Glass is a highly versatile and attractive material, used so often that people tend to overlook it until they need to upgrade interior features or replace damaged glass to unique specifications.
From stair balustrades and balconies to shower screens and glass doors, from table tops and shelves to splashbacks and mirrors, glass features in homes and businesses have to be made to order to achieve the perfect finish and fit.
If you need a custom glass piece to be cut for your home or business, you may be wondering whether you can do it yourself or if you should use a professional glass cutting service.
Here’s what you need to know about cutting glass to size.
Can you cut glass into any shape or size?
Yes – it’s possible to cut standard glass into pretty much any shape and to almost any required dimensions, provided that you have the equipment to do so.
For example, this includes straight-edged shapes like rectangles, squares, or triangles, and shapes with curved edges like circles, semi-circles, and ellipses.
Generally, you can also make cut-outs or drill holes as needed to ensure the piece fits into a particular space or can be mounted to a wall using screws or push fittings.
Glass typically has a minimum thickness of 4–6mm, as anything thinner than this is more likely to break from the pressure when scoring and cutting it.
While standard glass around 4mm thick can be cut with widely available tools, anything 6–8mm thick or more will need professional equipment to cut it cleanly and achieve a neat finish.
Of course, this only applies to non-toughened glass, such as the kind commonly used for mirrors. If you want toughened glass cut to size, you’ll have to speak to the professionals.
Can you cut toughened glass?
No – glass must be cut to the desired shape and size before it undergoes the toughening process, as attempting to cut it afterwards will only damage it.
Standard glass is susceptible to breaking into sharp pieces under impact, which is why most glass products will use toughened glass that has been tempered to strengthen it.
The tempering process involves rapidly heating and cooling glass using industrial equipment, which creates different tensions throughout the internal structure of the glass, making it several times more resistant to impact and heat than before.
If you try to cut or drill glass that has been toughened, it is likely to crack and shatter due to the internal tension – though the good news is that it will break into smaller blunt pieces.
This is why you must rely on professional glass cutters if you want a bespoke toughened glass piece, as they have to cut the glass first then toughen it using their industrial glass machinery.
How professionals cut bespoke glass
Suppliers of glass cut to size will operate glass machining plants where they have all the specialist equipment necessary to produce toughened glass to order.
These are often automated machines that can be controlled by a computer, ensuring the perfect amount of pressure and precise cuts, even for glass up to 20mm thick or more. They also have the tools to polish the glass edges so they’re no longer sharp.
Glass suppliers will have the technology to produce laminated glass cut to size, too, which involves sealing two panes of standard or toughened glass together with a resin material.
There’s no way an amateur without this expensive equipment can manufacture and cut glass safely and successfully to deliver the desired finish, so it’s best to save time and money by delegating your glass cutting needs to an experienced glass company.
Where to get glass cut to size
If you want a piece of glass cut to bespoke measurements, then you should always go to a trusted national supplier of glass cut to size in the UK, such as The Glass Warehouse.
Delivering across the UK mainland from their facility in Essex, all you have to do is provide the details of the type, size, shape, and thickness of the glass you want, and they’ll make it for you.
Best of all, you can let them know in advance if you need any extra cut-outs, drill holes, or corner finishes, and they’ll give you a competitive personalised quote for your tailored glass.
With a wide variety of glass types and glass products available, plus extensive customisation options, you’re sure to find exactly what you need when you contact their capable team!