Tempered Glass Cost

Last Updated on December 27, 2023
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by Certified CFA CFA Alexander Popinker

Tempered glass is a type of safety glass that most people call toughened glass. It is treated with different chemicals or heat to give it increased strength compared to your usual glass. When a piece of tempered glass is broken it will shatter into small granules, instead of breaking into sharp shards like standard glass would. Larger shards coming from traditional glass getting broken would cause a lot more injury than these smaller chunks of glass.

Tempered glass is mostly used in things like cellphone screens and automobile windows, although there are some commercial buildings and even homes that use it as well. The price of tempered glass varies depending on several factors including its size, whether custom cuts will be needed, and of course, the manufacturer behind it.

How much does tempered glass cost?

On average, tempered glass can cost anywhere from $10 to $35+ per square foot, depending on the size and thickness.  Refer to our table below to see what common clear sheet sizes may cost you.  Keep in mind that this glass can’t be cut and will have to always be ordered or purchased as a stock size.  If you were to attempt to cut it, it would shatter into thousands of pieces due to the pressure.

Size (glass thickness) Tempered glass prices (per square foot)
3/8″ $25.30
1/2″ $33
1/8″ $11
5/8″ $49.50
1/4″ $16.50
5/16″ $22
3/4″ $60.50
3/16″ $14.30

You might also like our articles about the cost of window tinting, watch crystal replacement, or fiberglass boat repair.

When it comes to window panes, expect each pane to cost somewhere between $25 and $30 per pane on average. One example is a member from the OldHouseWeb.com forum that said they were quoted $1,200 for four windows that had 15 custom tempered glass panels, which meant that the price per glass pane was around $20.  This quote represented the price of the glass alone, without any other add-ons.

There are also companies that choose to sell this type of glass by the sheet. Depending on the size of the tempered glass sheets, they would charge anywhere between $50 and $200, based on our research. On the higher end, you would spend around $200 for a 42″ x 24″ sheet, while a 4″ x 10″ sheet would cost just around $50.

Tempered glass is also popular as countertop material and tempered glass countertops cost somewhere between $100 to $150 per square foot with professional installation included.

You can also find prices for skylights with tempered glass on big retailer websites like Home Depot. These are priced anywhere between just $200 for a 22-1/2 in. x 46-1/2 inch window and $1,200 or even more for the Fakro Eletric Venting Skylight FVE 24/70.

And if you have a simple idea, like making a shelf out of tempered glass, you should be prepared to spend somewhere around $40 to $50 per a 12″ x 24″ piece.

Custom tempered glass prices and other extra costs

Tempered Glass BrokenYou should know that the prices we gave above are valid for clear cuts alone. Expect prices at least 10% to 15% higher if you’re interested in tinted tempered glass instead of the clear cut.

You might also incur additional costs depending on the particular type of tempered glass you’re looking to buy. One of the biggest additional expenses to consider is the cost of the installation of the glass, as tempered glass is mostly bought to have installed in different fixtures and windows. When it comes to the installation, the costs will differ to quite an extent depending on factors like the size of the job and the number of glass pieces.

The price estimates presented above will also be affected by the need for different colors or customized cuts. If you pay an additional fee, some companies might agree to remove the jagged edges.

Important things to consider

Floyd Glass, a well-known glass company, says that tempered glass is the hardest type of glass you can find on the market, several times stronger than standard glass or annealed glass.  When someone comes into brutal contact with it or it is smashed by an object, it will break into smaller square pieces that are less likely to hurt you. This glass is created through fabrication processes that involve the use of heat and/or chemicals. The weak point of this type of glass when you compare it to other types of glass is its edges.

According to some state laws, you need to use tempered glass for windows or other pieces of glass that are a certain distance from the door, as well as windows above the bathtub or shower, windows 18 inches from the ground, and frameless shower doors.

How can I save money on tempered glass prices?

You will spend more on customized cuts than you would on a standard factory cut. This means that you’d get a better deal if you purchase a sheet directly from the factory instead of getting the final customization you need.

If you need a professional for the installation process, then using websites like HomeAdvisor would surely help you get the best quotes around you. These types of websites would enable you to describe your quote while licensed, reputable contractors can get in contact with you and bid on the work.

Alec Pow
2 replies
  1. Claire Masters
    Claire Masters says:

    All of our second-floor windows got some sort of damage after the typhoon last week. Thanks for mentioning that we could use tempered glass for repairs or even replacement since it is one of the hardest types we could use. I might have to discuss with my family what could be our best option.

    Reply
  2. Mark J
    Mark J says:

    I’d like to build entryway steps using large beautiful mossy rocks from my property–covered in some clear substance so you could see the rocks under the surface. I thought about pouring clear epoxy over them but never considered tempered glass until now. I could build a frame with wood or concrete and then inlay the glass over the rocks.

    Any idea how to keep it from getting scratched by sand on boots, etc.?

    Reply

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