:

6mm Glass: Costs about 15-25% less than 8mm glass versions. It can be a great choice if you're renovating on a budget, especially if you're prioritising other fancy tile upgrades.
8mm Glass: It comes with a higher price tag and offers higher perceived value. If you want a "premium finish" for your bathroom upgrades, 8mm glass panels will set an opulent finish.
10mm glass shower enclosure. It is priced higher in comparison to 6mm ad 8mm shower screens. This thickness is usually preferred for commercial and highly customized installation where luxury, and spa like finish is higher priority.

3. Aesthetics: Which Looks Better?

It goes without saying that thicker glass has a heftier, more luxurious appearance. Consequently, it's often used in frameless enclosures for a sleek and modern look. Thinner glass looks lighter and less imposing, which suits smaller spaces.

6mm Glass: It aligns with traditional or compact bathroom setups. Thin glass panels also pair nicely with frames for a simplistic outlook.
8mm Glass: Whereas, thick 8mm versions make a profound statement. It's mainly preferred for open, minimalist bathrooms where the shower is a focal point. If combined with the right aesthetics, it can create a spa-like environment in the room.
10mm Glass: Brings luxurious and contemporary charm to the space. Perfect for large and luxurious bathrooms, a 10mm glass shower enclosure, wet rooms, and walk-in showers will create a high-end look and feel.

4. Installation: Does Thickness Affect Fitting?

Thicker glass is heavier, which might require adjustments:

6mm Glass: When it comes to installation, 6mm glass panels feel lighter and easier to handle. The best part is that they fit most existing setups, even in rented homes.
8mm Glass: For 8mm glass panels, installation support (like reinforced walls or floor brackets) is often needed. It is important to check with a qualified installer - retrofitting could add costs.
10mm Glass. For the installation especially DIY tasks, homeowners prefer less heavy options. 10mm shower enclosure glass panels are the heaviest option and require professional installation. It is because these require strong anchoring, precise measurement, and potentially reinforced wall structure depending on where you want to install them.

5. Noise & Insulation: Does It Muffle Sound?

A modern bathroom features a sleek shower enclosure with glass options, beautifully tiled walls, a touch of greenery in the plant, a towel on a hook, and toiletries neatly organized in a basket.

If you would rather not hear every splash from the bathroom, prefer thicker glass panels.

6mm Glass: It goes without saying, that thinner glass panels let through more sound. 6mm panels only work best if your bathroom is tucked away into a corner of the house.
8mm Glass: Thicker glass works better to dampen noise coming in and out of the bathroom. It also comes in handy for ensuite showers near bedrooms.
10mm Glass: Among all 10mm thickness of glass shower cubicles, offers the best noise insulation. Thanks to added density and higher thickness it absorbs more sound making it perfect for master bathrooms, spa-like spaces and commercial buildings. If sound is your top priority then 10mm glass delivers a more serene showering experience.

*UK safety regulations require that shower glass meet rigorous standards for safety and durability. Therefore, manufacturers ensure that regardless of whether you choose 6mm, 8mm, or 10mm glass, your panels are tested and certified with as BS EN12150 and CE marking, for impact resistance and overall performance.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to choosing the right shower enclosure, wet room or walk-in shower, the thickness of the shower screen is an important matter. Each thickness discussed above, whether 6mm, 8mm, or 10mm, offers unique benefits; therefore, there is no one size fit option. You should consider your requirements and preferences to pick the right thickness for your shower enclosure.

Here we have a comparison of 6mm, 8mm, and 10mm shower enclosure glass commonly used in the UK:

Feature	6mm Glass	8mm Glass	10mm Glass
Durability	Standard, suitable for most homes	Stronger, ideal for daily use	Very robust, high resistance to wear and tear
Cost	Most budget-friendly	Mid-range, good value for money	Premium price point
Aesthetics	Slim, minimal, works with frames	Thicker, more modern suits, frameless designs	Bold, luxurious, best for frameless, open spaces
Noise Insulation	Basic soundproofing	Moderate sound dampening	Excellent sound insulation
Installation	Easy DIY or standard fitting	May need added support and professional fitting	Requires expert installation and strong wall fixing
Ideal For	Budget bathrooms, rentals, small spaces	Busy homes, family bathrooms, modern designs	Luxury bathrooms, spa-style enclosures