Choosing the right end, angled or curved glass block can make all the difference in creating a soundly constructed good looking project. In this article you'll learn some simple design tips to choose the right shaped unit for your shower, wall, window or bar.
Design Tip # 1 - When to use a bullnose finished end - Creating an all-glass look for a shower or partition wall creates a more pleasing look than having to finish the end of your wall with a dissimilar material. Vertical partitions The glass finishing units are excellent to finish the end of a wall and are available in 3 sizes - 6" x 8" x 4", 8" x 8" x 4" and 8" x 8" x 3 1/8". The 4" series blocks can be purchased in several patterns in clear, colored and frosted designs. The 6" x 8" x 4" size works well for curved glass shower walls were the depth of the shower is limited. The 3 1/8" thickness unit from Mulia is a good fit to reduce project costs for straight wall applications because these thinner units are less costly.
Design Tip # 2 - When to use a curved block - Making a curved glass wall cost effectively has been greatly simplified with the introduction of this shaped unit. Since the face of the block is larger in the front than it is in the back you can created a radius or round shaped wall without have to use big grout joints in the front and small ones in the back. The curved Arque unit has a front face that is 6" x 8" x 4" and each unit makes a 22 ½ degree turn (therefore if you use 4 of these units you'll make a complete 90 degree turn). The blocks are available in two different patterns and many colored and frosted designs. The most popular uses of curved walls are for walk in showers and partition walls.
Design Tip # 3 - When to use a double end unit - If you're looking to build a straight shower partition wall or half wall with a step down design the all glass double end unit will be the nicest way to complete this look. These blocks are only available in 8" x 8" x 4" sizes in Decora, Wave, Icescapes and Iceberg patterns. Make sure if you're designing a stair stepped walls to plan in 8" x 8" sizes. There are colored, frosted and etched selections to choose from as well.
Design Tip # 4 - When to use a corner glass block - If you're making a recreation room bar, lamp post or a shower wall an effective way to make a 90 degree turn in a short distance is with the corner unit. These units are 8" high and measure 6" side to side and come in 2 different patterns and multiple color, etched and frosted designs. For a bar you will generally use 5 units high to finish your wall our at 40" (when you add your top you'll end up with an approximate 42" bar top).
Design Tip # 5- When to use a 45 degree angle block - The angled unit can make a 45 degree turn in about 2 ½". Consider using these blocks for a shower wall with limited depth, a glass block bow window or for columns with a hexagonal design. Available in 2 patterns - they can also be accented with colors and frosted designs.