Glass commission questions
How much does a custom stained glass window cost?
It's usually priced per square foot by complexity. HomeAdvisor's 2026 guide puts custom stained glass at $250–$600 per square foot and a typical stained glass window project at $310–$890. Use the estimator for a ballpark, then post your size and design free and compare real bids.
How much does stained glass repair cost?
HomeAdvisor's guide gives an average of about $299, with most repairs between $176 and $426. Replacing one cracked piece costs far less than releading a whole panel. Post photos of the full panel and the damage for accurate bids.
What's the difference between leaded and copper foil stained glass?
Leaded panels join glass pieces with H-shaped lead came, which is strong and traditional for windows and doors. Copper foil wraps each piece in foil tape before soldering, which allows finer detail and is used for lamps and suncatchers. Many artists use both.
What is fused glass?
Fused glass is made by layering compatible glass and melting it together in a kiln, then often slumping it into a mold to make a dish, bowl or panel. It has no lead lines, so colours flow into each other.
Can I get glassware etched or engraved?
Yes. Glass is etched by sandblasting through a stencil or by laser engraving, which frosts the surface. Give the item, the artwork or text with exact spelling, the size of the design and the quantity. Ask for a proof before the full run.
How do I measure for a stained glass window?
Measure the visible glass area and the full opening, width and height, at several points, and photograph the frame. Many makers prefer to measure on site or send a template guide for arched and round windows, because the panel must fit exactly.
Can stained glass go in an exterior window?
Yes. Exterior panels are usually protected with a sheet of clear glazing outside or built into an insulated glass unit. Ask your maker how they will protect and fit the panel.
Do I need to pay a deposit?
Not to a maker directly. You pay the full bid when you accept it, and the platform holds that payment. The maker isn't paid until you confirm delivery, so you're never sending a deposit into a DM and hoping.
How long does a stained glass commission take?
It depends on the size, the number of pieces and the maker's queue. Each maker states a timeline in their bid. Kiln-fired painting adds firings, so detailed work takes longer. Post well ahead of any date that matters.
How are glass pieces shipped?
Ask before you accept a bid. Panels are usually packed upright between rigid boards in a crate or a reinforced box, and many makers prefer local delivery or collection for large windows.
When does the maker get paid?
When you confirm the piece was delivered. Until then the payment stays with the platform. If something goes wrong, there's a dispute process that looks at the agreed scope, the progress photos and your messages.