How are the windows installed?
We have a proprietary method for installing our windows. Which when completed, will be difficult to discern where the old glass is and where the new glass begins! We begin by attaching our glass to your glass and then caulking around the perimeter of the new glass to match the trim of the window or door.
How much can I expect my decorative glass project to cost?
There is no set answer as the client is the real driver behind what we do. The more pieces used in the design the more labor and time it will take to make the final piece. What I can say is Patterned Glass is about 1/3 the cost of leaded/stained glass. Mobilization is another factor if our clients take us beyond our normal 50 minute radius.
For instance in Richmond 2 Full length Sidelights and a transom installed could be approximately $2200 the same items in Washington, DC could be approximately $3000, in a leaded glass design. In Patterned glass it would be approximately 1/3 of these totals.
How do I place an order?
Since most every item we sell is made to fit your glass, orders are not just placed. We work with you to solve your problem(s). Whether it is light, privacy, a decorative/design detail or a combination. We begin by having you provide us measurements of only the glass portion of your window and door. We give everyone an estimate before we arrange a home consultation. We have a free quotation form on this site to make it easier for you.
How long does it take to fabricate?
Assuming we have all the glass (including bevels) in stock, most fabrication can be done in less than 2 weeks. The most time consuming part is getting the final design “right”. It is a creative process with glass, color, design and privacy issues that can get complicated and thus time consuming.
Will you send me a catalog?
Our catalog is the web site. We have hundreds of photos cataloged so once you find something of interest; it will be easy to find other similar items. And of course, since everything is custom, should you have an idea or photo of something you would like replicated in glass…we can do that too!
Do you accept credit cards?
We do accept Visa and Master Card, but prefer a check.
Do you ship your products?
We will ship all over the country. The size of the final piece, will determine the method of shipment. The safest method is by common carrier on a pallet, thus avoiding the shipper who wants to “toss” the box.
Where can we see samples of decorative glass?
First there is our web site and second is our studio in Richmond. Third we have Strategic Partners that have samples of work in their place of business where our work can be seen. Finally, within a 3hr radius of our studio, we have many clients who are willing to show you our work. We are happy to arrange such appointments for you.
Who are your Strategic Partners?
We seem to be adding more Partners every month, but here is our current list:
- Bon Air Hearth and Home
- Chestnut Hill Bed and Breakfast
- Custom Kitchens
- Ferguson
- Marva Marble
- Old River Cabinets
- Stone’s Furniture
- Summer Classics
- Therapeutic Massage and Acupuncture
What about privacy glasses?
The glass used in the background of each leaded glass design usually consists of over 50% of the total area. If privacy is an issue, we will help you choose among the 40+ different glass patterns which will provide you the privacy you desire and provide you the elegance to match your leaded design.
Each pattern of glass has an obscurity rating from 1(least) to 5 (most) which will still allow the light to enter the home but diffuses the light and distorts or blurs images.
How do I measure my opening?
Measure only the glass portion (no trim or molding), and provide us the full measure (don’t take anything away). Measure from top to bottom and left to right. If it is a half-round, measure the base and at the highest point.
Does this process save me money?
It is not unusual for some clients to save Thousands of dollars especially in the entry. If you have a sound door with good windows (sidelights and transom), there is no need to have any or all the components removed and replaced. We simply add our glass to yours. In doing so we will address your privacy concerns and provide you a beautiful decorative design to complement the foyer and be a lasting memory.
Do you provide insulated leaded glass windows?
We certainly can sandwich the leaded glass window between two sheets of clear tempered glass.
What are the components of a leaded glass window?
There are usually 3 basic components to each window: The Design, The Background and the Border. (Please see our glossary for definition of these terms.)
Can I take it with me if I leave my house?
Technically you can and we have assisted a number of clients who wanted to take the glass with them. Just remember, there are no standard window sizes and what fit nicely in your old home may have to be modified to fit in the new home.
What about protecting my children and/or pets?
The finished product is made of glass…so yes it can be broken. Unlike ordinary glass (annealed) leaded glass is made of many piece held together by lead. If broken, only the glass around the impact will crack and very few pieces will fall (depending on the force of the impact). Likewise, the same impact on ordinary glass will produce a greater area of damage, more loose glass and dangerous glass shards.
Won’t someone just break the glass and walk right in?
Maybe, our glass is not bullet proof! However we are adding an additional ¼” layer of glass to your glass on the inside of the home. Hopefully, if security is a concern, we would have put obscure glass in the window or door to make your home less attractive for someone to take inventory of people or things.
We had an incident where juveniles threw a potted plant at a sidelight. Of course the two outer sheets of glass shattered completely. The bottom 1/3 of the leaded glass was cracked or missing but what remained was the web of lead lines that had been holding the leaded glass. Though lead is a soft metal and could have been cut, it provided yet another obstacle for entry into the home.
I don’t think that I like the bars going across the door or window.
These are mullions and you or someone paid extra to have this feature added to your window. They do present design challenges for the artist having to work with or around these mullions. You will find many designs we have done from Contemporary to Traditional where we incorporated the grids lines as part of the design. When finished, the glass is usually so stunning that the bars no longer are the center of attention. Please look at some of our work with bars (mullions) before going to the expense of having the glass replaced.
