Different Types of Glass & Their Uses

From float glass to toughened and tinted,each glass can be manufactured with a range of physical properties to be used for many different requirements. From large industrial designs to basic domestic windows, the uses are exceedingly large.

Depending on what you intend to use the glass for depends on the type of glass that you will need. Therefore, we advise that you speak to one of our team to make sure you are buying the right glass for your needs.

Flat Glass

Flat glass is the basic first product from the float process of making glass. It has a uniform thickness and makes the base for more advanced types of glass through further processing. This glass tends to break into long shards, and will commonly be used in double-glazing following further treatment.

Where is it used?: Windows, Glass doors,Display cases,Greenhouse glass,Splashbacks

What is it?

  • High degree of light transmission.
  • Range of colours available.
  • Can be created in different opacities.

Why is it used?

  • As the most basic type of glass there is, float glass is a starting material used when processing to create laminated, toughened and coated glass.
  • It is available in a variety of sizes and thicknesses and is used in the glass cutting process so it can be cut to the exact size required for the application.

Toughened Glass/Tempered Glass

Toughened glass can be used in a range of ways; for shower doors, glass furniture, shelves etc, and holds the advantage of being far more resistant to breaks. The cooling process in toughened glass creates counteracting stresses meaning that if it does break, the glass will shatter into small, square fragments rather than shards, decreasing the risk of injury.
Blasting the surface of glass with sand gives it a translucent milky-white appearance, making it a popular technique used for shower doors or front doors where privacy is required, but also some light. This technique can be used against a whole sheet of glass, or can be used to create patterns using a sand-resistant mask.

Where is it used?: Shower doors, glass furniture, glass shelves,Worktops Shower screens,Table tops, Greenhouse glass, Glass shelves, Internal partition walls, Balustrades,Glass floors, Splashbacks (behind hob)

What is it?

  • Also known as tempered glass, toughened glass is created using the thermal tempering process.
  • Structural durability - ultimate safety glass.
  • Thermal strength.
  • During the toughening process, the colour, clarity, composition, light transmission and hardness do not change.

Why is it used?

  • Toughened glass can withstand high temperatures, making it ideal for splashbacks in the kitchen and bathroom areas.
  • Highly resistant to breakages (the panels stay together when broken) - when used for shop front and window displays, toughened glass helps to improve the safety and security of a property.
  • It’s worth noting that this type of glass cannot be re-cut after it has been toughened; it must be cut prior to the toughening process.

Patterned Glass

Patterned glass is typically produced by passing heated glass through rollers containing a regular pattern to be imprinted upon the glass. This type of glass is often used for bathroom windows or doors where, like sandblasted glass, light may be required but not total transparency.

Where is it used?: Doors, bathroom windows,ternal glass walls

What is it?

  • Glass imprinted with a decorative design or pattern.
  • Available in toughened and laminated options for enhanced safety.
  • Includes etched glass

Why is it used?

  • Aesthetical Purposes
  • Privacy
  • Internal partitioning in patterned glass allows for lighter rooms/interiors.

Laminated Glass

Laminated glass is a common option where increased security may be needed, for example, for front doors, store window fronts or car windscreens. Laminated glass is held together by an interlayer, meaning that it will not shatter on impact, reducing the risk of break-ins and any hazards caused by shards of shattered glass.

Where is it used?: Storefronts, Curtain walls, Front doors,Shop Fronts External and internal doors, Vehicle windscreens, Shelving Internal partition walls/doors, Shower screens, Security glass

What is it?

  • Made from two or more layers of glass separated by a bonded interlayer of plastic.
  • Any type of glass can be laminated, from painted to printed.
  • Transparency of the glass isn’t altered.
  • Must comply with EN ISO 12543 specifications.

Why is it used?

  • Strong and durable - it is harder to break than ordinary glass.
  • Energy efficiency e.g. heat insulation.
  • Sound insulation.
  • UV reduction.
  • Grade A safety glass that does not shatter and disperse when broken.
  • Easy to apply colouring.

Mirrored Glass

There are many types of glass available and another type is mirrored glass. Mirrored glass is quite simply a mirror – and can be produced in all sizes, from small bathroom mirrors to full-length wardrobe doors. It is made by applied a metal coating to one side of the glass, typically made of silver, chrome, gold or aluminium.

Where is it used?: Wardrobe doors, Bathroom mirrors,Wall mirrors

What is it?

A metal coating is applied to one side of the glass and sealed with a protective layer for a mirrored effect.

Why is it used?

  • Aesthetic and interior design purposes.
  • Can create the illusion of a larger space.

Coated Glass

Coated glass is modified flat glass to give it specific characteristics, for example to make it insulating and resistant to infra-red. It is commonly used for double glazed windows to improve home insulation.

Where is it used?: Doubled glazed windows,External Doors 

What is it?

  • Two panes of glass with a space in the middle to insulate the unit.
  • Surface coating can be applied which alters the appearance and makes the surface more scratch resistant.
  • Generally only used as a double-glazed unit as this is where it’s most effective.

Why is it used?

  • Improves thermal insulation - the coatings tend to hold the heat in the cold weather and reflect the heat when it’s warm, helping your home stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
  • Option to have an argon gas filling and a warm edge spacer bar added which will contribute to better energy rating.

Tinted Glass

if privacy is your priority, then tinted glass is the ideal choice for any doors or windows in your home or business. Though tinted glass keeps out prying eyes, it still allows plenty of natural sunlight to filter through, whilst reducing the discomfort of the sun’s glare.

Tinted glass can also lessen the amount of harmful UV filtering through, which will have health benefits for all the family.

Where is it used? Internal glazing/partition walls, External windows, Roofing Shower screens, Vehicles

Why is it used?

Climate control
UV protection - it reduces glare and the amount of solar energy transmitted through the glass.
Aesthetics - the colour is durable and does not change over time.
Privacy - maintains transparency from the inside, but brightness of the outward view is reduced and the colour of the light is changed, preventing passersby from peering into the property.

Sandblasted Glass

Also called glass carving, this option offers the perfect balance between beauty and privacy. This glass is blasted with an abrasive material at high pressure to create a unique mist effect. This frosted look can be used to protect the privacy of bathroom windows and shower doors, and can be also formed into elegant patterns to produce decorative panes of glass to enhance your interior design.

Where is it used? Bathroom windows, Internal glass doors, External doors, Shower screens, Internal partition walls/doors, Double glazed windows

What is it?

  • Sandblasted or frosted glass which blurs images or prevents the glass from being clearly seen through.
  • Used in both domestic and commercial settings.
  • Often available in a textured pattern.

Why is it used?

  • Offers privacy while also letting light in.
  • Often used for its stylish aesthetics as a form of decoration.
  • Increases security through its obscured view, while still letting light flow through.

Painted Glass

It refers to stained glass, used for windows. Here the design is made up using sheets of coloured glass, cut to shape and held in place by lead.

Where is it used? Splashbacks, Glass Worktops,Table Top Glass, Glass Shelves

What is it?

  • Wire mesh is added into the glass. Available in float glass or obscured.
  • Can be applied to any type of glass.

Why is it used?

  • Back painted glass instantly injects style and colour into any room.
  • Painting the back side of the glass protects the colour from scratches and retains its reflective quality.