Get exactly what you want

A stained glass panel can replace an existing window, or be hung in an existing window (or anywhere there is enough light projecting through the piece). Most people prefer to hang their stained glass instead of installing it permanently. Glass that's installed becomes part of the building -- so if you sell your house, the glass stays with the house unless you specify that it's not included in the listing contract. If you hang it, it's obviously not part of the house. Plus, uninstalling stained glass takes time and may mean replacing the entire window.

Stained glass is commonly used in cabinet doors. Also, some people have narrow lightboxes built and then hang a piece in front of it. This is a great way to bring light and color into a dark room.

Process

  1. First, we talk about what you have in mind. Most clients have pictures of stained glass they like. The more thought you put into this part of the process, the smoother things will go.
  2. After the basic design is settled, we talk about glass. I like to send samples with clients so they can see exactly how a glass style and color will look in the window. Strong light can wash out light-colored glass. Weak light can't penetrate dark glass. Also, I recommend that you NOT try to match glass color to the room's color scheme. A room's color scheme changes. You'll have this panel the rest of your life. It should complement your personal taste.
  3. I work up 2-3 sketches, and we work together to decide on the best design and glass.
  4. You sign a contract and pay 1/2 of the fee. The second half is due on delivery.
  5. Framing is available. I mainly use white oak, but walnut, cherry and other native Missouri hardwoods are also available.

Cost
Cost is calculated through a formula that includes the final size (square footage) and the number of pieces. Prices vary according to a number of variables. Some common ones are:

  1. Size. (Square footage of the panel.)
  2. Number of pieces. (A panel with 300 glass pieces costs more than a panel with 100 pieces.)
  3. Glass selection. If by chance you decide on a widely expensive glass, it will cost more. But most people are satisfied choosing from the thousands of different common art glass. We use glass from Kokomo, Bullseye, Spectrum, Youghiogheny, Wissmach, and Uroboros. These are American glass companies and produce some of the best and most beautiful art glass in the world.
  4. Lead profile. Some lead profiles need to be special ordered. However, I keep the popular styles in stock.
  5. The addition of bevels or jewels, and if a piece is large enough that steel reinforcement is needed to maintain it structurally.
  6. Framing. Unless a panel is installed (in a window or door), it will need to be framed.

For example, say you've decided on a panel that is 28" wide and 36" deep.

The basic calculation:

First, figure the square-foot cost:

  1. 28 (width) x 36 (depth) = 1,008 square inches
  2. Divide 1,008 by 144, to get the number of square feet. A panel 28" x 36" is 7 square feet.
  3. 7 x $65 (our current price) equals $455. This is the first half of the equation.

Second, figure the piece cost:

  1. Simple, count the number of pieces. In this case, we'll say 130.
  2. Multiple 130 by our current per piece price - $3. That's $390.

Third, add the two numbers together ($455 + $390 = $845).

This calculation is for lead came. If you want your window built with zinc came, multiple the final cost by 1.35. However, zinc is not a very attractive metal, and most prefer the warmth of lead came.

The price above does not include framing, or any of the other extras mentioned (such as bevels, jewels, reinforcement, etc.). It also does not include sales tax. Delivery within a 30-mile radius of the studio is included. Otherwise clients may pick up their commission or shipping can be arranged. We can accommodate simple installations (also an extra charge). But if we think an installation is beyond our abilities, you may have to contract with a carpenter.