apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time


Good Questions: Who Sells a Glass Backsplash Like This?

9.4glass.jpgHello AT,

I was browsing online and saw that this person had done a wonderful job of using a solid piece of glass as a kitchen backsplash. I called up a company that I found online and they say it's at least 50 dollars per sq/ft. Is there any place I can get this type of solid glass backsplash for cheaper a price? Thanks! Gina

(Note: Include a pic of your problem and your question gets posted first.
Email questions and pics with QUESTIONS in subject line to:
editor(at)apartmenttherapy(dot)com)
Link To All Good Questions

Anyone?

Comments (20)

All I know is that there is a glass place in Pasadena and I think it's way cheeper, can't remember the name thought, sorry!

posted by pkswede on 2007-09-04 15:38:10
view pkswede's profile

plexiglass?

posted by jayme on 2007-09-04 15:43:02
view jayme's profile

Plexiglass example here:
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/competitions/kitchen-8-angelas-bright-orange-crush-002300

posted by jamie pup on 2007-09-04 15:54:56
view jamie pup's profile

They are probably quoting you the price of already prepainted (or even color laminated) glass.

You can get the same effect by backpainting "regular" glass but it takes several coats and I'd think you'd want tempered glass.

posted by patrick (the other one) on 2007-09-04 16:00:19
view patrick (the other one)'s profile

50 dollars is pretty reasonable. Keep in mind that every cut that has to be made will be an added expense. These cuts typically have to be made offsite so you will need a perfectly accurate drawing.

Solid glass is beautiful but have you considered glass tile? I'm using this one http://www.flickr.com/photos/art_chel/1029566111/ for my bar backsplash and it was around 10 dollars per s.f. but of course you lose that seamless look that you get from solid glass.

Plexiglass or acrylic can also look nice. Someone might be able to point out a housetour from this site where plexiglass was used for a backsplash.

But I would not give up on the glass until you've exhausted all avenues. I would not hesitate to call the all the little neighborhood glass guys you pass buy and custom shower places may be able to give you some leads as well. If you can stay local you may find a great deal.

Packaging and shipping of large pieces of glass is not cheap. Another advantage of finding someone local is that they can come to your house and measure where the cuts will have to be made and there will not be any mistakes--if there are it will be their responsibility.

posted by art on 2007-09-04 16:01:09
view art's profile

I looked into this several months ago. I was told glass was not safe around stoves, and that lexan is most resistant to heat than regular plexiglass. Also, that I should consult with my condo board to get an okay on plastics in the kitchen.
Hope this helps.

posted by quamquam on 2007-09-04 16:04:38
view quamquam's profile

I meant to say "more resistant."

posted by quamquam on 2007-09-04 16:06:29
view quamquam's profile

I'd be willing to bet that any glazier could do this--call around. Glass isn't especially cheap, especially if you're buying a thick, large piece with a complex shape—for instance, it's lots harder to cut inside corners than outside corners. If I recall correctly, a 1/4" x 14" x 40" rectangle of tempered glass cost me about $40. Maybe if you split up a large expanse into smaller square or rectangular pieces it might be cheaper than one complex sheet.

posted by Chzzy on 2007-09-04 16:06:34
view Chzzy's profile

Seek out a glass company in your telephone book. Many companies will come to your home and take measurements. Plus by having them see the application, they can make suggestions on product choices and alert you to potential problems.

posted by John H on 2007-09-04 16:07:35
view John H's profile

Eco-friendly flooring has glass tiles. Their large size tiles are $25 sq. ft., 4 x 4. The 2x 2 are $50 per sq. ft. I'm thinking of using their clear glass tiles for a backsplash and a small column.

posted by BB on 2007-09-04 16:39:46
view BB's profile

I have that back splash and it's sand blasted glass. I purchased at Capital Glass http://capitolglassnyc.com/
They will come and measure and install. They are on Laight Street in Tribeca and they will gladly show you glass options.

posted by right angle on 2007-09-04 16:43:46
view right angle's profile

How about a frosted glass table used upright? Here is one at ikea for $99 - http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/10024717

posted by M. Patrizio on 2007-09-04 17:02:42
view M. Patrizio's profile

I have had mirrors custom-cut on several occasions by Apple Glass; one of my friends was looking for someone to do a backsplash and they told me they do this type of work. Since they're located on the unglamorous block of 101st & Bway I bet they would be cheaper than Capital, and they have been reliable thus far: http://www.101glassny.com/

posted by eeeck on 2007-09-04 17:11:54
view eeeck's profile

Can do green glass in gloss or matte or match any PMS color:
http://www.glasskoteusa.com/index.html

posted by Bourne on 2007-09-04 19:56:17
view Bourne's profile

Gina - I work as a project manager at a kitchen design studio. It looks like the glass in the pic is milk glass. Your best bet is to call a couple glass companies in your area and tell them what you're looking for. I'd ask if you can fax them over a drawing of what you want. Then make up a drawing showing dimension. For example, a rectangle showing a height of 36" x width of 48" - whatever the measurements of what you want for your space. If you ask them to quote a drawing it can be less expensive than the square foot price (its the same with countertops and stoneyards). Definately check with your condo board like a previous poster suggested though - I know in some areas its against code to use a mirror as a backsplash or glass. And do not use plexiglass. If you have a viking or a wolf or a professional gas stove it can get hot enough to melt.
After you get at least 3 quotes ask for advice about install from the person you decide to go with. You may want them to silicone caulk the edges - and you may need them to drill holes to mount to walls - I'm not sure. But you want to keep condensation from getting behind there. They should have some ideas. - Hope that helps!

posted by Tarao on 2007-09-04 20:53:25
view Tarao's profile

The glass company that my contractor recommended to me for cabinet door glass is a company called Bendheim Glass. They will mail you samples and help with the order and ship it to you directly (my order arrived in less than a week). While I live in NYC, I doubt it matters when using them.

posted by Craig on 2007-09-04 21:04:48
view Craig's profile

Look up the Orange Crush kitchen entry. It's not frosted, but it is painted glass (or plexi?) and it looked great. I do remember that it sounded much cheaper than other alternatives.

posted by fiona on 2007-09-04 21:13:11
view fiona's profile

Make sure you keep the tile adhesive in mind.
I know one couple who had colored glass tiles installed... but the tiler used the plain beige/white mud. you could see the trowel lines through the glass tile.
Use a mud that is colored as dark as the glass... or at least not white, so you can't see the lines.

posted by clickchick on 2007-09-05 01:26:18
view clickchick's profile

Was your quote for tempered or heat strengthened glass?

3-form sells a resin line called chroma. I think its better than plexi and can be used for table tops and displays. Their resin boards can be cut with a table saw. They sell other materials such as glass and polycarbonate. www.3-form.com is their website.

posted by mecha on 2007-09-05 13:22:48
view mecha's profile

Broadway Glass at 2666 Broadway, speak to Chris at 212 721 7878. I estimated with him to do this across the whole backsplash area on two sides of my kitchen. Ask for "1/4 inch white lami", which looks just like the pic you show. Be warned though that you will have to choose another option for above your stove. All the glass people I spoke with felt uncomfortable installing glass over the range area. Estimating my whole kitchen with Chris was around $1500, much cheaper than Bendheim.

posted by kmnyc on 2007-09-05 14:33:09
view kmnyc's profile
Buy Text Ads