Glass & Material Guide
Glass & Material Guide
Not sure which material is right for your project? This guide compares the glass types and materials we cut so you can choose quickly and confidently. Everything is precision cut to your exact size and shape — no minimum order, shipping across the entire USA.
Quick Tip: Not sure what you need? Scroll to the comparison table or use our instant quote tool.
Glass Materials Comparison Table
| Material | Thicknesses | Strength | Clarity | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clear Glass | 1/8", 3/16", 1/4" | Standard | Optically clear | Shelves, tabletops, frames, panels |
| Frosted Glass | 1/8", 3/16" | Standard | Translucent (privacy) | Cabinet doors, partitions, privacy panels |
| Mirror Glass | 1/8", 1/4" | Standard | Reflective | Wall mirrors, furniture, studios |
| Tempered Glass | 1/4" (6mm) | 4–5× stronger, safety | Clear | Tabletops, doors, high-traffic areas |
| Polycarbonate | 1/16" – 3/8" | ~250× impact, unbreakable | Clear | Guards, safety glazing, high-impact |
Detailed Material Breakdown
Clear Glass — Standard annealed float glass. Optically clear and economical, the go-to for shelves, tabletops, picture frames, and cabinet panels.
Frosted Glass — Satin-etched glass that diffuses light and adds privacy while keeping a clean, modern look. Ideal for cabinet doors, partitions, and bathroom panels.
Mirror Glass — Silvered float mirror cut to any shape or size, for wall mirrors, furniture inserts, and fitness studios. Polished or beveled edges available on request.
Tempered Glass — Heat-treated safety glass, four to five times stronger than standard glass, that breaks into small blunt granules. Required for many tabletops, doors, and high-traffic uses. Must be cut to final size before tempering.
Polycarbonate — Virtually unbreakable clear plastic with roughly 250× the impact strength of glass, at about half the weight. Great for machine guards, security glazing, and demanding environments.
Not Sure Which to Choose?
- Everyday shelves & tabletops → Clear Glass
- Privacy or diffused light → Frosted Glass
- Any reflective surface → Mirror Glass
- Safety, strength, or code compliance → Tempered Glass
- Impact resistance or unbreakable panels → Polycarbonate
Shapes We Cut
Every material can be cut to any shape. Popular shapes include circles, rectangles, squares, ovals, rings, hexagons, octagons, triangles, D-shapes, and more. Need a fully custom profile? Use the glass builder or upload a DXF file.
Need a Special Material or Thickness?
Don't see exactly what you need? We can often source additional materials, thicknesses, or edge finishes. Just reach out — we'll get you a fast quote.
Note: All thicknesses listed are nominal (industry standard). Slight variations are normal.