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Toughened Glass

Toughened glass, also known as tempered glass, is often used for both residential and commercial projects. This type of reinforced glass can be up to 5 times stronger than ordinary glass, making it a popular choice for a range of applications.

From glass balustrades, windows, and table tops, to shower screens, shelves, splashbacks, and doors, our toughened glass products can be used throughout your home or office, and are guaranteed to look great. They make your space appear larger and help you maximise natural light.

Browse and shop our options online today, or contact our experts to discuss your bespoke needs in further detail!

Why choose clear toughened glass?

Clear toughened glass is made from clear float glass in a process that exposes the float glass to high temperatures, then rapidly cools it down – creating a strengthened form of glass.

This float glass is an exceptional quality, clear annealed glass, which acts as a base glass that can be processed into many other glass types, as needed, including: 

  • Insulated glass
  • Laminated glass
  • Etched glass
  • Sandblasted glass
  • Painted coloured glass

This extensive heating and cooling treatment reinforces float glass to make it stronger and more thermally resistant, making it suitable for a variety of glass products. This is because, unlike normal glass, toughened glass will break into blunt pieces under high impact, reducing the risk of possible injury or property damage. 

This increased strength means glass is not safe enough for a wide range of challenging applications and architectural needs – be it glass roofing, glass windows, greenhouses, balconies, canopies, or furniture and all-glass structural facades.

For more aesthetic internal improvements, toughened glass panels can also be used in interior design projects, for example, in glass shelves, furniture, shower doors, and even balustrades for stairs and landings.

 

A range of bespoke toughened glass products

At Express Toughening, we provide toughened glass for a selection of purposes, from screens and partitions to shelves and splashbacks.

Whether you want to order balustrades or table tops, you can scroll down to find what you need from our range of toughened glass products.

Choose your desired shape, dimensions, and thickness – from 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, or 15mm – to calculate a competitive price.

Once you’re satisfied with your options, proceed to check out and arrange your preferred delivery method, and we’ll do the rest.

For more information about our toughened glass, click through to view the details on each product page. You can also read our FAQs, or contact us by phone or email for help from the Express Toughening team.

 

Toughened glass cut to size 

But how are toughened glass panels prepared for residential and commercial applications across the UK? 

Here at Express Toughening, glass panels are precision processed, cut, edge finished, and then thermally toughened to meet recognised British safety standards. 

This means we can cut toughened glass to any shape, size, or thickness, as required by your specifications, with CNC machining for drilled holes, cut-outs, and polished edges. Ready for immediate use as a balustrade, shelf, roofing, and more. 

 

Toughened glass cost per m²

For a rough idea of how much your required toughened glass might cost, browse our pricing guide below. 

Glass thickness  Typical applications for this thickness  Price* per m²
4mm Picture frames, lightweight panels, etc.  From £45
6mm Cabinet glass, small screens, etc.  From £55 
8mm  Shower screens or small-span balustrades, etc.  From £75
10mm Shower enclosures, partitions, etc.  From £95 
12mm Heavy panels for structural applications  From £120 
15mm Frameless balustrades  From £185
19mm  Structural glass installations  From £260 

 

* Price is indicative only and excludes delivery**. Bespoke specifications will affect the final cost per m².

** Delivery charges are calculated at checkout and are based on size, weight, and delivery postcode

 

Toughened glass panels by thickness 

As explored in the cost table above, toughened glass comes in a range of thicknesses, making it ideal for a whole span of internal and external projects. 

Toughened glass 4mm 

This variety of toughened glass is used for lightweight applications where impact resistance is needed, but structural strength is not critical. 

This can include: 

  • Picture frames 
  • Small furniture panels 
  • Protective covers 

It is unsuitable for load-bearing or frameless installations. 

6mm toughened glass 

Giving improved strength while remaining light, this versatile thickness is suitable for:

  • Furniture doors 
  • Table or counter top covers 
  • Small internal screens 

Toughened glass 8mm 

With good rigidity, which is needed for medium-sized panels, 8mm toughened glass can be used for: 

  • Shower and bath screens 
  • Small glass partitions 
  • Balcony panels, when used alongside framing support 

10mm toughened glass 

Offering increased stiffness and reduced flex across wider spans, 10mm glass is a popular choice for:

  • Frameless shower enclosures 
  • Office partitions 
  • Glass doors 

Toughened glass 12mm

With excellent structural performance, consider 12mm glass panels for: 

  • Large shower screens 
  • Heavy glass doors 
  • Balustrades, when used with the appropriate fixing systems 

15 and 19mm toughened glass

Primarily used for structural and architectural projects, these largest widths provide substantial load resistance when specified correctly for: 

  • Frameless balustrades 
  • Structural glazing 
  • Heavy-duty partitions

Which thickness is right for me? 

