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 with no minimum, shipping across the entire USA.
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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 |
| Borosilicate Glass | 1/8", 3/16", 1/4" | Excellent thermal shock & chemical resistance | Optically clear | Labware, high-temp windows, sight glasses |
| Polycarbonate | 1/16" – 3/8" | About 250× the impact strength of glass | 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.
Borosilicate Glass — Low-expansion glass with outstanding resistance to thermal shock and chemicals. It handles rapid temperature changes far better than standard glass and stays dimensionally stable under heat. Ideal for laboratory equipment, high-temperature viewports, 3D printer beds, and demanding industrial uses.
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
- Thermal shock, high heat, or chemical resistance → Borosilicate 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.
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Need a Special Material or Thickness?
Don't see exactly what you need? We can often source additional materials or thicknesses. Just reach out — we'll get you a fast quote.
All thicknesses are nominal. Slight variation is normal.
Related: Measuring Guide · FAQ · Instant quote