Stained glass, leaded glass windows, leaded glass, beveled glass doors, Glass by Design, ALL WORK IS CUSTOM! 979.823.8060
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Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]

Questions, thoughts, and misconceptions

  1. Where can we see samples of stained glass?
  2. What about privacy glasses?
  3. How do I measure my opening?
  4. What framing do you use?
  5. How do I install your panels?
  6. Do you provide insulated leaded glass windows?
  7. How do I place an order?
  8. How long with it take to fabricate?
  9. Will you send me a catalog?
  10. How much does stained glass cost?
  11. Do you accept credit cards?
  12. What about shipping?
  13. You said all work is custom!
  14. What are the components of a leaded glass window?
  15. What is lead?
  16. What is a bevel?
  17. What is a bevel cluster or bevel set?
  18. What is a jewel?
  19. What is gluechip?
  20. What is a gluechip bevel?
  21. What is Flemish?
  22. What is Waterglass?
  23. What is Antique?
  24. What is Baroque glass?
  25. What about brass caming?
  26. What about protecting my children and/or dogs?
  27. The guy said his doors are mahogany.
  28. Won’t someone just break the glass and walk right in?
  29. I don’t think that I like the bars going across the door window.
  30. My door looks like a butcher block with several small pieces of wood glued together.  Will they split apart?
  31. Will I save money with the laminated or veneered doors?


 
 

What is Gluechip?

zooms to view gluechip glass
gluechip

Gluechip is a colorless textured glass which affords a moderate amount of privacy.
Any colors you see are whatever the camera saw; i.e., the sky and trees behind the glass.
zooms to view fouble chip gluechip glass
Double Chip Gluechip.  More privacy without the frosted effect.
flemish glass, gluechip glass and pencil bevel
Flemish, Double Chip Gluechip, and a pencil bevel.
 
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What is a bevel?
What is a Bevel Set/Cluster?


 
A BEVEL is a piece of glass which has had its edge ground to a slant and is then polished back to clear.
 
A grouping of several bevels is referred to as a BEVEL SET or BEVEL CLUSTER which makes a design which is the focus of the window.
 
  The colors you see are whatever the camera saw behind the glass.
 
 
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gluechip bevel
 
Clear bevel

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

What is a Gluechip Bevel?


 
A Gluechip Bevel is one which is cut from a piece of gluechip glass, had its edge ground to a slant and then polished back to clear.
 
A grouping of several bevels is referred to as a Bevel Set or Bevel Cluster which makes a design that is commonly the focus of the window.
 
Pictured here is a Gluechip Bevel Set.
 
The colors you see are whatever the camera saw; i.e., the sky and trees behind the glass.
 
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gluechip bevel
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

What is "Waterglass"?


Waterglass affords some privacy and adds a beautiful texture to your window.
 
Waterglass comes in many colors; however, the glass shown here is clear.  The colors you see are whatever the camera saw behind the glass.
 
 
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waterglass
waterglass

 
 
 

 

 
 
 

What is . . .

Glue chip – Brown arrow
Clear Bevel – Blue arrow
Frosted/Glue chip Bevel – Green arrow
Flemish – Red arrow
Flemish is a texture commonly found on glass blocks.  We use it primarily for the borders of our windows.
 
A Bevel Set or Bevel Cluster is a grouping of several bevels to make a design which is usually the focus of the window.
 
Pictured here are two bevel sets, one glue chip and one clear.
 
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beveled glass

 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

What is Baroque?


Baroque swirls.  Here it is pictured with a border of clear bevels.   Baroque comes with clear swirls in clear glass (pictured here) and with color swirled in clear.  
 
 
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baroque glass

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

What is Antique?


Antique has gentle lines in the glass, giving it a subtle elegance.  It is available in clear and many colors.
 
 
 
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antique glass

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
faceted jewels
We call these JEWELS.
They come in different colors and sizes; also shapes.
 
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How do I place an order?

All orders are taken over the phone.
 
We see no need in an expensive "shopping cart" system, because we will need to consult with you regarding your order.
 
We have a toll–free number for your convenience:   .
 
Please DO NOT send us your credit card information in an e–mail.
 
Our procedure is to charge your card for half when we begin your order and the balance just prior to shipping.  If your order includes a door, we will charge your card at the time we order the door.  Since we must pay for your door upon order, we cannot cancel any order for a door.

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How long will my order take?


