If you’re looking for an economical way to bring light, security and privacy to your home, consider glass block. The blocks are translucent and difficult to break, allowing privacy and security while bringing in light. Even if one side of a glass-block window is shattered, the other side remains intact.

What makes glass block so appealing is its versatility. Surfaces can come in different patterns, which create interesting distortions as light filters through. The blocks come in different sizes, the most common of which are 6 by 8 inches and 8 by 8 inches. Because they’re made of two pieces of thick glass with a space in the middle, glass-block windows offer insulation comparable to double-paned, insulated glass. Glass block is also a popular product for shower enclosures. The blocks can be installed in such a way that a shower door is not necessary. You can also use glass block to add a unique twist to walls. Some restaurants use the blocks to create privacy without the closed-off feeling of wood or drywall.

To construct windows or walls, blocks are typically stacked on top each other with a layer of masonry mortar or industrial-grade silicone caulk in between. A reinforcing mesh placed between horizontal rows adds strength. The only limitation of glass block is that it’s not load bearing, so it can’t be used to support a structure.