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Highway 5 between
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17753 N. State Hwy 5
Sunrise Beach
Lake of the Ozarks Missouri

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Why is stained glass so expensive?

There are several things that make stained glass "expensive."

First, Stained glass requires the patience of a skilled craftsman.  It takes years to become comfortable with the medium of glass.  The glass each manufacturer makes has it own uniqueness, as well as differences between colors and textures.  They all have different characteristics that a craftsman must become familiar with.

Secondly, the cost of the glass varies greatly from manufacturer to manufacturer as well as variances in price for color and texture.  While some glass is relatively inexpensive at approximately $4-6/foot, some can be as much as $25-$45 per square foot or more (Bullseye fracture & streamers).  It all depends on the labor and materials involved in processing a certain style of glass.  Also, glass has a grain direction - just like wood or material.  Because of the way glass breaks, there is a huge waste or scrap factor involved - normally around 35-50%. Sometimes to get just the right color or swirl in a certain piece, more than a foot is "wasted" for a single piece.  But it makes all the difference in the world in the finished piece.

Third, the assembly process.  Imagine a stained glass panel being like a jigsaw puzzle.  Each piece is cut out of glass (a very unforgiving medium) then re-assembled together to make the image.  The tolerance between each piece of glass is approximately 1/32nd of an inch...and they must all fit together!  Creating a stained glass panel is VERY labor intensive!

Glass is a very unforgiving medium.  It wants to break in straight lines, so, cutting a circle requires a series of relatively straight lines.  If it's too cold, it's more fragile than normal.  It can also "heal" itself.  After a score is made, if it is not broken shortly afterward, it becomes increasingly difficult to break along the score.  However, there's nothing like the scratch sound of a perfect score and the clean snap as the glass breaks along the score line.  And, of course, the absolute beauty of the glass and colors as it shines and sparkles against the sun.  There is nothing so beautiful and satisfying.

Keep in mind, however, there are ways to help stay within your budget.  These include: 

• Have an idea of the pattern desired (and colors if possible) to reduce design time.

• Use a pre-designed pattern (there are thousands available from many different companies).  These can easily be modified to fit into your dimensions.

• Reduce the number of pieces.  There are ways in which the quantity of pieces can be adjusted without really compromising the aesthetics.  These include: combining pieces, using foil, wire overlay or paint in place of a break line.

What makes a quality stained glass piece?

• Quality of glass & materials?  Does the piece contain "standard run" glass or "T" (transitional/rejects) glass.  Does  the artist use the appropriate foil/lead, etc.

• Even solder lines?  Lines should be consistent throughout the piece no thick vs. thin variations unless the artist incorporates them into the design.

• Smooth soldering? Minimal bumps, no burps, etc.

• Finished on both sides? We feel a piece isn't complete until it is nicely finished on both sides.  Some glass artists only flat solder the back.  

• Quality Frame? A high quality frame makes all the difference.

• Good design?  Do the lines & colors compliment the piece?  It takes more than being a stained glass person - it takes a designer that understands the glass medium as well as attention to detail.

• Is it square? (yes even odd shapes should be square - or built out of square to match the frame)

• Is it adequately supported?  Glass is very heavy and the piece will bow, sag and break if not built with the correct amount of internal or external support.

• !!! Are local building codes followed in the construction and installation? You may be liable if someone is injured!!!

• Experience level of artist and length of time working at craft. It takes time and dedication to fully understand the idiosyncrasies of the glass medium.  To be a glass craftsman, it takes more than a 4 week stained glass class and a project or two.

Unfortunately there are a lot of people that claim they are stained glass people that don't produce the quality you & the stained glass piece deserve.  If you are unsure, don't hesitate to ask for references or to see an example of their work.  

A stained glass piece is an investment and (usually) a 
one-of-a-kind work of art and should be treated as such.  

For more information regarding glass, glass colors and the history of glass, please check with the following manufacturers:

Glass Manufacturers:

  Associations: