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When it comes to glass in homes and commercial buildings, safety is not optional — it’s essential. Modern construction relies on safety glass to reduce the risk of injury and increase durability. The two most common types of safety glass are laminated glass and tempered (also known as toughened) glass.
But what’s the difference between them? And which one should you choose for your project?
Let’s break it down in simple terms.
What Is Safety Glass?
Safety glass is specially treated or manufactured so that when it breaks, it does so in a way that reduces the risk of serious injury. In Australia, safety glass is required by law in many areas such as:
- Doors and windows
- Bathrooms and showers
- Shopfronts
- Balustrades and pool fencing
- Glass near floors or stairs
The two most common types used are laminated glass and tempered (toughened) glass.
Laminated Glass: Strong and Secure
🔹 What is laminated glass?
Laminated glass is made by bonding two or more layers of glass together with a plastic interlayer (usually PVB – polyvinyl butyral) in between.
🔹 How does it break?
When laminated glass breaks, the pieces stick to the plastic layer instead of falling apart. The glass may crack, but it stays in place.
🔹 Key benefits:
- Excellent safety (glass stays together when broken)
- Provides security against forced entry
- Reduces noise (sound insulation)
- Blocks UV rays
- Ideal for overhead glass and large windows
🔹 Common uses:
- Front windows
- Skylights
- Glass roofs
- Shopfronts
- Balustrades
- Areas where security is important
Tempered (Toughened) Glass: Strong and Heat-Treated
🔹 What is tempered glass?
Tempered glass is regular glass that has been heated and rapidly cooled in a furnace, making it up to 5 times stronger than normal glass.
🔹 How does it break?
When tempered glass breaks, it shatters into small blunt pieces, not sharp shards. This greatly reduces the chance of serious injury.
🔹 Key benefits:
- Very strong and impact resistant
- Safe breakage pattern
- Heat resistant
- Cost-effective compared to laminated glass
🔹 Common uses:
- Shower screens
- Glass doors
- Office partitions
- Table tops
- Windows in high-traffic areas
Laminated vs Tempered Glass: Key Differences
| Feature | Laminated Glass | Tempered (Toughened) Glass |
|---|---|---|
| Breakage | Cracks but stays in place | Shatters into small pieces |
| Safety | Very high | High |
| Security | Excellent | Moderate |
| Sound insulation | Good | Low |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Best for | Windows, skylights, shopfronts | Showers, doors, partitions |
Which One Should You Choose?
The choice depends on your needs:
Choose laminated glass if you want:
- Extra security
- Noise reduction
- Glass that stays in place when broken
- Protection from break-ins
Choose tempered (toughened) glass if you want:
- Strong and safe glass
- Affordable option
- Use in bathrooms or doors
- Clean break pattern for safety
In many modern buildings, both types are used in different areas for maximum safety and performance.
Australian Safety Standards
In Australia, safety glass must comply with AS/NZS 2208 and AS 1288 standards. These regulations define where laminated or toughened glass must be installed to protect occupants from injury.
A professional glazier can advise which type is legally required for each application.
Final Thoughts
Both laminated and tempered glass are excellent safety solutions — they just serve different purposes. Understanding the difference helps you make the right choice for your home or business.
If you’re planning new windows, a shower screen, or a shopfront, always consult a qualified glazing professional to ensure your glass is safe, compliant, and built to last.
Need Expert Advice?
At SafeGlass, we supply and install high-quality safety glass solutions including laminated and toughened glass for residential and commercial projects. Contact us today for a free consultation and quote.