For generations, traditional wood saunas have been the favorite choice for saunas in homes and companies. You could be considering whether to use tempered glass or frameless glass for your sauna.
Both choices can improve your sauna’s appearance and safety, and they also offer benefits of their own.
But because of its modern style and sleek look, glass saunas have become increasingly common suggestions of choice in recent years. Popular options that may have a main effect on the sauna’s presence, benefit, and safety include tempered glass and frameless glass, each of which has unique benefits
Frameless Glass
Frameless glass refers to glass installations without the usual frames around the edges. This style gives a sleek and modern look. Instead of being held by visible frames, the glass panels are supported by separate hardware like clips, brackets, or hooks. The design of frameless glass creates a continuous and unbroken view, making spaces feel larger and more open.
Common applications include saunas, glass doors, office dividers, and shower screens. Frameless glass is popular in modern designs due to its clean and polished appearance.
Applications for Frameless Glass
- Saunas
- Glass doors
- Office partitions
- Shower screens
Tempered Glass
Tempered glass is a type of safety glass that undergoes heat treatment to make it stronger than regular glass. This process creates a balance of compressive and tensile stresses, increasing its resistance to impact and heat stress. Tempered glass is often used in areas where safety is a priority, such as automobile windows, shower doors, and saunas. It significantly reduces the risk of injury by breaking into small, blunt pieces instead of sharp shards.
Common Uses for Tempered Glass
- Car windows
- Shower doors
- Glass tabletops
- Architectural features
Heat Resistance
Frameless Glass
Frameless glass can handle the high temperatures of a sauna, but its performance depends on the quality of the glass used. The absence of frames means that the glass itself must be strong enough to resist the heat without warping or cracking. The supporting hardware also needs to withstand the sauna’s heat, ensuring the glass stays secure.
Tempered Glass
Tempered glass is designed to withstand extreme temperatures and sudden changes in heat. This makes it an excellent choice for saunas. The glass remains stable and safe under high heat, ensuring long-lasting performance in the sauna environment.
Design
Frameless Glass
Frameless glass offers a sleek, modern look that enhances the sauna’s appearance. The lack of visible frames creates a clean, seamless view, making the space feel larger and more open. This design is ideal for those seeking a minimalist, contemporary style.
Tempered Glass
Tempered glass can also be used in sleek designs but is often seen with some form of framing. The framing can add a traditional touch to the sauna while still providing a clean and polished look. The design options with tempered glass include various finishes and styles, allowing for some customization to match the sauna’s overall aesthetic.
Cost
Frameless Glass
Frameless glass installations are generally more expensive due to the custom cutting, specialized hardware, and precise installation required. The modern and high-end appearance often justifies the higher cost for those focused on design.
Tempered Glass
Tempered glass tends to be more cost-effective, especially in framed installations. The cost can be higher than regular glass due to the tempering process, but it is usually more affordable than frameless glass, making it a good option for those balancing cost with safety and durability.
Strength
Frameless Glass
Frameless glass relies on the quality of the hardware and the installation. While the glass itself can be strong, the lack of frames means it is more susceptible to stress points. The overall strength is good but requires careful installation to avoid weaknesses.
Tempered Glass
Tempered glass is much stronger than regular glass, making it highly resistant to impact and breakage. The heat treatment process ensures that the glass can handle physical stress and temperature changes without compromising its integrity. This makes tempered glass a safer and more durable option for saunas.
Which is Best for You?
Both options offer unique benefits, so selecting the best one for you will come down to what matters most in your sauna experience.
Design Preference
If you want a modern, sleek look with a seamless view, frameless glass is the ideal choice. It creates an open and spacious feel in your sauna, perfect for a contemporary style. On the other hand, if you prefer a more traditional or robust design, tempered glass with framing can provide both safety and aesthetic appeal.
Budget Considerations
Frameless glass tends to be more expensive due to the custom work and precision required for installation. If you are focused on getting a high-end appearance and are willing to invest, frameless glass is worth the extra cost. For those looking for a more cost-effective solution without sacrificing durability, tempered glass offers excellent value, especially in framed designs.
Strength and Safety
Tempered glass is the stronger option, offering superior resistance to impact and breakage. Its safety features, like breaking into small blunt pieces if shattered, make it the safer choice in environments where strength is crucial. Frameless glass, while still strong, depends more on the quality of the installation and hardware.
Heat Resistance
For a sauna, heat resistance is crucial. Tempered glass excels in this area, as it is specifically treated to handle high temperatures and sudden heat changes without compromising its structure. Frameless glass can also perform well in high heat, but the quality of the glass and installation play a more significant role in its effectiveness.