Alamo Glass Blog

How to Choose the Right Shower Enclosure for Your Bathroom Remodel

summersdmichael@gmail.com (Michael Summers) — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 13:47:04 GMT

Frameless vs. Framed vs. Semi-Frameless: Which is Right for Your Bathroom?

Are you planning a bathroom remodel? One of the biggest upgrades you can make—both in function and style—is replacing that old shower curtain or outdated enclosure with a custom glass shower. But with so many options available, how do you know which type of shower enclosure is right for your space?

At Alamo Glass, we’ve been helping Austin homeowners transform their bathrooms for over 50 years. From sleek, frameless showers to classic framed enclosures, here’s what you need to know to make the best decision for your home.

Framed vs. Frameless vs. Semi-Frameless: What’s the Difference?

Let’s break down the three main styles:

Framed Shower Enclosures

These have metal framing around all edges of the glass. They’re budget-friendly and great for high-use bathrooms like guest or kid spaces. Choose from different finishes like brushed nickel or oil-rubbed bronze to match your decor.

Frameless Shower Enclosures

These modern enclosures use heavy-duty tempered glass with minimal hardware for a clean, open look. They’re easy to clean and perfect for showcasing custom tile work.

Semi-Frameless Shower Enclosures

A hybrid option with partial framing (often on the top or sides), combining the affordability of framed with the elegance of frameless. These are popular for those wanting style without the higher price tag.

Why Frameless Showers Are a Smart Investment

Frameless glass showers have become a go-to in modern remodels—and for good reason. Here’s why Austin homeowners love them:

A sleek, modern aesthetic that instantly elevates the entire bathroom
Custom sizing and design flexibility to fit any layout
Low maintenance – no metal tracks means fewer places for mold or grime
Increased home value – buyers love the high-end look

At Alamo Glass, we craft all our frameless enclosures from 3/8” clear tempered glass and high-quality CRL hardware for long-term performance and beauty.

What to Consider Before You Choose a Shower Enclosure

Before you decide which style is best, ask yourself:

What’s the layout of your bathroom? Smaller spaces may benefit from sliding or neo-angle doors.
What’s your budget? Frameless tends to cost more upfront but adds long-term value.
How much maintenance do you want? Frameless options are the easiest to clean.
Do you need privacy? Consider textured or frosted glass if your bathroom is shared.

Custom Shower Designs for Small Bathrooms

Do you have a tricky layout? No problem. Alamo Glass specializes in custom shower designs to fit any space, including:

Corner showers
Tub-to-shower conversions
Neo-angle units for tight spaces
Walk-in enclosures with door + return panel

We’ll help you choose the right design, glass type, and hardware finishes to create a spa-like feel—no matter your square footage.

Ready to Elevate Your Bathroom?

Whether you're doing a complete remodel or just replacing an old enclosure, Alamo Glass is here to help. We offer free estimates, expert design guidance, and professional installation throughout Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, and beyond.

�� Contact us today to get started on your custom shower enclosure!

Glass Tabletops 101: A Sleek, Safe Upgrade for Your Furniture

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 13:41:51 GMT

Everything You Need to Know About Custom Cut Tabletop Glass in Austin

Glass tabletops are one of the easiest ways to upgrade the look of your furniture while protecting your investment. Whether you’re covering a vintage dining table, designing a modern coffee table, or need a durable top for an outdoor piece, custom-cut glass offers a stylish, practical solution.

At Alamo Glass in Austin , we offer same-day glass cutting and custom tabletop glass in any shape, size, or edge finish—right here at our shop on North Lamar Blvd. Here’s your go-to guide for choosing the perfect glass top for your next project.

Why Use a Glass Tabletop?

Adding glass to your furniture isn’t just about aesthetics. It also serves some beneficial purposes:

Protection – Prevent scratches, spills, and heat damage on wood or other materials
Style – Instantly elevate your table with a sleek, modern look
Durability – High-quality tempered glass is long-lasting and impact-resistant
Custom Fit – Perfect for antique, irregular, or designer tables

Whether you're furnishing a dining room, office, or patio, glass tabletops offer a clean, timeless look that fits any décor style.

Choosing the Right Glass Thickness & Edge Finish

At Alamo Glass, we help customers choose the best glass type for their tables based on their purpose and design.

Glass Thickness:

1/4" Glass – Great for protective tops on wood furniture
3/8" Glass – Ideal for standalone tables (no under-support)
1/2" Glass – Best for large or heavy-duty tabletops

Edge Types:

Pencil Polish – Smooth and rounded, clean, modern finish
Flat Polish – Sleek, straight edge, ideal for minimal design
Beveled Edge – Decorative angle cut that adds elegance
Seamed Edge – Safe for hidden or inset glass where the edge isn’ visible

Need help to choose? Our experts will walk you through the options based on your style and safety needs. Learn more about our custom-cut tabletop glass services.

Custom Shapes for Any Table

Have a round patio table? An antique sideboard? A funky live-edge slab? No problem.

We can custom-cut glass in nearly any shape:

Circles
Ovals
Squares & rectangles
Clipped corners
Rounded or radius edges

Just bring in a template or accurate measurements, and we’ll do the rest. Same-day cutting is available for most standard glass types!

DIY vs. Professional Glass Cutting: What’s Worth It?

Sure, big-box stores offer pre-cut glass, but it’s rarely a perfect fit—and it’s usually limited to basic shapes and thin glass.

When you work with a professional like Alamo Glass:

You get custom-cut precision for a clean, polished look
We use tempered or annealed glass , depending on your use case.
Our experts ensure safe edges and proper sizing for long-term durability.
And most orders are cut on the same day , saving you time and hassle.