It depends on what we have lined up before you.
 
We can usually ship within 6 to 8 weeks.  Add 2 weeks for insulated panels. 
 
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ANATOMY OF A LEADED GLASS WINDOW


All windows begin with a metal frame – shown here as representation of a metal frame for leaded glass window – is normally ½” wide (which accounts for 1” of your window dimensions).  You may see a photo by scrolling down to the next section.
 
A border of a different color or clear texture – shown here as representation of a border glass for leaded glass window –– normally ½”, depending on the size of your window.  Waterglass or Flemish are good choices for borders.  You may see both on this page.
 
The field or background glass – shown here as representation of a background glass for leaded glass window.  You might have noticed the size varies here for demonstration purposes.
We make the bevel set fit by adjusting this area of your window.
See some options like gluechip and waterglass by scrolling up to the previous sections on this page.
 
Bevel set/bevel cluster – center design shown here in white.  You could replace the bevel set – or any of the other parts of the window – with colored glass if you wish.   Bevels can be viewed by scrolling up to the previous sections on this page.
 
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Anatomy of a Window

 
 
 
 
 

What is "Lead"?

Lead is the skeletal structure of your leaded glass panel. 
 
Glass is cut by hand to the desired shape and fitted into a piece of metal called "came" of various shapes and sizes.  This is a picture of "H" came (looks like an I– beam) which accepts glass in the slots on either side.
 
We use zinc, which is stiff like aluminium, to frame our panels.  It is called "U" and fits on the outer edge of a glass window, creating the frame.
 
For most applications, the face is ½” and the thickness on the outer edge is ¼”.  It is also available in ¼” and 3/8” face widths.
 
lead
zinc zinc
leaded glass window You can distinguish the Zinc frame from the Lead Came in the panel.  The lead darkens during our cleaning process.
 
For measurements, we suggest you measure the actual opening and then subtract 1/4" off the width and 1/8" off the height to arrive at our actual "build size."
 
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How should I measure the opening?

The brown represents the finished opening that you will set our glass window into.
The blue represents the LEADED GLASS WINDOW
Measure the height and width in several places.
Measure the diagonals to verify that the opening is square.
You now know the dimensions of the Actual Opening.
Deduct one–quarter” off the width and one–eighth” off the height and you have our ”Build Size.”
how to measure dimensions for leaded glass window
 
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How can I install your panels?

You can do this several ways.
The first picture shows how a leaded glass window might be installed in an interior opening.
The brown "F" is the sill itself.
The tan "G" is the interior molding which holds the panel in place.
The gray "C" is the ¼” thick metal frame which is around every panel we fabricate.
The blue "D" is the leaded glass.
install
The second picture shows how a leaded glass window might be installed on the inside of an existing glass.
The brown "F" is the sill itself.
The tan "G" is the interior molding which holds the leaded glass panel in place.
The gray "C" is the ¼” thick metal frame which is around every leaded glass window we fabricate.
The blue "D" is the LEADED GLASS WINDOW
The pale blue "J" is the exterior glass.
install
The third picture shows how a leaded glass window might be installed in an exterior situation.
The brown "F" is the sill itself.
The tan "G" is the interior molding which holds the leaded glass panel in place.
The gray "C" is the ¼” thick metal frame which is around every leaded glass window we fabricate.
The blue "D" is the leaded glass.
The yellow "A" represents a silicon bead to keep the weather out and cushion the LEADED GLASS WINDOW Feel free to run it under the panel, also.
The "H" is the exterior molding on your sill or, in some instances, a putty bead.
install
The fourth picture shows installation of an insulated panel.
The brown ”F” is the sill itself.
The tan ”G” is the interior molding which holds leaded glass the panel in place.
The blue ”E” is the tempered glass on both sides of the leaded glass window.
The Green ”I” is the gap before the insulating seal.
The Red ”B” represents the black seal for the insulated unit.
The gray ”C” is the ¼” thick metal frame which is around every leaded glass window we fabricate.
The blue ”D” is the leaded glass.
The yellow ”A” represents a silicon bead to keep the weather out and cushion the LEADED GLASS WINDOW Feel free to run it under the panel, also.
The ”H” is the exterior molding on your sill or, in some instances, a putty bead.
install
 
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Do you provide insulated leaded glass windows?

We can insulate almost any size window using 1/8” tempered glass on both sides of the ¼” thick leaded glass window with an inset black butyl seal.  Pricing is $29 per square foot.
 
ADVANTAGES:
 
More energy efficient.
Easier to clean.
Improved security.
Helps protect leaded glass from possible breakage.
Stabilizes leaded glass window without the use of traditional rebars which could interfere with the design.
Prevents oxidation and aging of leaded unit, keeping it in its original pristine condition.
Eliminates leakage associated with single glazed leaded glass.
 
APPLICATIONS:
 
New leaded glass windows turned into triple glazed insulated units.
Existing single glazed units turned into insulated units, eliminating leakage and structural problems.
Fragile antique windows turned into functional exterior units.
Decorative windows for wine cellars, shower stalls, etc.
Etched and glass–on–glass units permanently protected.
Repairs of existing insulated units.
 
insulated leaded glass window      insulated leaded glass window From the edge inward you will see some clear glass, the black butyl strip which forms the insulating seal, and our metal, totaling approximately 1”.  This should be covered, all or in part, by the moulding you will use to secure the panel into its opening.
 
 
insulated leaded glass window
 
insulated leaded glass window photo of glare on insulated leaded glass window   You will notice a glare on the insulating glass. The photographer shows up clearly in this shot.
This is an insulated panel looking dead on.  You can see the edge of the clear glass and the black butyl seal on the outside of our metal frame.
 
 
 
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Do you accept credit cards?

credit cards paypal

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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What about shipping?

We ship to anywhere within the USA.  We use ABF, FedEx and United Airlines, so if they go to your town/country, we can probably ship to you.
If you have a carrier you want us to use, please advise when you place your order.
 
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What about brass caming?


Brass came can be solid or "brass capped" over lead.  There are several problems with this product.  Solid brass is like zinc came in that it is not flexible, which causes the solder joints to be the weakest links in the panel.  They break!
 
Another problem is that there is no brass solder; therefore, the solder joints either remain silver or are painted gold.  To make matters worse, brass tarnishes, but the painted solder joints do not, so they stay bright gold while the rest of the came darkens.
 
Insulating your window will protect it from tarnishing.
 
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How much does stained glass cost?


Because all panels are built custom to your specifications, we do not know prices until we know what you want. The size and complexity of the work dictate the price.  Our work averages a minimum of $135 to $195 per square foot, if you need a ball park estimate.  Simple panels are less expensive than intricate panels.
 
Width times Height, divided by 144 equals SQUARE FOOTAGE.
 
Insulating adds $29 per square foot.  Read more about this on our here.
 
We will charge you for the expense of building the box plus our actual freight costs, which we will not know until time of shipment.
 
As you view the pictures, remember: you choose your own colors and sizes for your panel.  We can use your design or adapt ours for your window, but each panel is created to fit your size specifications and colors.
 
To inquire about pricing, we need to know which design you like and the dimensions of the panel you need.  We cannot quote pricing without dimensions!
 
To inquire about a design, note its name, category, and thumbnail number and email your inquiry to us.  We will be happy to work with you to make the design fit your needs.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Where can we see samples of stained glass?

You may view samples of the entire line of Spectrum Glass here  >>>  Spectrum Glass.
 
stained and leaded glass grapes panel
Same window; same day; different times.  From morning to evening, the colors and appearance of your stained glass panel will change.  Trying to find the exact shade of a color is futile.
 
Can you live with muntins behind your stained glass?  Only you can decide.  You might elect to change out the existing glass with a sheet of plate glass without muntins.  In this instance, that is a sliding window behind the stained glass, which casts a larger shadow than most muntins.
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What about Privacy?

We have a page with some pictures: TEXTURES
 
You may view more samples of obscure glass here: Hollander Glass >>>  VIEW IT!
 
Please use your BACK button to return to this page.
 
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We can help:

  • New construction
    Advise your builder you want to upgrade your front door to mahogany with leaded glass.
  • Remodeling
    The perfect time to change that entry and increase curb appeal to your home.
  • Give your old door a face lift with a new glass window.
  • Selling your house
    A leaded glass door will help close the sale.  After looking at many houses, a beautiful door helps people remember your house and that stained glass window will certainly add value to your home.
  • Room Dividers
    Dress up a drab corner.
  • Fireplace Screen
    Cover that black hole with a piece of glass art and set a light behind it.  Cool!
  • Privacy
    A beautiful alternative to drapes and shutters, and you don’t have to dust or send them to the cleaners!  Hide that unsightly fence.  A glass window is perfect.
Stained Glass gives lasting beauty to the discriminating homeowner and gives your home a unique identity among those of your neighbors.
 
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Will you send me a catalog?


 
This Web site IS our catalog.  Since every glass window we build is custom designed to someone’s specifications, this makes a catalog an impossible task.  The costs involved in printing a color brochure are quite high, and which pictures would we include?
 
We have well over 1500 pictures here online for you to view.  To inquire about a design, note its name or number and e– mail your inquiry to us.  We will be happy to work with you to make the design fit your needs.
 
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You indicate that all work is custom!

The panels pictured on this site have been sold.  All work IS custom.  You will receive a new panel built to your sizes and colors.
 
Our doors and glass windows are handcrafted in Texas to your specifications.    Any glass window can be insulated.
 
Choose your own colors and sizes.  Most designs can be enlarged, but few can be reduced by more than 10% without design changes.
 
Please do not ask us to replicate a door window in a 10" x 20" window!
 
In many instances, we list the size of the bevel sets or the panel itself to give you an idea of the proportions of what you are viewing.
 
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I am not sure I like those bars going across the door panels.


We put them on all door windows and on larger windows.  Rebars add years to the life of your door window.  Ask anyone who repairs them!   Some shops don’t use them and/or charge you extra for them, but we want to give your door window every chance for a long life.
Some people absolutely refuse to have them put on their panels.  So be it, but we advised you against it!
photo of rebar used on a leaded glass window
Rebar attached to panel adds strength.
Rebars are affixed at horizontal intervals on panels over 22”.
The size of this rebar is 1/8” x ¼”, with the narrow edge facing the viewer.
photo of rebar used on a leaded glass window
This is a view of a rebar looking directly at its edge.  We don’t want it to interfere with the beauty of your window any more than necessary.
 
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I don’t want my dog to jump on the leaded glass and hurt himself or break the glass window.

safety
For these large sidelights, we set a piece of ¼” thick tempered glass on the interior side of the leaded glass panels, but only as high as the dogs might be able to reach.  Now, nose prints are easy to clean, the delivery guys are safe, the leaded glass is safe, and so are the dogs.
You have to look closely to even notice the odd piece of glass.
 
For children, insulating the entire panel with tempered glass is your best solution.

 
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Won’t someone just break the glass and walk right in?

This glass window took quite a beating. The broken glass is held in place by the original putty cement; the metal structure is still in place. There is an easier way into your home than through a LEADED GLASS WINDOW   Check out your window panes which are held in place with a little strip of plastic moulding.  Like any glass window, if someone wants to throw himself through it, he will probably wind up inside, bleeding all over your floor.
 
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Broken

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

My new glass window has an ugly scratch on it.

Some suppliers maintain "Industry Standard" dictates that if you cannot see a scratch from 3 feet away, it is acceptable.  Some folks will use any gimick as an excuse for poor quality.  We believe that the beveling in a window provides all the glitter needed to be gorgeous; scratches only interfere; therefore, we insist on the very best products for our customers and expect you to accept nothing less!
 
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My door looks like a butcher block with several small pieces of wood glued together.  Will they split apart?

It happens.  That would be the weakest link.  Our doors are neither laminated  (some door manufacturers will cut costs by gluing together smaller pieces) nor veneered  (thin sheets of wood glued over a cheaper core).  They will not peel and do not have all those glued joints of the pieced– together doors.  We value our reputation too much to sell anything less than the best.
photo of laminated wood in a door
 
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I’ll save money with the laminated or veneered doors.

No way!   Do not lose sight of the fact that the cost of the door is actually a fraction of the total installed price; and the cost of hardware, installation, and finishing is the same for a cheap door as it is for a door of quality.  A cheap door will cost much more in the long run.  If you are fixing up a house to unload it, you can go cheap if your conscience will let you, but if you plan to live in this house for more than a couple of years, don’t skimp here.
 
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The guy said his doors are mahogany.

Mahogany comes from South America and Africa.  The softer woods coming in from the orient can claim mahogany all they like, but if you care about quality in a solid hardwood door, mahogany is superior to other woods, holds up to the ravages of the weather and finishes beautifully.
 
We are using mahogany from South America and Africa; your choice.
 
This is a picture of one of our mahogany doors that had unusually dramatic grain.
 
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Mahogany

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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