Stained glass: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What stained glass is

Stained glass is a decorative craft in which an artisan designs, cuts, assembles and repairs glass panels using lead came or copper foil. The panels can go into windows, doors or freestanding art pieces, and they can be built from your design or the artisan's. People call for a new window or door panel, to repair a cracked or loose panel, or to commission a piece for a specific space.

Signs you need it

  • A cracked or broken piece of glass in an older stained glass window or door
  • A panel that bulges, sags or pulls away from its frame
  • Lead came or foil joints that have loosened, cracked or separated
  • A window or door that needs new decorative glass to match an existing style
  • A plan for a custom piece for a home entry, a transom or a freestanding art piece

What the pro does

  • Draw the design full size, then choose glass colors and textures that suit the light the panel will get
  • Cut each piece of glass to the pattern, grinding the edges so they fit the came or foil cleanly
  • Assemble the panel with lead came or copper foil, soldering each joint and checking the panel for square as the work goes
  • Clean the finished panel, apply the patina or finish to the metal, and seal the joints where the design calls for it
  • Set the panel into the window or door frame with glazing or a frame system that holds it securely and keeps water out

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Panel size, the number of glass pieces, and how complex the design is
  • Glass type, such as opalescent, textured or antique glass, and whether specialty glass must be sourced
  • Came type, lead or copper foil, and the finish or patina applied to the metal
  • Whether the job is repairing existing glass or building a new panel from scratch
  • Installation into an existing window or door, including frame work and glazing
  • Design time, including drawings and any revisions the homeowner asks for
  • Transport and installation in a location that needs a lift or scaffold

What a written quote should spell out

  • Design approach, and whether the design comes from the homeowner or the artisan
  • Glass types and colors, with the pieces counted or the sheet sizes listed
  • Came type and width, and whether copper foil or lead came is used in each area
  • Finish or patina applied to the metal, and any sealing of the joints
  • Repairs to existing glass or frames, shown as separate lines with photos
  • Installation and cleanup, including how the panel is protected in transport

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Will you draw the design full size and show it to me before you cut any glass?
  • Do you use lead came or copper foil, and what is the difference for this panel?
  • How will the panel be set in the frame so it stays secure and sealed?
  • What glass do you use, and can you show samples of the colors and textures?
  • Can you repair a cracked piece without taking the whole window out?
  • How do you handle the lead in the work, and what ventilation and cleanup steps do you use?
  • What warranty covers the joints and the panel, and how should I care for it?

Red flags

  • A design shown only as a rough sketch, with the full-size pattern not drawn before cutting
  • Soldering or grinding done in an enclosed space with no ventilation or dust control
  • Repairs that are glued together without re-leading the damaged joints
  • A panel set in a frame with no glazing or seal, which lets water and wind in
  • No written list of glass types, came type and finish in the quote

What you can do yourself

You can safely clean stained glass with a soft cloth and mild soap, and take photos and measurements to share with an artisan. Do not solder lead came, grind glass or attempt a repair at home, since lead and glass dust are hazardous and the joints need skill to hold. Call an artisan for cracked or loose panels, any repair that needs soldering, and any new panel or window.

Licenses and permits

Stained glass work is commonly done by independent artisans and glass studios, and the craft itself does not usually need a special license. Installing glass in a building can fall under glazing or contractor licensing, and lead handling has safety rules that vary by place, so check with your state and local licensing agency.

Stained glass questions

Can I bring my own design?

Yes. Most artisans will work from a design you bring, or help you draw one. Ask whether the design needs changes to suit lead came or foil and how the panel will be built.

Should I choose lead came or copper foil for a home?

Both are used. Ask the artisan how each one is built and cared for, and which one they recommend for your panel and the space it goes in.

How long does a custom panel take?

It depends on the size, the design and how long the glass takes to source. Ask the artisan for a timeline that covers the drawing, the glass order and the install.

Can a cracked piece be replaced without remaking the whole panel?

Often, yes. The artisan can cut a matching piece and re-lead the joints around it. Check that the new glass matches in color and texture before the repair is approved.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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