If you’ve ever leaned on a glass balustrade, closed a shower screen, or pushed open a sliding glass door and thought, “That feels solid,” it’s likely because the glass is toughened. Also called tempered or safety glass, this type of glass is designed to be up to five times stronger than regular glass.
At Haines Glass, we supply and install toughened glass across Wollongong and beyond, helping homeowners and business owners choose the safest and most durable glass for their space.
What Is Toughened Glass?
Toughened glass begins as float glass that goes through a specific toughening process. The glass is heated to over 600°C and then cooled rapidly in a controlled manner. This heating and cooling process creates compressive stress on the surface and tensile stress inside the glass, giving it its incredible strength.
The result is glass that’s 4–5 times stronger than standard float (annealed) glass of the same thickness. According to Australian Glass and Glazing Standards AS1288, this qualifies as Grade A Safety Glass.
How Toughened Glass Breaks
Toughened glass has a higher impact capacity than standard float glass, but it’s not unbreakable. When it reaches its breaking point, it’s designed to shatter into small, cuboid pieces, reducing the risk of serious injury.
Float glass, on the other hand, breaks into large, sharp shards that can be dangerous. Toughened glass may still create a mess when broken, but it’s much safer for people nearby.
Why Toughened Glass Is Considered Safety Glass
After the toughening process, the glass is significantly stronger than untreated glass. More importantly, it shatters safely, rather than splintering into sharp pieces. This feature alone makes it one of the most widely used types of safety glass in Australia.
If you’re renovating or building, you’ll find toughened safety glass used in areas where human contact or impact is likely, including bathrooms, doors, and pool fencing.
How to Tell If You Have Toughened Glass
Most pieces of toughened glass have a supplier’s stamp or etching in one corner to indicate that they are certified and safety-rated. The stamp often includes the manufacturer’s name, safety rating, and sometimes the compliance standard (AS1288 or AS2208).
If your glass doesn’t have a stamp, it can be difficult to confirm without breaking it. Once shattered, toughened glass is unmistakable. It breaks into many tiny cube-like fragments rather than large shards.
Where Toughened Glass Can Be Used
Toughened glass is incredibly versatile and can be used almost anywhere in your home or business. Common uses include:
- Framed, semi-frameless, and frameless shower screens
- Doors and sidelights next to the entry doors
- Sliding doors and pet doors
- Glass tabletops where the glass is weight-bearing
- Unframed pool fencing and balustrades
- Splashbacks, partitions, and shopfronts
Even smaller areas, such as doggy doors or glass panels near high-traffic areas, should use toughened glass. It’s simply safer and lasts longer under daily stress.
The Pros and Cons of Toughened Glass
Benefits of Toughened Glass
- Strength: It’s 4–5 times stronger than its float glass equivalent.
- Durability: It’s harder to break than regular glass and resists temperature changes.
- Versatility: Suitable for windows, doors, shower screens, fencing, and more.
- Aesthetics: Ideal for modern, frameless designs that create an open, elegant look.
- Safety: Breaks into small cubes instead of dangerous shards.
Limitations of Toughened Glass
- Permanent sizing: Once toughened, it cannot be re-cut or resized. Any alteration will cause it to shatter.
- Spontaneous breakage: Although rare, uneven heating or pressure against a tight frame can occasionally cause it to break on its own.
- Cleanup: When it breaks, the tiny pieces can scatter across a wide area and sometimes get trapped in frames or tracks.
- Lead time: Processing and toughening the glass typically takes around two weeks from order to completion.
Even with these small drawbacks, the safety and longevity of toughened glass make it one of the most practical and trusted glass types for Australian homes.
Toughened Glass vs Other Glass Types
Homeowners often confuse toughened, hardened, and reinforced glass, so here’s how they differ:
- Reinforced glass features a wire mesh embedded within it and is primarily used in fire-rated or industrial applications.
- Hardened glass is sometimes used interchangeably with toughened glass, but can also refer to glass that’s surface-treated for scratch resistance.
- Grade A safety glass encompasses both toughened and laminated glass, which are compliant with Australian safety standards.
When you’re after both clarity and impact strength, toughened safety glass remains the preferred choice.
How Much Does Toughened Glass Cost?
The price of toughened glass depends on several factors:
- Thickness (typically 6mm to 12mm)
- Size and shape
- Edge finishing (polished, bevelled, or mitred)
- Installation requirements
As a general guide, pricing starts around $150 per square metre and increases with custom cuts or larger panels.
At Haines Glass, we provide detailed quotes to ensure you understand what’s included, from measurement and supply to delivery and installation.
Why Choose Haines Glass in Wollongong and Beyond
For over two decades, Haines Glass has supplied and installed quality glass solutions across Wollongong and the Illawarra. We combine craftsmanship, Australian-certified materials, and genuine local expertise to ensure every installation meets safety and aesthetic standards.
We’re proud to offer:
- Certified Grade A Safety Glass
- Locally processed, high-clarity panels
- Tailored solutions for homes and businesses
- Friendly, expert service backed by real industry experience
Whether it’s a sleek shower screen or a new pool fence, our team can guide you through glass options that best suit your needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is toughened glass used for?
Toughened glass is commonly used for shower screens, doors, balustrades, pool fencing, and glass tabletops where both strength and safety are required.
Is toughened glass the same as safety glass?
Yes. Toughened glass is classified as Grade A Safety Glass under AS1288. It’s one of the safest types of glass you can install.
Can toughened glass break easily?
It’s five times stronger than regular glass, but it can still break under extreme impact. When it does, it shatters into small cubes rather than dangerous shards.
Why can toughened glass sometimes explode on its own?
Rarely, uneven heating or tight framing can cause internal stress, leading to spontaneous breakage. This is preventable through correct installation and spacing.
What thickness should I choose?
6mm is common for shower screens and small panels, while 10mm or 12mm is better for balustrades, pool fences, and large windows.
Upgrade to Certified Toughened Glass with Haines Glass
If you’re planning a renovation or new build in Wollongong or surrounding areas, toughened glass is one of the smartest investments you can make. It combines safety, strength, and elegance for homes and businesses alike.
Contact Haines Glass today to receive a complimentary quote and expert guidance on selecting the ideal glass type, thickness, and finish for your project.
