Category: Interior Design

One of the most common and prevailing myths regarding glass floors is that glass is weak and that glass floors are not safe. But this is untrue and, if constructed and installed correctly, glass floors are just as safe as many other flooring options. If you’re considering glass flooring for the home, you might want to learn about the structural performance of glass and identify some of the common safety myths that continue to cause confusion. In this post, we’ll highlight the safety of glass floors.

Glass floors are just as safe as wood floors

The first important point to note is that glass floors are just as safe as wood floors. In fact, since most glass floor panels are built by laminating together two or more pieces of tempered glass and placing them into a support structure, they are able to meet stringent building code requirements and can be stronger than other traditional flooring options (i.e, wood floors and subfloors).

Glass floors can be used inside and outside

Many people believe that glass floor can be damaged by the elements more easily compared to wood flooring, and therefore glass floors shouldn’t be used outdoors. This is simply not true. Glass flooring offers immense durability within outdoor applications, and is often used for second-floor decking (similar to a skylight), to allow light to flow to below exterior basement spaces.

Glass floors require specialized installation

While some pre-fabricated systems are available in the market, glass floors should be carefully designed in coordination with the other structural support systems, reviewed and approved by a qualified engineer, and installed by a professional team to ensure they stand the test of time and provide safe and enjoyable use for you and your family.

Glass floors can be made with custom colour options

There are a number of choices to be made when you select a glass floor for your home space. And it’s not true that glass simply comes in one colour ready for installation. You can choose from a range of colours, ensuring access to a glass floor that will readily blend in with the rest of your home space. Many people add coloured glass floors to bridging areas throughout the home as a way of inviting colour and bringing design appeal to the space.Glass floors are offered in a range of sizing

Many are also falsely believe that glass floors are only available in one sizing range and can only be offered for smaller areas throughout the property. Again, this is a myth and you can actually build glass floors that will cover large areas throughout your home. Panels can be separated by spanning members and other support structures to limit to weight load.

Glass floors are not slippery

While glass floors can be slippery when wet, coatings are available to provide extra traction should it be required for your project. Be sure to check with a glass expert, and consider the area, use and traffic level when choosing the appropriate glass and any coatings for your glass floor project.

Glass floors can offer privacy

One of the more common myths we hear from clients reviewing their glass flooring options is that glass cannot provide them with privacy in areas below the floor. But this isn’t true either. Many art building owners and studio builders are worried that glass flooring might compromise the dignity of someone who might be wearing a skirt and standing on a glass floor with a view from below. But most glass floors used in this type of application are designed with etched glass, a privacy film or an opaque interlayer that provides privacy and also allows light to pass through. Many options exist, but they are difficult to change after the project has been installed, so be sure to get samples and choose the right product for your job.

What to consider when buying glass flooring

So now that you have a clear understanding of the safety and performance of glass flooring, it’s time to consider the purchase process and the elements you must review before completing the purchase. Our trusted team at Glass Showers & More has great experience in this area of the marketplace. We’ve helped homeowners throughout the region choose quality glass floors for their property. And we recommend that you consider the following factors when choosing glass flooring products.

First, determine whether you need clear or obstructed glass

When making a decision about the type of glass flooring required, make sure you consider the benefits of both clear and obstructed glass for the application. The goal is often to allow light to pass through the glass, while still allowing privacy for those above. Consider the benefits and constraints of both glass styles before moving forward.

Consider the size and shape of the flooring space

A clear benefit of glass panels is they can be made in any size or shape, and this will give you great flexibility when using the panels for your project. Work with your contractor team to consider the size and weight of the glass panels, as well as the need for structural support systems to safeguard the flooring. By making this process a priority you’ll achieve the ideal foundation for the design work.

Talk to an engineer

Before moving forward with your glass flooring project, make sure you or your contractor have reviewed the design with an appropriately qualified engineer. Glass floors are structural elements and subject to applicable building codes.

Consider an anti-skid top surface

As we discussed earlier, glass flooring can be designed to mitigate the issue of slipping and falling. Using an anti-skid, textured surface is the most common solution to this performance challenge. Anti-skid coatings help ensure the glass floor is not only safer to walk on but, in certain cases, can also help the glass hold up more effectively to scratching during everyday use.

Our team at Glass Showers & More is here to help you select quality glass flooring products for your upcoming property upgrade. To discover more about our company and the services we provide, contact us today!

