Understanding Your Shower Glass Options

Did you know that there’s more than one type of glass used for shower doors?

What’s the difference between the different types?

In this article, we’ll walk you through the different types of glass commonly used for shower doors, along with the pros and cons of each option, so you can make an informed decision for your bathroom.

Clear Glass: The Standard Starting Point

The most common base selection for frameless shower doors is clear glass. Standard clear glass has a slight greenish tint, which becomes noticeable especially when viewed from the edge or against light-colored tiles. This tint is due to the iron content in the glass.

Low-Iron Glass: A Cleaner, Truer Look

If you’re using lighter tiles or want to ensure your tile colors show through clearly, low-iron glass may be a better option. This type of glass has reduced iron content, eliminating the greenish hue and allowing for a brighter, more accurate view of your shower's interior. It's ideal for those seeking a crisp, clean aesthetic.

ShowerGuard® Glass: Long-Term Protection

Another popular option is ShowerGuard glass—a premium product with a permanent, invisible protective coating. This coating is fused into the surface of the glass during manufacturing and works by filling in the microscopic peaks and valleys where water, soap scum, and minerals can collect.

The benefits?

• It helps prevent buildup and permanent etching.
• You’ll never need to reapply anything—it’s not a spray-on solution.
• It comes with a manufacturer’s lifetime warranty against staining and discoloration.

While ShowerGuard helps maintain a spotless appearance, it doesn’t completely eliminate the need for cleaning. A quick wipe-down with a squeegee remains your best friend for daily maintenance.

You can even combine low-iron glass and ShowerGuard for the clearest and most protected finish.

Patterned and Obscured Glass: Style with Privacy

Beyond clear options, Wolverine Glass also offers a variety of patterned and obscured glass styles, which provide varying levels of privacy. These options can add texture or visual interest to your bathroom, but there’s a tradeoff: patterned glass may hide the beautiful tilework you’ve installed behind it.

In most cases, if privacy is a concern, we recommend relying on the bathroom door rather than obscuring your shower glass.
We encourage customers to visit our showroom to view these glass types in person. Seeing the glass up close is the best way to decide what’s right for your space.

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Live near Novi, MI? Let’s Design Your Perfect Glass Shower Door!

We hope this guide helps clarify your options for shower door glass. Wolverine Glass is committed to helping you create beautiful, functional glass features in your home. Be sure to check out our other videos and resources for more on the design and installation process. 

If you live in or around the Novi, MI area, we can help you design and install a glass shower door! Call (734) 426-5600 or submit a contact form here.