How Much Does Custom Cut Glass Cost?

Here at Lancaster Paint & Glass, our team of glass experts have worked on a very wide variety of custom glass cutting projects for both individual and business needs. A question we commonly get is, "How much will this project cost?"

This is difficult to answer succinctly because pricing varies dramatically between projects, but we'd still like to give a little clarity to this answer.

So in a nutshell, how much does custom cut glass cost typically?

For common projects like single pane windows, picture frames, etc, the glass itself typically costs approximately $5-$7 per square foot. Generally speaking, the thicker the glass the higher the price. Additional costs are incurred depending on the complexity of the cuts required, the edgework, and other customizations.

For a more detailed explanation, with project examples, keep reading below or contact us for a custom quote.

How Glass Thickness Relates To Pricing

3/32 inch thickness is common for picture frames, and this size is often referred to as "single strength" (sometimes abbreviated as "ss"). A square or rectangular piece of glass of this thickness typically runs about $5-7 per square foot. This cost goes up depending on edgework, the complexity of the cuts, and other customizations.

1/8 inch thickness is common for window glass, commonly called "double strength." Since it's slightly thicker than 3/32 inch, the cost goes up to approximately $6-7 per square foot for square or rectangular pieces, and cost increases depending on what types of customizations are needed, edgework, and complexity of the cuts.

1/4 to 3/8 inch thick "clear float" glass is commonly used to protect furniture - desk tops, dressers, nightstand, coffee tables, etc. The cost for this type of glass is typically more than $7 per square foot, with the most common customization being edge cuts which increases the price further.

1/2 inch and thicker clear glass is less common, typically found in businesses and other commercial settings. Price depends on thickness, and typically exceeds $6 per square foot plus the costs of customizations.

Annealed vs Tempered vs Laminated Glass

Another major factor that impacts cost is the type of glass. The most common types are annealed, tempered, and laminated.

One of the most common types of glass is annealed glass, and the cost to custom cut this type of glass is reflected in the pricing listed above.

Tempered glass, which is annealed glass that has been further strengthened during the manufacturing process, costs slightly more than annealed but the cost of custom cutting this type of glass is similar, so the total cost is about the same as annealed glass.

Laminated glass consists of two layers of annealed glass that are held together with an inner layer. This type of glass is typically used for car windshields, sound proof booth, safety shields in fabrication facilities, etc, because it is stronger, more durable, and it holds together better than a single layer of glass. Because it consists of multiple layers, laminated glass is more expensive to cut than annealed or tempered glass. Exact pricing can vary drastically in each situation, but generally speaking you can expect to pay 20-40% more for custom cut laminated glass compared to annealed or tempered.

Is It Hard To Cut Glass? Can I Do It Myself?

Without training and experience, cutting glass can be not only difficult and time consuming but also unsafe. Special tools are required to cut glass without damaging it or hurting yourself. There are many projects that you can do yourself to save money, but glass cutting is not one of them. We strongly recommend having a professional handle your glass cutting needs.

Where Can I Get Custom Cut Glass?

If you are in or near Lancaster County (Pennsylvania), we can service your custom glass cutting needs. We are located conveniently in Lancaster city, and we have been in business since 1884. Whether your project is small or large, click here to get in touch with us today to see how we can serve you. Our team is prepared to answer your questions, help you decide what type of glass you should use, and provide a quote on exactly how much it would cost for the custom cut glass you need.

For those who are not close to our facility in Lancaster, you may search online for "glass and mirror shops" near you.

*NOTICE* All prices are subject to change without notice. Please call or visit us if you would like a quote on your project.

Replacement Glass for Any Project

Whether you need to purchase a window pane replacement for a broken window or you're restoring an antique, you can purchase a glass replacement piece at Lowe's to complete the task yourself. If necessary, we can even cut glass to size for you, helping you finish your DIY project with ease.

Window glass replacement pieces are a common need, and sheets in both 3/32-inch or 1/8-inch thicknesses are usually available to fit a variety of modern and antique windows. Convenient pre-cut sizes typically range from as small as 10 inches by 12 inches up to 30 inches by 36 inches. For something more dramatic than clear glass, consider beveled or mirrored glass. You can also find frosted glass or glass blocks to use in areas where you want privacy without sacrificing natural light.

For the do-it-yourselfer, window glass replacement accessories such as glass cutters, caulk and window putty also are available. You can learn how to start your project with our useful guide on How to Cut and Replace Glass.