Customized shower systems are now the height of decorative elegance within the bathroom renovation industry. If you’re about to begin an upgrade project, you might want to learn more about the design options available, to help you create that unique shower enclosure. We have decades of experience in designing glass enclosures for home shower systems. In this latest post, we’re giving you all the benefit of our industry experience by explaining our design tips for custom glass shower systems.

Doors Require Studding Support

Ensure that the wall on which you plan to install your hinged door has the required studding support. A double 2×4 is the best style of support for a hinged door, but you may be able to use a single 2×4 depending on the style of door used within the project. You should also ensure wood studs are used in locations where doors hinge and panels are anchored.

Know Your Angles

Your shower should be built using a 90°,135° or 180° angle. That’s because most shower hardware components are built to accommodate these angles, and following this rule can make the integration process simpler. That said, custom designs are possible, but typically involve the use of experienced, professional installation companies.

Shower Seats, Floors and Curbs Should be Angled

Another consideration when evaluating your shower enclosure options drainage. The shower seating, floors and curbs should all be angled, slightly, towards the main drain. To start, most professionals recommend at least 5°, allowing water to flow toward the drain. This will help prevent pooling water within the shower and will allow for a more comfortable experience.

Avoid Obstructions to the Door Swing

Make sure that nothing interferes with the movement of the shower door during the installation. Consider any level changes for any tile work around the shower (including to accommodate proper drainage), the position of shower heads, the position of the toilet, etc. Take everything into account in your initial design.

Don’t Place the Showerhead Opposite an Opening

The showerhead should be placed opposite a fixed panel or tilted wall to ensure the water remains within the enclosure. Some homeowners make the mistake of installing the showerhead opposite the opening within the enclosure, which allows for water to leak outside the space and cause water problems throughout the bathroom.

Use a Solid Surface for Curb Tops

Solid pieces of granite and marble are considered your best choice for curb tops. That’s because using tiled curb tops increases the risk of a leak within the area, which can substantially limit the value of the shower installation in the home. Choosing a smooth, solid surface ensures there’s little chance of structural problems.

Questions to Consider Before Installing a Shower Enclosure

Now you have a little more information about the tips that can help you to streamline the integration of a glass shower enclosure within your home, let’s look at a few of the questions to consider before you begin the installation process.

1.  Do you prefer a thinner or thicker glass?

Many homeowners now prefer the option of using a thicker glass enclosure with a door that does not require a metal frame. Most people choose at least 10mm thick glass for a frameless option. This provides a sleek appeal as part of a modern, minimalist bathroom redesign. But a metal frame might be the ideal option if there are structural challenges to consider. Make sure you work with your glass specialist to make the right choice given the various design considerations.

2. What pattern of glass do you prefer?

There are a number of great patterns to choose from when selecting a customized shower enclosure and it’s important you book a consultation with a specialist to go over the available options. Make sure you are able to see the difference between several products before choosing one for your home. You should also consider how the shower will interact with your bathroom space, and the requirements, if any, for additional privacy in your enclosure.

3. Is your bathroom a unique configuration?

One of the main challenges in integrating a custom shower enclosure within a bathroom space arises when the bathroom has a unique configuration. Bathrooms with sloping walls and tight corners don’t always lend themselves to the easy installation of a custom shower enclosures. That’s why it’s so important to work with a glass enclosure expert to choose a design that offers full value within the bathroom space. A qualified glass company can help you to make the right decisions about installation considerations and styles of glass to use within the space. They can also help you to ensure that the enclosure is durable and offers lasting performance within the bathroom space throughout the years to come.

To learn more about custom shower enclosures, call Glass Showers and More at 416-800-1156 or contact us here.

A frameless shower door can bring long-term aesthetic balance to your bathroom space. But the integration process involves a number of important considerations. Without taking the time to discuss these with an expert, you may find that the door and the shower space don’t provide the level of luxury and design value you expect. Our team has many years of experience integrating frameless shower doors in homes across the country, and within this latest post, we’ll highlight what you need to know when adding a frameless shower door to your home.

1. Pivoting or sliding door?

The first consideration you’ll have to make when evaluating your frameless shower door is whether you want a pivoting door or a sliding door. Which style of door suits your property? The pivoting door will require more room within your bathroom while the sliding door might be ideal for a minimalist design approach.

