Maybe I’ve been in the glass block shower business for too long. I’ve been doing this since 1985 and started at the age of 11 (OK – I’m lying, but I’m going with it to protect my tender, not-so-young age).

When you’ve been doing something for a long time you hear a lot of misconceptions, assumptions – or I’ll call it what it is – crap.

If you’re kicking the tires on a glass block shower, I want to use this article to save you time. I want to use this article to help you dump bad information you get from your neighbor, your relative or contractor who has limited experience with this product.

In this article I’ll blow up 5 myths about glass block showers which IMHO seriously need to die.

At the end of the article post your comments and tell me either:

1. Mike, “I think you’re amazing. You really nailed it.”
2. Mike, “I think this advice is nuts!”
3. I need to add some stupid things about glass blocks to your list.

OK – let’s start busting some myths.

Updated January 26, 2019

For some reason the design, construction and trends surrounding glass block showers are a mystery to many people. As a guy whose been in the supply and installation of glass block shower projects for close to 30 years (that might make me sound old, but I started at the age of 3 – OK, I lied!)  this product is not nearly as hard to figure out as many people make it out to be.

My goal with this article is to dispel the myths, mysteries and downright false statements circulating the Internet about glass block. I’ll not only take a look at 7 myths but provide you with winning strategies to create a contemporary glass block wall project which will be built to last and designed to inspire.

Updated February 23, 2019

Did you know glass block shower walls come in two thicknesses (4” and a thinner 3 1/8” series)? If not – you’re not alone. While the thinner glass block walls were introduced only five years ago the vast majority (about 98% of my customer’s at this time) are choosing the slim line product. In this article I’ll explore 7 tips to help you make the best glass block shower wall thickness selection for your project.

Updated February 23, 2019

Mary was practically in tears when she called me. She had seen all the pretty pictures on Pinterest and the Internet of glass block walk in showers and now after talking to her friends and her bathroom remodeling contractor she was encountering one fear after another. Intellectually she understood the ‘fear’ acronym  (which is False Evidence Appearing Real). However, she had no good answers to the following concerns which were coming up from those around her:

•  “I think glass blocks will be too heavy for the floor” her husband Bob said.

•  “Don’t you worry about a glass block wall tipping over?” (Joan – her best friend).

• “I’ve never installed a glass block wall before.” (her remodeling contractor Rico).

• “Isn’t water going to come out of that shower if it doesn’t have a door?” (Joan).

• “I’m really not sure how to make a curved glass block wall work with the shower pans I normally build.” (Rico)

This ARE NOT concerns Mary should (or could) blow off. She needed good answers to these worries before she plunked her money down to the project. In this you’ll get the ‘just the facts ma’am’ (as Joe Friday used to say) to get past your fears (and the fears of your spouse, contractor and friends) if you take the plunge and build a glass block wall. At the end of the article let me know (A) if you’re less fearful than you were and (B) if you have other questions you really need to get your arms around before starting this job.