Generally speaking, toughened glass specifications should be informed by the span, support, and intended use. 

However, for an insight into general projects we see very often, you could consider:

  • For framed balustrades or partitions up to 600mm wide, 6mm may be sufficient 
  • Shower screens up to 1000mm, choose 8mm panels 
  • Framless shower panels over 1000mm, 10mm toughened glass is best 
  • Balustrades complete with handrails, choose 10-12mm glazing
  • Frameless structural balustrades will require 15-19 mm toughened glass

 

Delivery and shipping from Express Toughening 

At present, we offer secure delivery of toughened glass panels to anywhere in:

  • Mainland England
  • Wales
  • Southern and Central Scotland
  • Some postcodes in Northern Scotland (subject to quotation) 

For delivery to Northern Ireland or offshore UK islands, please contact us. 

Delivery costs guide 

Panel size  Delivery method Approximate cost* 
Small  Secure courier  £25-35
Medium  Depends on the final order £40-65
Large panels or pallet deliveries  Specialist fragile-goods transport, or palletised delivery £75-120

* Exact delivery charges are calculated at checkout and are based on size, weight, and delivery postcode

Lead times

To ensure accurate production, lead times can only begin once drawings and specifications are confirmed. 

Unless otherwise stated, lead times at Express Toughening include: 

  • Standard or clear toughened glass: 5-7 working days 
  • Tinted or specialist finishes: 7-10 working days 
  • Large structural planes: 7-12 working days

 

Order bespoke glass shower screens for your bathroom reno

Whether you want to find out more about our glass shower screen range for your own bathroom, or need help designing a stylish yet sound shower set-up for a client, our bespoke glass specialists are here and happy to advise.

You can get in touch with us today by calling 020 8500 1188 or emailing info@expresstoughening.com, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can to discuss your specifications. 

Click here for more information
How is glass toughened?

Tempering glass is a rigorous process that involves rapidly heating it to very high temperatures – up to 680°C – and quickly cooling it again, which balances the internal stresses in the sheet of glass.

After standard float glass is measured and cut to the specified dimensions, it travels through a furnace on rollers to heat it up, and then moves to the quenching area, where it is cooled back down with high-velocity cold air.

This compresses the surface and edges and creates compensating central tension, engineering counter-acting stress between the different layers. This is what increases the resistance to physical impacts and thermal stresses.

This gives toughened glass a longer lifespan than general float glass, as well as increased resistance to wear and tear, like scratches and scuffs, so it will maintain its appearance for a long time, too.

Can you cut toughened glass to custom sizes?

Yes! We supply custom-cut toughened glass in most shapes and sizes at Express Toughening, with polished edges as standard, alongside a range of extras like pre-drilled holes, notches, cut-outs, radius corners, and other corner finishes.

However, if you would like a truly bespoke shape and size to accommodate the features of the location where you’ll be installing the toughened glass, you must be sure to make this request clear at the time of ordering.

This is because float glass cannot be cut or drilled after it has been toughened, as it will damage the glass and unbalance the internal stresses, causing it to break.

If you request specific dimensions and extras, we can then use our CNC machines to create pieces of toughened glass cut to size perfectly, thanks to the precision of computer numerical cutting. Our drilling and polishing machines can also add any holes you might require and smooth the edges nicely.

Where is toughened glass needed?

Anywhere there is a risk of impact, standard float glass is not suitable, meaning that toughened glass becomes the natural choice. This includes but is not limited to: 

  • Commercial or public spaces with lots of foot traffic and potential hazards for tripping, falling, or dropping objects into or onto the glass 
  • Private residences 
  • Workplaces

Some of the most common applications for toughened glass include:

  • Glass windows and doors
  • Glass table tops and desks
  • Glass roofs and canopies
  • Glass balustrades and balconies
  • Bath screens and shower screens
  • Bathroom and kitchen splashbacks
  • Glass shelves and display units
  • Glass staircases and surrounds
  • Glass partition walls and floors

You can order toughened glass panels for any of these functions from Express Toughening, ensuring that the glass structure does its job well and poses a low risk of injury if it breaks under high impact.