2. What’s the budget?

When considering frameless shower doors, your budget will be a big consideration. Make sure you know exactly how much you’re willing to spend on the door and the installation of the door within your home. Generally, sliding doors will cost more than swing doors, driven largely by hardware costs.

3. How often is the shower used?

Consider how regularly you use the shower and whether the shower is part of a guest suite or for your use in the home. If the shower is for the guest suite, will it be used by children or elderly family members? Review how the shower will be used when considering the integration process as this can help you and your contractor to design the door effectively. Note that, changes are not always possible without incurring potentially significant additional costs.

4. Do you need towel bars?

Towel bars are a great addition within a luxury bathroom, for when you require quick access to a towel before or after a shower. For example, you might be coming back from the swimming pool or beach and require a location to place dirty towels before you head into the shower.

5. Can you turn on the water?

Oftentimes you’ll want to turn the water on before entering the shower. You may not be able to do this depending on the design of your frameless shower. You should consider the design and layout before making the investment. Review all the options to ensure that you don’t have to make a change later on.

6. Do you know the location of studs / in-wall supports?

Not knowing where the supports are within your walls can make the integration of a frameless shower door a difficult process. Make sure you know the location of all studding before you move forward. You may make the mistake of hanging the hinge of the door from areas that are structurally weak and this could lead to a number of issues with the initial installation or in the future.

7. What thickness of glass do you want?

The thickness of the glass is a leading consideration when choosing the latest shower doors. The thickness of the glass can impact the weight of the door and its safety for use within your home, as well as the aesthetic of the enclosure. Ensure that the glass is suitable for the hinge to minimize problems with weight-balancing that could lead to the glass being damaged over time.

8. Clear/Standard or low-iron glass?

When selecting glass for your frameless shower door, you have a number of great options. One of the most popular is the ultra-clear glass (sometimes referred to as low-iron, starphire or opti-white) option, which diminishes the green tint that you might see when you look through glass normally. The colour of the glass can be especially important based on the other colours in use in your bathroom. Work with your local bathroom renovation expert to ensure you’re choosing the optimum glass for your home.

9. Will the door be wall-mounted, sliding, or attached to the floor (pivoting)?

The style of mounting used for the door should be one of the first considerations you make when adding a new structure. WIll your new door be mounted to the wall or attached to the ceiling/floor? Which types of hinges/hardware will be required, and how much space will you require in your bathroom for these components? Working with a qualified installation team can help you ensure your costs are optimized, and sometimes reduced, during this process. They can review all of the components required and determine how much to integrate the door without impacting your other bathroom elements.

10. Will you have special showerheads?

Consider how you will be using the bathroom space within your home. Will you be working with multiple shower heads within the space? How about using rainfall showerheads that spread the flow of water during the shower? Identifying the source and angle of the water from the shower space can help dictate the design (location of doors, clearance required, etc.) and ensure a smooth installation.

What to Review When Choosing an Installation Specialist

Now you know a little more about what you need to consider when evaluating your shower door options, you should take the time to review the experts in the marketplace who can help install the perfect glass system. Make sure you consider the following:

1. The quality of the glass

Can the company prove the quality of the glass within their inventory? Where was the glass floated? Where is it tempered? Is it tempered? How do they make the glass and guarantee its quality ready for use in your home? Make sure you receive clear answers to these questions before moving forward.

2. Customization options

What level of customization can the company offer for your home? Will they visit the property and ensure the customization work is completed with precision? Take these elements into clear consideration before moving forward.

3. The experience of the installers

The process of installing a new glass door within your bathroom can take time. Ensure that whoever installs it has the experience and expertise to get the job completed effectively the first-time-around.

To learn more about the latest frameless bathroom options in the marketplace, call Glass Showers and More at 416-800-1156 or contact us here.

Backpainted glass has been widely used in Europe for many years and has now become trendy in North America. Thanks to its colourful, modern look and the fact it is easy to care for, glass backsplashes has more advantages over tile elements for your bathroom or kitchen.

There are several reasons to consider installing backpainted glass as your backsplash over tiles, including its clean, bright appearance — particularly in a smaller rooms — and the variety of colors or designs that you can find. Glass is also a material that does not stain or burn, can resist hot temperatures (if tempered) as well as mold or mildew. It is also less likely to wear out when compared to other materials. Glass Backsplashes are also uniform with no grout lines, making cleaning a breeze.

