When you ask for a quote on a shower screen, the company usually asks whether you want 6, 8 or 10mm glass. If you don’t know what that means, it’s easy to pick the cheapest thinking the difference is minimal, or the most expensive thinking more is always better. The reality is more nuanced.
What tempered glass is and why it’s mandatory
Tempered glass for shower screens is required under European standard EN 12150. This isn’t optional, it’s a safety requirement.
Tempered glass is made by heating glass to around 620°C and rapidly cooling it. This creates internal stresses that make it 4-5 times stronger than ordinary glass, and when it does break, it does so in small rounded fragments rather than sharp shards.
From there, the difference between thicknesses is a matter of mechanical resistance, weight and rigidity, not basic safety. All three comply with the standard.
6mm glass
The thinnest and lightest. Also the most affordable.
When it’s sufficient:
- Bath screens with one or two opening panels
- Standard shower screens (70-90 cm wide)
- Medium-sized panels (up to 80-90 cm wide per panel)
- When budget is tight and the installation is correct
When it’s not enough:
- Fixed panels wider than 100 cm without reinforcing structure (may vibrate or rattle)
- Single large frameless walk-in panels without lateral support
- High-use environments or communal areas
8mm glass
The current market standard for mid-to-high quality screens. It’s the thickness we install most frequently in full bathroom renovations.
When it makes sense:
- Frameless fixed walk-in panels (8mm holds well for panels up to 120 cm)
- High-use bathrooms (large families, daily intensive use)
- When you want a premium feel with a solid closing sensation
- Any standard shower screen where you want something that lasts 15-20 years
The 8mm is the most balanced choice. The price difference from 6mm isn’t enormous, but the difference in perceived quality and durability is.
10mm glass
The thickest, heaviest and most expensive. Used in high-end installations and large-format walk-ins.
When it makes sense:
- Large format walk-ins (panels 120-160 cm wide)
- Profile-free installations: the glass is anchored only by floor and ceiling fittings, with no lateral frame. In this type of installation 10mm is practically required for structural rigidity
- High-end bathrooms where the substantial feel of the glass is part of the design
- Projects with smoked or silk-screened glass
The 10mm is not necessary in a standard domestic shower. If someone offers you 10mm for a sliding bath screen, you’re probably being sold something oversized.
Comparison table
| Feature | 6mm | 8mm | 10mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Approx. weight (kg/m²) | 15 | 20 | 25 |
| Impact resistance | Medium | High | Very high |
| Rigidity in large panel | Low-medium | High | Very high |
| Relative price | 100% | +15-20% | +35-45% |
| Frameless walk-in | Not recommended | Acceptable up to 100cm | Ideal |
| Sliding screen | Valid | Very good | Oversized |
Available finishes by thickness
Clear: available in all three thicknesses. The standard.
Smoked (grey or bronze): mainly available in 8mm and 10mm.
Satin (matte): available in all three, though the treatment may be less uniform in 6mm.
Silk-screen printing: generally done on 8mm or thicker glass.
Frequently asked questions
Can you see the difference between 6 and 8mm with the naked eye? Yes, especially on the edge of the glass. The 8mm edge is noticeably thicker. The weight difference is also noticeable when you move it with one hand.
Do main brands offer all three thicknesses? The leading brands (Profiltek, Roca, Noken, Duravit) offer their ranges in 6 and 8mm as standard, with 10mm available for specific models or to order.
Is there a maintenance difference depending on thickness? Not in practice. Ease of cleaning depends on the surface treatment (anti-limescale, hydrophobic coating) more than thickness.
If you’re choosing a screen for your renovation, also check our shower screen guide: types and how to choose. And for a complete budget, our bathroom renovation calculator gives you an indicative figure in a few minutes.
