I’ll start by telling you the cold, hard, facts. Here it goes.
I’m a guy who leads a business which wholesales and installs glass blocks showers.
And I’m also a guy who leads a business which wholesales and installs glass shower doors.
And now for the big admission (and no, I’m NOT part of the celebrity admissions scandal to get my kids into a fancy ivy-league college of their choice).
No, my admission is when my wife Rose and I recently remodeled our bathroom we removed the glass block shower installed 29 years ago (when my oldest son Grant was in diapers. Boy, that makes me feel OLD!) and replaced it with a clear frameless glass shower (see below).
And what’s even more interesting; when Michelle – our Marketing Manager –posted ‘before/after’ pictures on Facebook of my Akron bathroom remodeling job, some people liked the glass block shower ‘before’ picture better than the clear frameless glass door ‘after’ picture. Ouch!
So, does this mean I screwed up and glass blocks are ‘in’ – and my clear glass shower is ‘out?’ I hope not. And I don’t think so.
What it means is glass block showers – and clear glass showers – can be in or out…. depending on your perspective and their design.
And with this being said – there’s also been product developments in glass blocks which have transformed them from the limited designs possible when Rose and I had our glass block shower built 29 years ago, to what’s possible today.
And in this article I’ll share – IMHO – how (and why) glass block showers can be ‘in’ for today’s bathrooms. In addition, I’ll also share how/where they should be ‘out’ (and not used).
And in the comments at the end – I’d like your humble (or not so humble) opinion. Do you think a glass block shower is the ‘bomb-diggity’ (as my son Parker used to say), or would you NOT touch them with a 10’ pole?
And yes, it’s OK to let out any pent-up ‘glass block aggression’ you have. You won’t hurt my feelings.
So, let’s dig into where glass block showers can make a ton of sense, and be ‘in’. Then I’ll do a ‘point/counterpoint’ (like the old – and fun – Saturday Night Live skit below, without the insults) and look at where they should be ‘out.’
Where glass block showers can be ‘in.’
Here’s 7 examples where glass block showers can make a dramatic, unique, or contemporary impact on a bathroom remodel, or shower in a new home.
Example #1 where a glass block shower can be ‘in’– When you’d love a serpentine design and want to blow people’s minds with a glass shower wall they’ve never seen before.
Making a serpentine glass shower wall from curved and bent glass would not only be an immense technical challenge – but it’d be soooo expensive only those who would’ve been featured on Robin Leach’s Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous would have the bucks to afford the job.
On the other hand, a glass block serpentine shower wall – while still not a ‘cheap date’ is in the (somewhat) affordable realm. It’ll give you a show-stopping shower you won’t see in any production home! What do you think of the picture below?
Example #2 why a glass block shower can be ‘in’– It’s sustainable.
Whether you’re a lover, or glass block hater, the one irrefutable thing is glass blocks last. So, if you’re looking for a durable, long-lasting shower, glass blocks make sense.
Example #3 where a glass block shower can be ‘in’– When you want a stained-glass look, yet also need a durable shower wall.
There’s something about the eclectic design of stained glass which grabs attention – whether it’s in a bathroom, or a church.
And what’s wonderful in a shower with light streaming through it is the impact a varied size/pattern glass block design can create. It’s a captivating. It’s a look which you can’t be pulled off with many materials.
Example #4 why a glass block shower can be ‘in’ today, but it wouldn’t have been years ago.
Let’s face it – back in the ‘bad old days’ if you wanted a glass block shower it might’ve taken an ‘act of God’ to get one.
First you had to find a skilled mason who was ready, willing, and able to professionally install a glass block shower block by block. Not only was that a P.I.A. years ago, today with tight labor markets, its practically impossible to find a mason who’ll even touch glass blocks (they’re already too busy installing simpler materials)!
Then, you would have had to find a builder who knows how to build a glass block shower pan which won’t leak and WILL be designed to fit the glass block units flawlessly. And since most builders don’t know ‘jack-squat’ (sorry to be crass, but it’s true) about glass blocks – once again, good luck with that.