What you don’t need to worry about is colour availability for your backpainted glass. Backpainted glass is available in custom colours and, with a manufacturer’s colour code, any colour can be matched. (TIP: if you’re trying to match a colour, ask for a sample first to make sure you’re getting what you want).

Why install backsplash?

Basically, a backsplash is a unique protective feature that you can install in areas where water or other liquid may damage your wall. This includes behind stoves and ovens, sinks and even showers.

As with many elements in your home, you’ll want to give your backsplash look some thought. There are two major types that are used most often, they are glass or tile. However, depending what style of home you have created, you will need to consider which material will work best for you.

Tile or Glass?

When it comes to making a decision about glass or tile for your backsplash, there are many things to consider including care and durability as well as aesthetics. While tile has traditionally been the most common choice, it may not be the best one for your home.

Drawbacks of Tile

Tile backsplash is a pattern that is made by using several smaller pieces of material. They can be made of glass, stone and even metal. While they offer a diversity of design, there are some serious drawbacks to using tile as a backsplash.

One of the major problems that homeowners have found with tile backsplashes is the use of grout. This is the glue-like material that is used between the tiles to keep them together. It can cause a couple of issues. Grout often means you will have more trouble cleaning the surface as things can get stuck in it. As well, if installed incorrectly, the grout will give the backsplash an ugly appearance.

Another major issue with tile backsplashes is how prone the tile pieces are to cracking. Once this happens you may find you are in a position where you need to replace the entire backsplash.

Opting for Glass

Unlike tile, glass backsplash is made up of a single piece of material (or a few large pieces). The glass is often made durable enough to withstand everyday use and because it is a single piece, it is easier to clean.

Backpainted glass is a large sheet of glass that has been painted in a colour of your choice on the side of the material that connects with the wall. It is often used behind stoves and sinks to protect the wall and keep a clean feeling to the room. Glass backsplash can also come in various sizes ranging from entire panels to cover the whole wall to smaller, six-inch panels.

Thanks to the low-maintenance care of glass, coupled with its clean and modern appearance, it has become a popular go-to for homeowners looking for a stylish backsplash. You can use a variety of cleaning products on glass without much trouble, which makes it a breeze to keep clean.

With glass backsplash there are a diversity of colours to allow homeowners to match the overall look of a room. Its glossy surface helps to add light to the room, making it appear bigger. Glass can also give a room a more modern feeling.

Another benefit is that glass is a strong material and can resist damage caused by water or other hot liquids in the kitchen or bathroom. In addition, glass is very eco-friendly, which can appeal to homeowners looking for a smaller, green footprint.

Types of Glass

It is important to understand the different types of glass that you can use for a backsplash. These are clear and low-iron.

• Clear glass: this is typical glass used in most household applications. Despite its name, this type of glass can have a green hue due to its iron content (TIP: If you have exposed glass edges in your house, look at them from the edge to see if you notice the green hue).
• Low-iron glass: this will be the type of glass with the least amount of colour distortion to it. This is the best type to use for backpainted glass backsplash as it will give you the most accurate colour. As its name suggests, this glass has less iron in it, which gives it a clear / light blue hue.

Most renovation projects or new homes will opt for the modern and trendy look of backpainted glass backsplash. Given how easy glass is to care for, the stylish, radiant look of backpainted glass backsplash, its strength and durability it is easy to see why more and more homeowners in North America are adopting the trend.

However, it is important to note that although glass backsplash is easy to care for, you’ll need to budget for professional installation. This will help insure that your backpainted glass backsplash looks lovely for a long time.

For more information about backpainted glass backsplash, call Glass Showers and More at 416-800-1156 or contact us here.

Creating that ideal bathroom space includes getting the details right, including selecting a shower enclosure that fits into the atmosphere you have created.

When it comes to picking the right shower stall that is best for you there are four things to keep in mind:

1. Whether or not the enclosure will fit in the area you have
2. Does it match the look you already have in the room
3. What are the functions of the enclosure and are they what you want
4. Ultimately, a shower stall should add to the overall design of the room

What is a shower enclosure?

Essentially, a shower enclosure includes all the elements you need for a shower. That includes the doors, walls, and drain.

However, it can get more complicated for homeowners as there are many, many different styles of shower enclosure elements.

