Design reference image
The cost of a custom frameless glass system depends on configuration, panel dimensions, glass makeup, hardware, site access and installation scope. Because each variable moves independently, pricing is tied to a specific scope of work rather than to a price sheet.
Glass makeup and size
Thickness, whether the glass is tempered, laminated or insulated, and whether a coating or low-iron substrate is specified all change the material cost per square foot. Size affects cost non-linearly: past a certain panel size, handling, fabrication and transport requirements change, and the cost step is larger than the area increase alone suggests. If a design sits close to one of those thresholds, it is worth asking where the threshold is.
Fabrication: holes, notches and edgework
Every hole, notch, cutout and polished edge is a separate operation performed before tempering, and none of them can be added afterwards. A panel with four holes and two notched corners costs meaningfully more than the same panel plain. The edge finishes and fabrication guide explains which operations are routine and which are specialist.
Hardware and finish
Hardware ranges widely in price and durability, and finish selection can move the number more than expected — standard finishes are stocked, custom finishes are made to order with their own lead time. Where a project uses several hardware types, standardising on one family usually reduces both cost and lead time.
Site conditions and access
How the glass reaches its final position is a real cost line. Ground-floor access with a clear path is straightforward; an upper floor, a tight stair, a restricted street or a crane lift is not. Occupied spaces, restricted working hours and protection requirements also add time. These factors are assessed at survey, which is why an accurate number depends on someone seeing the site.
Scope boundaries
Finally, the estimate depends on what is included: substrate preparation, making good, waterproofing, electrical, disposal of existing glazing, final clean. Two proposals that look far apart often differ mainly in what each one assumes someone else is doing.
We publish no figures because a number without those variables attached is not useful for planning. Every proposal we issue is broken down by line so it is clear what is driving the total.