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18/Sep/2025
Laminated glass and toughened glass are two common types of safety glass used in New Zealand homes. Both are designed to reduce injury risk, but they differ in how they are made and how they behave.
When choosing glass for your home – whether for windows, shower units, glass balustrades, or glass pool fencing – it’s important to understand the differences.
Laminated glass is made by bonding two or more layers of glass with a plastic interlayer (usually PVB). Even if it breaks, the fragments stick to the interlayer and the pane usually stays in place.
Advantages:
Holds together when cracked (spider-web pattern).
Blocks up to 99% of UV radiation.
Provides sound insulation – great for homes near busy roads.
Offers extra security since intruders must cut through the plastic layer.
Common uses in NZ: skylights, overhead glazing, security windows, and large shopfronts.
Toughened glass (also called tempered glass) is a single pane heated and rapidly cooled to make it 4–5 times stronger than normal glass.
Advantages:
Very high impact strength.
Withstands thermal stress (hot/cold changes).
If it breaks, it shatters into small blunt granules, reducing injury risk.
Common uses in NZ: frameless shower screens, pool fences, sliding doors, and many balustrades.
Strength: Toughened glass is stronger. Laminated glass focuses on retention and extra features.
Breakage: Toughened shatters into small cubes; laminated cracks but stays intact.
Safety: Both are Grade A safety glass. Laminated is better overhead; toughened is better for impacts.
Sound/UV: Laminated reduces noise and blocks UV. Toughened does not.
Cost: Laminated is more expensive due to its multi-layer structure.
For official compliance info, see the NZ Building Code – Hazardous Building Materials (Clause F2) and NZS 4223 Glazing Standards.
Bathrooms: Toughened glass is used in showers and bath enclosures.
Pools: Toughened glass panels are standard for fences, meeting NZ pool safety rules.
Balustrades: Framed systems may use toughened; frameless must use toughened laminated to meet NZS 4223.
Skylights: Laminated is recommended to prevent glass falling inside and for UV/sound protection.
Choose toughened when you need strength and safe shatter – like showers, pool fences, and doors.
Choose laminated when you need the glass to stay in place, plus UV and sound benefits – like skylights, windows facing busy streets, or security glazing.
In some cases, use both together (toughened laminated).
Both types are compliant and safe. The “right” choice depends on your project.
Need advice for your home? Contact our team for expert help and a free quote: Get in touch.
Which is stronger, laminated or toughened glass?
Toughened glass is generally 4–5 times stronger than ordinary glass. Laminated is not inherently stronger, but it stays intact when cracked.
Is laminated safer than toughened?
Both are safe (Grade A). Laminated holds glass in place; toughened shatters into harmless pieces.
Where is safety glass required in NZ homes?
In doors, bathrooms, low-level glazing, balustrades, and overhead windows. See NZ Building Code F2.
Does laminated provide better sound and UV protection?
Yes. The interlayer reduces noise and blocks most UV rays.
Which is more expensive?
Laminated usually costs more. Toughened is cheaper for standard applications, laminated is worth it where noise, UV, or security are priorities.