Types of Shower Stalls

There are several different styles of shower stalls. These include ones that are square, rectangle or quadrant shaped; ones that have the door handle on the left and others that have it on the right; as well as ones that have a tray at the bottom and others that do not.

Manufacturers have created a variety wide enough to fit any homeowner’s desires. The quadrant shape can give a room a modern look as it has been designed to fit into the corner of the room. The front is curved so it is best for tight spaces. In contrast, a square shower stall can offer you more options when it comes to selecting a door style, but you need to be sure you have the space for it.

For those who do not have any concern about space, a rectangle shape is a viable option.

Deciding on a Door

When it comes to picking a shower door for your enclosure, you will need to know what shape of stall you are going with. Style options for a quadrant shape will be limited because of its curved front, but if you have a square shape, you will have a better door selection.

A hinged shower door gives the space a more open feel and is ideal for those with accessibility issues. Alternatively, if space is a concern, you can opt for a sliding door. This style can be adjusted to fit any shower stall shape. A more modern look can be glass blocks for your shower enclosure. Basically, there is no door and the shower space is blocked off with panels of glass with an open space as the entrance.

There are three basic types of shower stalls, including frameless, framed and prefabricated box doors.

Frameless – these are most often custom made shower doors / enclosures, which allows homeowners the opportunity to find a unique style for their bathroom. Contrary to framed shower doors, frameless shower doors offer a smoother look and allow for a more “open” appearance relative to other options. Frameless shower enclosures offer a more streamlined appearance, and use small clamps, where required, to support the glass instead of channel. The glass must be measured precisely in order to provide a finished product that is acceptable to a client and, as a result, a significant amount of skill and attention to detail is required for a truly frameless glass shower enclosure.

Framed – framed shower doors / enclosures use channel or a “Frame” to provide mechanical support. Doors can be with or without a frame, depending on the customer’s design specifications. Because the framing material can hide mistakes, these enclosures require less skill and attention to detail to install. That said, they close off a space and, over time, the channel can fill with water, leading to other issues for a homeowner. That being said, sometimes a homeowner wants channel to achieve a certain design aesthetic (i.e., black framed industrial “look”) which can only be achieved using framing / channel material.

Prefabricated box doors – Often seen as the simplest way to get a shower enclosure, a prefabricated or prefab one is created in a factory and is usually adjustable to be easily installed in the bathroom. These require the least skill to install and no design customization, but are an economical solution to enclose your shower stall.

Tips to Find the Right Fit

A good way to get to know your shower enclosure needs is to step into the space with your back to the corner. From here you should be able to see the whole room. As you look around, take note of windows, doors and other obstacles, such as a sink or toilet. It will be important when you go to select your shower stall to visualize how you need the door to open (left or right) and other accommodations you need to make.

When you are shopping, try the same visualization in the store. Step into the shower enclosure and imagine how it will fit into your bathroom. Does the door open left or right? Are there windows that you will need to adjust to get the stall to fit?

Pick your glass style

A major decision when it comes to getting the right shower enclosure is to use the right material. While most shower stalls are made of glass, there are a few different types of glass that you can select from, these include:

Safety Features:

Tempered glass: this type of glass is made stronger by the application of chemicals or heat treatments. It is said to be four times stronger than regular glass.

Laminated glass: is layered glass that can hold together if shattered. This makes it a smart safety choice.

Design Features:

Clear – is the most common type of glass used for shower enclosures. Clear glass doors have a greenish tint and are easy to maintain.

Frosted glass – has a smooth, opaque appearance, which is the result of one side being etched while the other is smooth. TIP: ensure the frosting is installed on the outside of the enclosure, so the inside (which will require more cleaning due to exposure to water) is smooth and easy to clean.

Rain glass – a decorative looking glass inspired by dripping rain. One side of the glass is smooth while the other side is patterned. Many claim that the pattern on the glass helps to hide fingerprints, stains and watermarks.

Coloured glass – for a creative look that fits into any decor, coloured glass is another unique option for shower stalls. Bronze or grey glass can add an additional level of elegance to the enclosure, if paired with the right washroom design.

A final choice for your glass shower enclosure is how thick you want the material. Most homeowners will choose 10mm or 12mm for custom glass enclosures, depending on their preferences.

To learn more about how to choose a shower enclosure that’s right for you, call Glass Showers and More at 416-800-1156 or contact us here.