How to install a glass block window in the bathroom

Read this step-by-step guide on installing glass block in your bathroom. Rather than partitioning spaces between the sink, toilet, and shower or tub with dark walls that can make the room feel claustrophobic, keep the light as well and add some privacy.

If you replace one or more of the solid walls with glass block walls or windows, you can transform a tight space into a bright space — without sacrificing privacy.

Glass block can be used in several ways in the bathroom. But DIYers can handle installing a glass block window in a partition wall, or building an interior wall with glass block. Most glass block projects are constructed not unlike laying out a row of bricks and mortar. In fact, special glass block mortar mix is the industry standard for its ability to connect the blocks strongly and safely.

If you prefer, for small spaces or just for the aesthetic appeal, you can choose to use glass block silicone between blocks. Thanks for your insight. These are great instructions! I'm actually down in Vancouver right now working on a project.

And I'm curious if you can install vinyl windows the same way? More by the author:. About: The Family Handyman is the DIYers best friend, offering a variety of print and digital resources for do-it-yourself homeowners. Our forte is accurate and complete how-to instructions for improving homes, yards… More About The Family Handyman ». Converting a bathtub with a conventional window above it to a shower is dicey business, but the result is striking.

Order a premade glass block window to fit your existing opening. Look under "Glass Block" in the Yellow Pages or online to find a supplier. The key to a weatherproof, attractive glass block window both inside and out is to encase it in a custom-built wooden frame Fig.

That will give you room to adjust and shim the panel exactly and then inject expanding foam between the frame and the panel to lock it into the opening. To begin, rip the top and side jambs to the thickness of the wall framing plus the exterior wall sheathing. The cement board will lap over the jambs. To keep water from running behind the siding as it drips off the edge, cut a shallow groove or saw kerf in the bottom lip.

Also, remember to flash behind the trim to keep the window watertight. Trim the window exterior to match the house, using caulk to seal between the trim and siding. That way, a bead of caulk can seal the joint between the tile and block to keep water out of the wall cavity. Did you make this project? Share it with us! I Made It! The simplest way to overcome blunder 1 is to purchase or have installed for you a prefabricated glass block window.

Prefab windows are built in one section or multiple sections if you have a very large window. This preassembled process makes them far simpler to install. Even more important, with premade window the joints sizes are consistent. The problem with this is the moisture from the mortar will get absorbed into the wood studs around the opening and eventually crack.

The joint on the inside around ceramic tile or your shower surround will also crack and can cause leaking into the wall cavity and that would NOT be a good day! This will provide a seal, but also allow for flexibility as your home shifts.

Around the perimeter you can use cultured stone, a vinyl window trim kit or run the window flush with the shower on the inside to eliminate any finishing at all. Although the outside can be finished in many ways depending on if the exterior of your home is wood, stucco, vinyl siding, brick etc.

With sided homes, it makes sense to finish the outside edges of the glass block window in the same manner as a vinyl replacement window. You must work with the sizes available to drive your design. You want to make a statement with your block window. You no longer want a generic job. This is great…. You may wonder how to get past this problem.

These sizes will drive your design. First, develop or find on Pinterest a fun design you love. Then, with your home builder or contractor figure out if your openings can be sized to work with the design. You need to see what block feels right for you.

This is where knowing your patterns and processes comes in handy. The amount of privacy which is right for you will also depend on where the window is located. For example, if you have a first-floor bathroom window , smack dab in the middle of the shower which anyone on the outside can walk up to , you obviously will want maximum privacy.

Earlier in this article I talked about glass block premade windows. The most popular glass block prefabs are frameless. In remodeling jobs in masonry openings, frameless glass blocks are perfect. However, in wood framed or new construction openings, not so much.

With the vinyl framed window you can still create any type of design see blunder 3 , but the window is prefabricated into a vinyl frame with a nailing flange. With this unit the window is installed like a new construction vinyl window. Use the right window. Take the anxiety out. Then the lead times are too long. The key to solving this problem is to develop your design before your bathroom is remodeled or new home windows are framed.

In the United States today most of the colored blocks are metric sizes the only American sized colored blocks are done with an aftermarket drilling and filling color process. Third, buy the colored glass block window. Pride trumps no political play on words here practicality. Why go it alone when you can get help for free? Glass block is a niche business. There are a small handful of companies across the country who really know their glass block stuff.

I hope these 7 blunders get you off the pot-hole filled dirt road of a bad glass block bathroom window installation. If you need help click the links or call the numbers below. Me and my team would be delighted to assist you. For assistance designing, building or installing a glass block bathroom window, shower wall or bar call Innovate Building Solutions at for nationwide supply.

For a local installation service and supply contact Columbus Glass Block at or Cleveland Glass Block at