Toughened vs laminated glass: which one do you need?
Both toughened and laminated glass count as safety glass, and both are accepted for “human impact” areas like doors and low windows. The difference is what happens when they break, and that decides which one suits your job.
Toughened glass
Toughened (tempered) glass is ordinary glass that’s been heated and rapidly cooled. That makes it several times stronger than standard float glass, and when it does break it shatters into small, blunt pieces instead of sharp shards.
- Best for: doors, sidelights, low windows, shower screens, pool fences, table tops.
- Watch out for: it can’t be cut or drilled after toughening, so it’s made to exact size (we measure on site first).
Laminated glass
Laminated glass is two sheets bonded to a plastic interlayer (PVB). If it breaks, the pieces stay stuck to the interlayer and the pane stays in the frame, like a car windscreen.
- Best for: security (it’s hard to get through), street noise, overhead glazing and shopfronts.
- Bonus: the interlayer blocks most UV, which helps reduce fading of floors and furniture.
Side by side
| Toughened | Laminated | |
|---|---|---|
| When broken | Small blunt pieces | Cracks but stays in place |
| Strength | Very high | Similar to float, but holds together |
| Security | Good | Better |
| Noise | Standard | Quieter |
| Cut to size on site | No, made to order | Yes |
What does it cost?
For small and medium windows the two are close in price. You can compare them in a few seconds in our instant quote: enter your size, switch between “Toughened safety glass” and “Laminated safety glass”, and watch the price change.
Not sure which is required? Australian Standard AS 1288 sets out where safety glass is needed. If you pick the wrong one in the quote, we’ll tell you on site before any work starts.