We’ve been cutting glass in Austin for over 50 years. Whether you're a designer, contractor, or just fixing up a coffee table, our team makes it easy.

Ready to Protect or Upgrade Your Table?

Please stop by our showroom at 7123 N Lamar Blvd in Austin for fast, high-quality custom glass cutting . Or send us your measurements, and we’ll prepare your glass for pickup.

�� Contact us today or call (512) 452-5731 to get started on your custom tabletop glass!

We proudly serve customers in Austin and surrounding areas , such as Round Rock, Leander, Cedar Park, and more.

Privacy Meets Style: How to Use Textured Glass in Your Home

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 13:32:53 GMT

Creative Ways to Enhance Privacy Without Sacrificing Light or Style

Looking for a way to add privacy to your home without making it feel closed off? Textured privacy glass might be the perfect solution. Whether you’re renovating a bathroom, upgrading your entryway, or adding a stylish touch to cabinet doors, textured glass offers both function and flair.

At Alamo Glass , we’ve been helping Austin homeowners customize their spaces with beautiful, high-quality textured glass panels for decades. Here’s how to use textured glass in your home—and why it's becoming one of our most popular upgrades.

What Is Textured or Obscure Glass?

Textured glass (also called obscure, patterned, or privacy glass) is glass that’s been embossed with a decorative pattern or surface texture during manufacturing. The result? A semi-transparent surface that distorts the view through the glass—giving you privacy while still allowing light to pass through.

Alamo Glass carries a wide selection of textures like:

Rain
Flemish
Pattern 62
Glue Chip
Aquatex
Reeded

and many more. You can explore some of the most popular patterns on our textured glass page.

Best Places to Use Textured Glass at Home

Here are just a few stylish and functional ways our customers in Austin are using textured glass in their homes:

Our team is happy to show you samples in person or help match your design goals. Visit our Austin showroom to browse patterns and textures up close.

Why Homeowners Love Textured Glass

✔ Adds privacy without darkening the space

✔ Easy to clean and maintain

✔ Fully customizable for any door, cabinet, or window

✔ Elegant, timeless look that suits any design style

It’s one of the most versatile upgrades you can make—and it works just as well in historic homes as it does in modern builds.

Want to See It in Person? Stop by Our Austin Showroom

Whether you’re updating your bathroom or adding a modern touch to your kitchen, Alamo Glass offers expert guidance, quality materials, and custom glass solutions for every space in your home.

�� Contact us today or stop by our showroom at 7123 N Lamar Blvd to get a quote or view glass textures in person.

We proudly serve Austin, Round Rock, Georgetown , Cedar Park, and surrounding cities. See our full-service area here .

What to Expect with Same-Day Glass Cutting Services

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 19:36:27 GMT

Need Glass Cut Today in Austin? Here's How It Works:

Whether you’ve broken a tabletop, need a quick custom pane for a project, or are simply replacing a piece of glass in a cabinet, waiting days or weeks isn’t always an option. That’s where same-day glass cutting comes in.

At Alamo Glass in Austin, we specialize in glass-cutting services that are fast, accurate, and affordable—often completed. At the same time, you wait within a few hours. Here’s what you can expect when you come to us for custom, same-day glass cutting in Austin.

What Types of Glass Can Be Cut Same-Day?

We cut a wide variety of custom glass pieces daily, and most standard options can be turned around same-day.

Here’s what we can typically cut on the same day:

Tabletop glass
Cabinet door glass
Picture frame or art glass
Shelving glass
Glass inserts for doors or windows
Protective glass for furniture

We stock 1/4”, 3/8”, and 1/2” clear glass in-house, along with tempered and patterned options like Pattern 62 and Rain, depending on the use case.

Custom edge finishes, such as flat polish or pencil polish, are also available. We’ll walk you through which one best suits your project.

What You Should Bring (and What We’ll Handle)

To ensure a quick and accurate cut, we recommend bringing:

A physical template (especially for irregular or curved shapes)
Precise measurements (length, width, thickness)
Any hardware or frame pieces the glass needs to fit inside

Don’t worry if you’re unsure—we’re happy to help you double-check sizing before we begin cutting.

While we don’t provide wrapping materials, we recommend bringing moving blankets or padding when picking up larger pieces. Need guidance on how to transport glass safely? Ask our team—we do this every day!

Common Same-Day Glass Projects We See

Here’s a peek at some of the most common requests we get for same-day cutting:

A contractor cracked a piece of glass onsite and needs a quick fix
A homeowner wants a custom tabletop glass cut for a new piece of furniture.
Someone drops off a broken cabinet door and needs a new insert cut before dinner guests arrive.
A DIYer is updating an antique with fresh glass shelves or panels.

No matter the size or shape, we’re ready to help.

Why Choose Alamo Glass for Glass Cutting in Austin

✔ Same-day service is available for most standard cuts

✔ Over 50 years of experience in precise, professional cutting

✔ Friendly, knowledgeable team that treats you like a neighbor

✔ Locally owned and operated—serving Austin since 1961

✔ Convenient North Lamar location near Airport Blvd

We’ve proudly worked with local homeowners, interior designers, and businesses across Austin and surrounding cities, including Cedar Park, Leander, Georgetown, Buda, and more.

Need Glass Today? Let’s Cut It.

For fast, reliable glass cutting, skip the big box store and see the experts at Alamo Glass . Most orders are completed the same day, and our team will ensure the right fit and finish for your needs.

Contact us today or call (512) 452-5731 to get a quote or check availability.