1/2" is the preferred thickness. For specific construction details, I suggest you contact: http://www.mrshowerdoor.com/ or your local glass shower enclosure vendor.

3/8" is typical and should be fine. 1/2" will be too much, I think you would regret it. Much of the time we use a top header just to give some stability to the whole unit. They are not intrusive and don't spoil the look of the shower.

1/2" is the way to go.

I would go with the thicker glass if you can afford the installation. I don't like the look of a top header.

Does any one know the cost of 1/2" shower glass?

CR Laurence make really nice frameless shower doors and enclosures. Their web site ( http://www.crlaurence.com/crlapps/showline/default.aspx?GroupID=39326&History=&pom=0) is a dog but you can call their 800# and find a local fabricator. In NE, they typically range between $1700 - 2300 depending on the size of the shower and number of panels

If I don't have any crazy kids running around and smashing into walls, would it be fine to just save money by going with 3/8''? Is the sole purpose of having 1/2'' just to have stability? But paradoxically, I've also heard that 1/2'' puts quite a lot of strain on the walls.

I found a good video on glass thickness: . It says that 3/8'' is already pretty heavy duty for home usage and 1/2'' is only used in commercial settings where you need to protect against random crazy people.

1/2" glass is stronger, better looking and provides an elegant and luxurious look. That's why lots of the luxury hotels use it. I use it in all my high end custom showers.

I once rang a 1/2" glass shower door off a shower head and the door just vibrated a little. Try doing that with 3/8" or 1/4" glass and you would just be holding the handle.

Solid blocking in the wall framing at the anchor points provides all of the support you need. The only wall material that required a header frame was glass tile since the fabricator/installer would not warranty the unit without the header. Glass tile too brittle to take the stress. No issues with ceramic, porcelain or natural stone materials.

Now I'm more confused than ever after reading these posts. I'm having my master shower glass replaced and was quoted prices for 3/8". I'm also having a glass screen put in my guest bath so no more nasty shower curtains. I want the best and most high end 5 Star resort look in terms of the glass. Sounds like 1/2" is not standard in homes? Even my glass guy steered me toward 3/8". Why such a wide range of responses about glass thickness? With cost not being an issue what is best for my wishes? Thank you. Scott

I've been told by my installer that the 1/2" is sufficiently heavier that you need more robust hardware to hold it. So it costs more to install and might be more bulky.

I have a tall shower and frameless 3/8 " door. This was recommended by the contractor. No problems at all. As with anything, quality and installation are paramount.

I just saw a beautiful round frameless glass shower enclosure by Vigo and the glass thickness is 5/16". Is it too thin? Based on the comments it's even thinner than industry minimal standard or 3/8".

We have a residential dwelling with 1/2" glass and prefer it. The 3/8 is flimsy looking and for frameless showers doesn't appear rigid enough for my taste.

We were told to go with 3/8” because our shower is small and the 1/2” would look too “green” - we can’t do StarFire, so I think we have to do 3/8” but I don’t want a flimsy shower either!! The installer says he has to do lots of clips which I’m not very happy about - thought that 3/8” glass would only require a few clips - not a bunch up the corner of the glass!! I don’t what to tell him how to do his job but I don’t like what he’s suggesting....clips up the center of the glass ?? Help!

@Kari Nielsen do you have any finished pictures? Did you end up with 3/8’?

Ended up with StarFire (non green) 3/8” and it’s great!! Pays to shop around for best price. Went with StarFire because of our white tile, didn’t want green tinge, and love it.