How each type is made
Toughened (tempered) glass is heat-treated so it's roughly four to five times stronger than regular annealed glass of the same thickness. Laminated glass is made by bonding two glass sheets together with a tough plastic interlayer, which holds the pieces in place even if the glass cracks.
The difference is in how they fail
When toughened glass finally breaks, it shatters into small, blunt pieces rather than sharp shards — which is why it's the standard choice for shower enclosures, glass doors and railings where a break needs to be as safe as possible.
Laminated glass, on the other hand, tends to crack but stay in one piece because of its interlayer, which makes it the better choice for skylights, balconies and windows facing a street, where you want something above or below people even if it's damaged.
Choosing between them room by room
For bathrooms, staircase railings and glass doors, toughened glass is the standard and cost-effective option. For skylights, high-rise balconies and any glass installed above head height, laminated glass is worth the extra cost for the added safety margin. Many premium projects actually use laminated toughened glass, combining both processes for maximum strength and safety.
Written by Editorial Team