So – given these glass block shower hurdles of yesteryear, why can a glass block shower be ‘in’ today – when in the ‘bad old days’ it was a planning/logistical nightmare?
The reason glass blocks can be ‘in’ today is you can buy a pre-designed, pre-built, glass block shower system where the walls are premade (even curved walls). Then you can get a solid surface shower pan, or tile-ready shower pan made to fit the prebuilt glass block shower sections like a glove. And the pre-made sections can be installed like LEGO blocks (it’s even straightforward for a do it yourself to install)!
So, don’t worry – if you like a glass block shower you can get one WITHOUT the hassle IF (and likely only if) you work with a glass block shower specialist who’ll help with the design, and supply of the glass block shower system.
Example #5 why a glass block shower can be ‘in’ today. You want a colorful design.
Do you hate, hate, hate being like everybody else? Are you one of those people who isn’t afraid of color in interior design and are open to expressing your individuality.
Well – if this is you, glass blocks are a product you need to consider. Not only can you sprinkle in or use a fully colored glass block shower wall – but you can also vary unit sizes in the same wall.
Just name me one other glass shower wall material you can do that with. Ok…. I’m waiting…..
Example #6 why a glass block shower can be ‘in’ today. You hate water spots and clear glass shower door frames.
If seeing spots in clear glass shower doors you can’t get rid of is driving you nuts, or cleaning the bottom of a sliding glass shower door frame makes you want to S-C-R-E-A-M, you’re not alone.
This can be another place a glass block shower can be ‘in.’ Since most glass block shower designs use obscure patterns, they hide water spots and could even prompt you to list your squeegee on eBay (Ok, maybe your old squeegee isn’t going to fetch big-bucks on eBay – but you know what I mean).
Example #7 why a glass block shower can be ‘in’ today – When you want to create a ‘step-down’ design and/or a walk-in doorless shower.
If you’re a fan of ditching the expensive glass shower door – and the idea of a contemporary walk in shower is up your alley, take another look at a glass block walls.
Since modern glass blocks are pre-curved (and pre-built into curved sections) even a DIY’er can do the job.
So, now that I’ve run through 7 examples glass block showers can be in, let’s look at when, where, and why glass block showers should be out.
Where glass block showers should be ‘out.’
Example #1 when a glass block shower should be ‘out’ – When you want unobstructed views to the cool shower wall surrounds (or person) inside the shower.
There’s no debate about it.
Glass block shower walls obstruct the view to what (or whom) is on the inside of the shower.
So, if you’ve got a fancy tile shower wall design – or an inventive shower wall panel system you want, want, want your friends and neighbors to see – a clear glass shower wall will be a better choice than a glass block shower.
However, on the other hand – if you (or a family member you love – but maybe you don’t want to quite see ALL of them) doesn’t want to be on ‘display,’ perhaps a frosted glass shower door or glass block wall can be the answer anyway.
The case can be made for clear or obscure glass shower walls, it depends on your personal preference.
Example #2 when a glass block shower should be ‘out.’ When you see grout joints as an evil to be avoided at all costs.
While the simplified glass block shower installation systems talked about in example 4 above (of why glass block showers can be in) with the premade glass block sections have reduced grout joints between the blocks to 1/8” wide (even in curved sections), the reality is the system still needs grout between glass blocks to support the wall.
So, if you are bound (ok, maybe not actually bound) and determined to blow up any grout joints, then a glass block shower will be ‘out’ for you, and a glass shower enclosure will be in.
Example #3 when a glass block shower should be ‘out’ – If you’re NOT DIYing the job, and you can’t convince, beg, or cajole your contractor to do the job.
While the premade systems have made glass block showers infinitely simpler than they were in the ‘bad old days’ which required a mason to do a block by block installation with a custom made shower pan, the reality is some contractors can be as stubborn as mules.
