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Glass Shower Enclosure Specs & Safety Standards (2026): A Practical Checklist
“Shower glass” sounds simple until you’re on-site with uneven walls, a tight opening, and a client asking, “Is this compliant?” This guide keeps it readable: what to specify, what to verify, and what to send so your quote and drawings don’t bounce back.
Important: Standards and code requirements vary by region and project type. Use this as an educational checklist and confirm local requirements with your builder/architect/inspector.
GEO quick reference: common standards people search for
| Market | Common reference points | What buyers usually mean | What to verify in your spec pack |
|---|---|---|---|
| US | 16 CFR Part 1201 (CPSC), ANSI Z97.1 | Safety glazing for shower doors/enclosures + permanent marking | Tempered glass, stamp/marking, glass thickness, hardware grade |
| AU/NZ | AS 1288, AS/NZS 2208 | Selection/installation guidance + safety glass grade | Safety glass grade, thickness vs span, fixing method, waterproofing |
| UK/EU | EN 14428 | Functional requirements + test methods for shower enclosures | Door function (sliding/hinged), durability, sealing, install instructions |
| Hotels / multifamily | Often “domestic” standards + facility requirements | High-use durability + easy maintenance | Spare parts plan, replaceable seals, consistent hardware, cleaning access |
1) Glass type & thickness: what to specify first
For most shower enclosures, the baseline is tempered (toughened) safety glass. Thickness depends on the design (framed vs frameless), panel span, and how much flex you can tolerate. If you only remember one thing: thicker glass reduces deflection—but increases weight and hardware load.
| Use case | Typical thickness range | Notes that prevent rework |
|---|---|---|
| Framed / semi‑frameless | 6mm–8mm | More frame support, lighter hardware; confirm channel size and gasket type. |
| Frameless sliding door | 8mm–10mm | Rollers/track must match weight; check header support and wall conditions. |
| Frameless hinged door | 10mm–12mm | Hinge capacity matters; out‑of‑plumb walls require shimming strategy. |
| Commercial / high‑use | 10mm (common) / project‑specific | Prioritize durability + serviceability: standardized seals and spare rollers. |
2) Safety glazing markings: the fastest way to “prove” tempered glass
Inspectors and contractors often look for a permanent marking (stamp) on the glass. In the US, for example, safety glazing requirements for shower doors/enclosures are addressed in 16 CFR Part 1201, and ANSI Z97.1 is a common performance/marking reference. In AU/NZ, guidance commonly points to AS 1288 and AS/NZS 2208.
Tip: Ask for photos of the glass stamp/marking during pre‑production sampling. It reduces “is this compliant?” delays on delivery.
3) Hardware & finish: corrosion exposure is the real decision
Hardware is where “looks fine in photos” turns into callbacks. For wet areas, the practical questions are: Is it stainless? Which grade? Is the finish stable? Are seals replaceable?
| Environment | Common hardware choice | What to state in your spec |
|---|---|---|
| Standard indoor bathroom | Stainless (often 304) / quality plated brass | Material + finish (brushed / polished / matte black) + matching accessories. |
| Coastal / pool / salty air | Higher corrosion resistance (often 316) | Grade requirement, cleaning expectations, and spare part availability. |
| Hotels / multifamily | Serviceable rollers, standardized seals | Replaceable wear parts, consistent SKUs across rooms, maintenance access. |
4) Tolerances & waterproofing: where projects usually fail
- Wall out‑of‑plumb: specify allowable adjustment range (channels, shims, or custom scribe).
- Opening measurement: confirm finished tile-to-tile dimensions, not framing.
- Seal strategy: define sweep seals, vertical seals, and threshold/water bar details.
- Silicone plan: clarify where sealant is applied (and where it is not) to avoid messy installs.
- Door swing/slide clearance: note handle projection and towel bar conflicts early.
5) Commercial specs that save time (hotel, multifamily, rentals)
Commercial bathrooms don’t fail because the glass is “too thin” — they fail because the design isn’t easy to maintain. If your project is high‑use, add these to the spec:
- Spare parts: seals, rollers, handles (same model across units).
- Easy cleaning: fewer ledges, accessible hardware, optional protective coating.
- Repeatability: consistent hinge/roller SKUs to simplify maintenance.
- Room-to-room tolerances: define what “acceptable variance” looks like before production.
Copy/paste spec pack: send this to get accurate drawings
Spec Pack (copy/paste):
- Project type: home / multifamily / hotel
- Market: US/CA • AU/NZ • UK/EU (city/region)
- Layout: sliding / hinged / fixed panel + door
- Finished opening (tile-to-tile): width × height (mm/in)
- Glass: tempered; thickness (6/8/10/12mm) or “recommend based on span”
- Hardware: material grade (e.g., 304/316), finish color
- Fixing: U‑channel / clamps / hinge type / roller system
- Waterproofing: threshold/water bar, seal type, preferred silicone locations
- Exposure: coastal / pool / standard indoor
- Delivery: destination city + zip/postcode, floor/room notes if needed
Note on customization: custom shower enclosures are case‑by‑case. Site conditions and local requirements decide the final spec.
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