Does Glass Tile Thickness Make a Difference?

Dimensionality

• One of the primary differences between glass tiles of different thicknesses is the ability to produce a three-dimensional effect. As a translucent or high-shine material, glass provides a depth and dimension that more solid substances such as ceramic don't. The thickness of your specific tiles will have a visual impact on the dimensionality of your design. For example, an 8 millimeter glass tile creates a greater degree of depth than a 4 millimeter one would.

Continuity

• The thickness of your chosen glass tiles will impact the installation needs of your home project. Depending on where and how you are planning to place your tiles, specific projects require certain depths of glass to create the maximum visual or aesthetic impact. For example, if your glass material must abut another surface, such as ceramic tile, you may find a variation in thickness. The variation leads to a discontinuous look that can appear out of place or thrown together. In a case like that, using a thicker glass tile is a viable installation option.

Placement

• There is no one tried and true place to in the home to use glass tiles. From a streamlined kitchen backsplash to a colorfully patterned wall, this building medium lends itself to an abundance of uses. You may need slightly differing thicknesses of glass depending on where you want to place it. A purely decorative area may require a thinner tile, while a functional area such as a shower or a pool necessitates a thicker version.

Breakage

• Just because you want a shimmering decorative look doesn't mean that you have to give up durability. Unlike stone or other more sturdy materials, glass in almost any form is easily broken or damaged. If you are looking to decrease the likelihood of breakage, a thicker tile is a more functional option. Additionally, thinner tiles may be more easily scratched or shattered during the installation process. Using a thicker tile, such as 8 millimeter, adds an extra layer of durability. Although the more dense the tile is the less likely it is to endure frequent breaks, all glass products are fragile and should be handled as so.