And if your contractor tells you, “Dude – or ‘lady’ – I ain’t doin’ no glass block shower, no-how, no way,” you may need to pass on this idea no matter how much you love glass block showers.
Example #4 when a glass block shower should be ‘out’ – If you want a complete shower enclosure (not a walk in shower).
While it’s possible to incorporate a door with a glass block shower system (note – it’s simplest when you have a straight glass block wall AND you hinge the shower door off a framed wall) – it’s not the simplest thing to do or engineer.
So, if a walk in shower isn’t your bag, you’ll either need a simplified glass block shower design (no curved or serpentine walls) or you should opt for a clear glass shower door.
Example #5 when a glass block shower should be ‘out’ – If you hate the look of the ‘same-old, same-old’ glass block shower with one wavy block stacked on top another.
I’ll be honest and tell you there’s been millions of wave pattern 8” x 8” glass blocks (one stacked on top another) sold in windows and walls practically since Moses was a boy (and NO I don’t go back that far, despite my ‘advanced age.’).
8” x 8” wavy glass block walls have been done. They’ve been done again. And they’ve been done a million times after that.
And if you’re tired of this design it can be a hurdle to use glass blocks. And while there are all sorts of decorative glass blocks for straight walls – things get more complicated when you want a curved wall – and the precurved blocks only come in the wavy design.
And if you don’t love the traditional wave pattern glass block shower, this is where a clear glass enclosure can be best.
Example #6 when a glass block shower should be ‘out’ – When you realize you can’t ‘move’ the glass block wall – AND you can’t move the shower valve to a new location.
Let’s face it – a drawback to a glass block shower wall is it doesn’t pivot and doesn’t slide. It’s sturdy, yet it’s anchored into a wall and has no ‘give,’ or movement.
And while this is a benefit if a family member who isn’t steady on their feet is using the shower needs a wall to prop themselves up, it’s also a problem if you have to walk into a glass block shower and have to go under the shower head to turn on the water (then you get blasted with cold water before the temperature heats up).
So, in instances like this it’s recommended to move the shower valve so you CAN turn it on without getting into the ‘business side’ of a glass block shower system. And while in many cases this is possible (see below) – sometimes it’s not if the wall you’d like to use for the valve is on an exterior wall.
Example #7 when a glass block shower should be ‘out’ – Where space is limited.
The good news about a glass block wall is it’s thick and durable.
And the bad news about a glass block wall is it’s thick.
And when your space is limited, the 3 1/8” thick (thinner series) glass blocks may eat up too many precious inches of shower space to be a good solution. This is where even a higher-quality 3/8” thick glass shower door will provide far more room.
Given the points above, from your P.O.V. are glass blocks ‘in’ or are they ‘out?’ Do you need help designing your glass block or glass shower door project?
While I admitted I (after 29 years) decided it was time to switch from a glass block shower to a clear frameless shower in my home– that doesn’t mean that’s the right decision for you.
So, do you think glass blocks are ‘in’ or ‘out?’ Comment below and tell me – in NO uncertain terms – why you’re of that opinion.
I know bathroom remodeling is confusing – especially if you’re kicking around a glass block shower and most remodelers and builders don’t know ‘jack’ about them!
So – if you’re trying to get your arms around the question if glass blocks are a good idea for your shower or not, and if it’s possible to use this material in your job, reach out to a Glass Shower Specialist who sells glass blocks AND clear glass systems to find out.
Call 877-668-5888 or request a Free Design Consultation. And if you’re looking for a glass block shower contractor in Columbus Ohio call 614-252-5888 or in Cleveland Ohio 216-531-6363.
You’ll get the straight scoop from people who’ve been doing this stuff for years – BEFORE our hair turned gray OR we started balding (and unfortunately I resemble those remarks)!
President of Innovate Building Solutions a nationwide supplier and regional (Cleveland and Columbus) remodeling contractors. Some of our product lines include glass counters, floors, backsplashes, glass blocks and grout free shower and tub wall panels
