How Much Does Stained Glass Cost? a Useful Guide

Written by John in abstract stained glass,beveled glass,Glass Pricing,Stained Glass

restored Art Nouveau-style transom from Chicago

Many people admire the beauty of stained glass and would love to commission a panel for their home. But they have no idea of how to order stained glass and how much a panel costs. Learn all you need to know about how much stained glass costs in this useful guide.

The cost of a stained glass panel is made up of the following charges, design, color choice, measuring, fabrication, and delivery & installation. Simple designs with fewer pieces and straight lines cost much less than complex curvilinear designs. Measuring, delivery & installation charges depend on the distance from the glass studio to your home.

Learn how to save money on your stained glass project with this quick pricing guide

Ordering stained glass is not like purchasing a TV or a washing machine – there are no fixed prices and no way to easily compare the cost – see this post for full details on how to commission a stained glass panel.
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Many stained glass companies will give you a total price without a breakdown of the project costs but at Artistry in Glass, we pride ourselves on straightforward and transparent pricing. By doing so, we make sure that the customer understands the factors that determine our costs.

Price of stained glass related to design complexity
The price of a stained glass panel varies widely – mainly depending on the complexity of the design

Artistry in Glass is an Amazon Associate – we earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

Consider purchasing a ready-made panel if you want to save money

Cost breakdown of a custom stained glass panel

1) Design Charges

Artwork/design time is billed at $50.00 per hour and typical costs are $50.00 to $100.00. Complex, custom designs may cost more especially if the customer cannot make up his mind.

Frank LLoyd Wright Sidelites

Money-saving strategy: save artwork charges by choosing a design from our catalog. We can modify existing designs to fit your panel size.

We have numerous designs in our catalog, including a superb collection of Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired panels as well as Mission and Southwestern styles. Choose your favorite design style and we will adjust the drawing to fit the proportions of your panel.

2) Color Choice Charges

The choice of glass color or texture is a very important part of every stained glass project. At Artistry in Glass, the first color discussion is free but prolonged consultation time is charged at $50.00 per hour. Prices will increase if you insist on a color that is difficult or expensive to obtain.

Insider tips from a glass professional

Money-saving strategy: save color consultation charges by following the recommendations of the experts at Artistry in Glass. Remember, we have been designing stained glass for more than 30 years.

Try to use colors that are in our extensive library of glass choices – this will save special ordering and extra delivery costs.

3) Measuring Trip Charge

Trip charge to the customer’s residence to measure the window and to decide and advise on the installation method. The cost is $50.00 per hour and the typical cost for a Tucson customer is $50.00 – $100.00. The cost increases for longer travel distances like Saddlebrooke, Vail, Sahuarita, and Green Valley.

tape measure closeup

Money-saving strategy: save trip charges by measuring your window yourself. Any reasonably handy or intelligent person can use a tape measure but remember that you will be responsible if your window does not fit.

Call us for detailed instructions: in most cases, we will request you make four simple measurements – the width and the height of the light opening (the part of the window that light comes through), and the width and height of the frame opening (the total size, drywall to drywall of the opening). Use a second tape measure to check for accuracy and also text or email images of the window to help us visualize the project.

4) Stained Glass Fabrication Charges

The cost of building a stained glass panel is made up of the cost of materials and the cost of labor.

4a) Materials Costs

The cost of glass + metals (lead/zinc/solder) is normally on the order of $10.00 to $15.00 per square foot. Extras charges will apply for custom bevels, glass jewels, and for processes like sandblasting and, painting.

Lighted jewels closeup
Expensive glass choices with jewels and rondels

Money-saving strategy: save materials cost by choosing inexpensive colored or textured glass.

Costs increase rapidly if you choose special jewels or rondels and use lots of red glass (the color comes from gold added to the melt). Basic textured glass is the least expensive option.

4b) Fabrication Labor Costs

Artistry in Glass charges a very reasonable $50.00 per hour for the labor involved in building a stained glass panel and typical costs are $20.00 to $200.00 per sq ft depending on the number pieces and the shapes of the pieces (straight or curved).

Price of stained glass related to design complexity

Money-saving strategy: reduce square foot labor charges by choosing a design with straight-line rather than curved pieces, fewer pieces rather than more pieces.

Many customers make the mistake of asking “how much would it cost for a panel, say 2 feet by 3 feet?” A glance at the drawing will quickly show you how ludicrous this question is. Depending on the time it takes to make, the cost can be anything from $200.00 to $10,000.00 or more.

5) Delivery and Installation Charges

Delivery and installation is charged at $50.00 per man-hour. Some projects require two installers and typical costs are $100.00 – $250.00 depending on the location (distance from Artistry in Glass) and the difficulty of the install.

Insider tips from a glass professional

Money-saving strategy: eliminate installation charges by installing the panel yourself. Any reasonably handy person can install a stained glass panel and Artistry in Glass can give you all the instructions that you need.

The trick is: do not be afraid!

Economize with beautiful etched glass

In your budget does not quite run to the expense of colored, stained glass, etched or sandblasted glass can provide beauty and privacy for less than half the cost. Study the benefits of sandblasted glass by following this link, and follow this link to see which is better for your home – etched or stained glass.

Or purchase a ready-made panel from Amazon

If the exact size is not important, consider hanging a beautiful panel, from chains, in your window. A ready-made panel is always much more affordable than a custom-made one.

A classic textured glass panel with baroque glass and bevels

A traditional panel in the popular Arts and Crafts style

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John

I was an exploration geologist and University Professor working in Botswana, Zambia, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, the Netherlands, Portugal, and other countries before opening Artistry in Glass in 1986. In my more than 35 years of experience, I have brought my technical abilities as a scientist to the trade of glasswork. During this time I have become an industry expert in glass and glass-related skills. Watch out for special insider tips developed from my detailed knowledge of the glass business.

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