Glass Thickness, Safety Standards & Kid-Friendly Glass Solutions | Original Glazing Melbourne
Choosing the right glass for your home or project isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about safety, strength, and meeting Australian compliance standards. At Original Glazing, we’re often asked: “What glass thickness is best?” or “Is laminated glass safer for kids?” This guide covers everything you need to know about glass thickness in mm, safety glass types, and what’s safest for homes with children in Melbourne.
Understanding Glass Thickness in Millimetres (mm)
Glass is manufactured in a range of thicknesses, usually from 3mm to 12mm and beyond. The right glass thickness depends on where it will be used, how much load it needs to handle, and the likelihood of impact or breakage.
Common Glass Thicknesses:
3mm glass, Used for picture frames or small interior panels. Not recommended for windows or doors.
4mm glass, A common choice for basic internal glass in low-risk areas.
5–6mm glass, Suitable for windows, internal partitions, and light doors.
8–10mm glass, Typically used for toughened safety glass applications like shower screens or internal doors.
12mm+ glass, Designed for high-strength needs such as frameless balustrades, commercial glazing, and pool fences.
While thicker glass is generally stronger, thickness alone does not determine safety — the type of glass is critical.
Safety Glass in Australia: What the Standards Require
In Australia, AS1288 governs the selection and installation of glass in buildings. This standard ensures safety, particularly in areas like doors, bathrooms, balustrades, and windows that are close to the floor.
Two Main Types of Safety Glass:
1. Toughened (Tempered) Glass
Heat-treated to increase strength up to five times compared to standard float glass,
Breaks into blunt, granular pieces to reduce injury risk,
Common thickness ranges from 4mm to 12mm,
Ideal for bathrooms, sliding doors, frameless pool fences, and glass partitions.
2. Laminated Safety Glass
Made by bonding two panes of glass with a plastic (PVB) interlayer,
Holds together even when cracked or broken,
Offers added UV protection and acoustic insulation,
Common thickness includes 6.38mm, 10.38mm, 12.38mm,
Ideal for homes with children, skylights, balcony barriers, and street-facing windows.
Best Glass for Homes with Children
When safety is a concern, particularly around young children, choosing the right glass type is essential. We recommend:
Laminated safety glass for all low-level windows (below 1000mm from the floor),
Toughened glass in bathrooms, doors, or sliding glass systems,
Double glazed units with safety glass for energy performance and impact protection,
Rounded or polished edges on any exposed glass surfaces or partitions.
All safety glass must comply with AS1288, including identification stamps or etched markings confirming safety compliance.
Common Glass Applications and Recommended Specs
LocationRecommended GlassMinimum ThicknessInternal windowsFloat or laminated4mm–6mmExternal windowsLaminated or toughened6.38mm+Sliding doorsToughened safety glass6mm–10mmFrameless balustradesToughened laminated glass12mm–15mmShower screensToughened safety glass8mm–10mmPool fencing (AS2208)Toughened glass with compliance stamp12mmChildcare or bedroomsLaminated safety glass6.38mm+
Original Glazing, Melbourne's Safety Glass Experts
At Original Glazing, we deliver compliant, custom glazing solutions for Melbourne homes, schools, and commercial spaces. We work closely with homeowners, builders, and architects to recommend the safest and most appropriate glass options for every setting.
All products meet or exceed AS1288 and AS2208,
Expert advice on glass thickness and type for any project,
Custom laminated, toughened, and IGU double glazed units,
Full-service installation and compliance for residential and commercial builds,
Trusted across Greater Melbourne, from St Kilda to Ringwood, Mornington, and Geelong.
FAQs About Safety Glass and Thickness
Is 4mm glass safe for residential windows?
Only in some non-critical areas. For doors, low windows, or anywhere kids might fall or run into glass, 6.38mm laminated or toughened safety glass is required under AS1288.
What's safer: laminated or toughened glass?
Both are safe, but for homes with children, laminated glass offers extra security because it stays in place when broken. Toughened glass is stronger but shatters completely on impact.
Does thicker glass offer better insulation?
Not necessarily. Double glazing is the best solution for thermal performance. Thickness contributes more to soundproofing and break-resistance than temperature control.
Can I install safety glass myself?
No. All safety glazing work must be carried out by a licensed glazier, especially for compliance with AS1288 and AS2208.
Get a Quote on Safety Glass in Melbourne
Looking to upgrade your windows or glass doors to meet today’s safety standards? At Original Glazing, we offer expert, compliant solutions for Melbourne homes, schools, and workplaces.