# Anybody Ever Set Glass Blocks? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [June 13, 2003, 1:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-ever-set-glass-blocks/181550 "2003-06-13T13:17:36Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![ralph124c](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/8797f3/32.png) [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2003, 1:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-ever-set-glass-blocks/181550/1 "2003-06-13T13:17:36Z")
I would like to replace my tub/shower with a walk-in shower (glassblock walls). How hard are they to set? I’d also like to replace the window with a glass block wall-any caution here? Finally, what is the “R”-value of 4" glass blocks-will I have to worry about heat loss in the winter? ---
**Author:** ![Kalhoun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/3bc359/32.png) [@Kalhoun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kalhoun)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2003, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-ever-set-glass-blocks/181550/2 "2003-06-13T14:22:41Z")
I’ve never done it, but I’d love to. I saw a program on it (one of those do-it-yourself thingys). It’s not too difficult. You can get a book on it at Home Depot or one of those places. It really looked easy and was just beautiful when completed. Go YOU! ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21906_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2003, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-ever-set-glass-blocks/181550/3 "2003-06-13T14:34:06Z")
I’ve never done it either, but from what I’ve seen on HGTV, it doesn’t look too difficult. Since you’re planning to replace an existing window, might I suggest you set the blocks in a frame that you can just slip in place of the window? I saw that done and I thought it was an excellent idea - lots easier to deal with the blocks on a workbench instead of in a limited area like a window. Of course, if it’s a huge area, that could be prohibitively heavy… Make sure to take photos to share! ---
**Author:** ![Phlosphr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c68b51/32.png) [@Phlosphr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phlosphr)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2003, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-ever-set-glass-blocks/181550/4 "2003-06-13T14:36:24Z")
Ah-ha! **Ralph** , doing the whole house are we. Yes the R-Value of the glass is pretty good, but unless you make the entrance have an L walk in, be prepared for cold feet. Also if you have a good mason, I’d get the heating coil inlayed in the tile, it’s a little more expensive, but you will thank your lucky charms in the middle of a cold winter. Setting glass is not too hard, you’ll want the clear mason’s caulk run in a trowel not from the gun. Make sure to check the seam on every application, and heed the mixing adivce, let each layer set or you’ll be in love with a lopsided wall. We have a bathroom like this in our home in Arizona. We never really worry about the heat loss, we like it cooler there. We have the L walkin and dual shower heads. They are Cobra fountain-head design (no it doesn’t look like a cobra) it actually is stainless steel and is the size of a dinner plate. Mrs.Phlosphr picked them out… ---
**Author:** ![Phlosphr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c68b51/32.png) [@Phlosphr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phlosphr)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2003, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-ever-set-glass-blocks/181550/5 "2003-06-13T14:40:05Z")
Oh the window… **FCM** has the right idea there. But make sure your 4" blocks are wide enough for the framing to the outside of the house. If not, you can make a shim to put around the fixture. This will give you a lip on the inside and make it flush on the outside! ---
**Author:** ![DeVena](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/dec6dc/32.png) [@DeVena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DeVena)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2003, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-ever-set-glass-blocks/181550/6 "2003-06-13T16:43:41Z")
Lots of shower ideas [here](http://www.glass-block.com/new.cfm). We rebuilt our entryway and have two columns of glass block on either side of the front door. Lets in a lot of light. Just remember to include the grout space between the blocks in your design. We used the silicone sealant & clear channel connectors and didn’t think it would move the bricks apart enough to change the figures. :smack: We were about an 1 short and had to redo the framing. But it looks real nice (now).