apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Getting a custom-cut piece of tempered glass is likely to be a pretty expensive prospect, because the tempering process must be done after the glass is cut to size. This requires big, specialized ovens that your local glass retailer is not going to have.

That said, I wouldn't worry about getting a tempered piece-- since you aren't putting a great deal of strain on it (unlike a desk that ONLY has a glass top with nothing underneath). And I second Lisa's reccomendation.

Though, if you really want a tempered piece, they'll probably order you one.

For pieces small enough to pick up and transport home yourself... I suggest visiting a glass company, with the measurements, and ask for an estimate based on the thickness you opt for (they have samples on hand) and the edge finishing. Then, what I do, is return home and dial through the phone book asking what someone else would charge for the exact same thing. I've been able to save a lot of money that way! If, however, it's a very large piece that you wouldn't trust moving yourself (we learned this the hard way) then definitely opt for their prof'l delivery...

BTW, I've used Bay Area Glass on Ocean with great results.

I've used Star Glass on Pacific St. between Pacific and Van Ness. They're really friendly and I thought quite affordable. Here's a pic of the glass I had cut there:

http://sfgirlbybay.blogspot.com/2006/06/rusty-rolling-thingy-goes-bomo.html

oops! that link didn't work:

sfgirlbybay