How is toughened glass cut to size?

To create toughened glass, the process begins with standard annealed (non-toughened) glass.

It is:

  1. Cut using CNC automation for precise dimensions 
  2. Edge polishing or arrising
  3. Holes are drilled, and machining cut-outsare  completed 
  4. Washing and inspection 
  5. Thermal tempering to create tempered glass 

Then, once complete, it is securely packed and delivered right to your door.

What safety standards does toughened glass meet in the UK?

Our toughened glass is carefully manufactured in accordance with any relevant British standard, including: 

  • BS EN 12150 
  • BS EN 14449
  • The now historic standard for impact performance, BS 6206

This compliance ensures glass fragments safely into small, blunt pieces in the unlikely event of breakage.

Is Express Toughening ISO certified?

Yes, Express Toughening Ltd operates in accordance with recognised quality management standards. 

You can view our most recent certificate of registration here.

Does Express Toughening deliver nationwide?

We deliver across mainland England and Wales, alongside most parts of Scotland. 

Delivery to remote Scottish locations or parts of offshore England should be requested before ordering. Contact us to do so today.

Certificates & Partners

What Our Customers Say

Andrew Cooke

Superb customer service from the Express Toughening team – when I made a mistake on my order online, they dealt with the issue quickly organising partial refund immediately. My order arrived quickly and their courier messaged me before delivery to check I was in. Quality product at the best price I found online.

Rated 5 out of 5
Kiron Kular

A massive Thankyou to Helen from Express Toughening for being so patient, co-operative and helpful with my orders. She resolved a re-make without any fuss and in an extremely timely manner. If you want glass – go to Express Toughening and ask for Helen!

Rated 5 out of 5
Andy Beviere

Extremely easy company to deal with, glass ordered weeks ago and asked for a specific delivery date due to glass testing and no one being onsite. Delivered on time and when asked for other types glass stated they couldn’t help but recommended an equally helpful company!!

Wouldn’t hesitate to use again.

Rated 5 out of 5
Brian White

I’ve used Express Toughening twice now and have been very impressed with the glass they have supplied and also the helpfulness of the staff. The first job was a couple of years ago when they supplied me with a 6mm satin frosted toughened glass door for our shower room. From my measurements they supplied a fabulous door which had the hinge and lock holes cut out and also took into account the out of square measurement of the door frame. It fitted a treat and is stunning to look at.

More recently (late last year) they supplied me with painted toughened glass splash backs (7 items altogether in 6mm glass with the biggest being 2.1 metres long), all cut to my sizes and with numerous switch and socket cut-outs. My local glass supplier said they could not cut out the close together sockets and switches, but Express did and got it spot on!

As with the glass door, the splash backs were delivered to me by Expresses’ own transport and without any problems and quality issues.

After the scary bit of fitting them all the result is faultless and stunning. Thanks go to Alex who helped me with the ordering process and technical aspects of glass splash backs.

Rated 5 out of 5
David Convery

4mm toughened glass for greenhouse. Although slightly dubious about ordering from a company I’ve never heard of and not local (300mile away) I’m so glad I took the plunge. A great customer service from Helen and the team from start to finish, clearly there was nothing for me to worry about.

Their website is easy to use and made ordering online a doddle and for those shapes, they don’t have on their website a quick email and rough diagram sorted any issues there. All glass arrived on time well packed and with no breakages.

It’s a company I wouldn’t hesitate to use again and I’d definitely recommend it to others who need quality glass cut to size.

Rated 5 out of 5
Tony Fields

Excellent product.
Exactly what it says on the tin.
Brilliant, friendly service from Helen.
Definitely recommended.
(And we’re on the Scottish border)

Rated 5 out of 5
Tony Owen

Fantastic service, fantastic prices and fantastic products – I could not recommend Express Toughening highly enough – I got an immediate response to my request for a quotation, and Helen was so helpful in answering my questions. Order placement was easy and everything arrived exactly on time and as promised. I won’t look anywhere else for my next order – great prices (way cheaper than other quotes) and great service!

Thank you!

Rated 5 out of 5
Sam Richardson

We have been using Express toughening for a number of years, mainly for glass screens and Toughened Glass for balustrade. The company are always reliable, deliveries always on time and friendly helpful service.

Rated 5 out of 5
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