Frequently asked questions
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Customization FAQs
Is tempered glass stronger than regular glass, and by how much?
Yes, tempered glass is much stronger and more durable than annealed glass, by up to four times. Beyond being stronger, it's also safer in the event of a break. Annealed glass breaks very sharp, and can be in large pieces. Tempered glass shatters in to tiny, blunt pieces.
How do I measure my glass for a custom cut?
Measure the opening or frame the glass goes into, not a chipped or worn old glass piece whose edges have lost their true size. Take width first, then height, to the nearest 1/16 inch, and measure in two or three spots since openings are rarely perfectly square. For glass that drops into a frame or track, subtract a small gap so it seats without binding (we recommend subtracting about 1/8"). Because every piece is cut to the numbers you give us and can't be returned, check each measurement twice before you order.
Which type of glass do I need?
It depends on the job, and you've got three to choose from. Tempered glass is for anything that needs strength, heat resistance, or safety, like tabletops, shelving that holds weight, and shower panels. Annealed pane glass for standard window panes (both single and double-paned) and lighter, non-structural uses. Mirror glass is for mirrors and mirrored panels. If you're replacing something and aren't sure which you have, you can reach out via our contact form, and we'll help you match it.
Can tempered glass be cut, drilled, or resized after it's made?
No, and this trips a lot of people up. Once glass is tempered (heat-treated for strength), it can't be cut, drilled, polished, or resized. Trying to do any of that would shatter the whole piece. So every dimension, hole, notch, and edge finish has to be set before the glass is tempered. That's exactly why your order confirmation matters. It's your last chance to catch a wrong measurement or a missing cutout, so read it carefully before fabrication starts. Don't try to cut costs by thinking "I'll just drill holes myself!" You'll end up with a big pile of glass pebbles, instead of some truly unique shelves or a shower door.
How accurate are your cuts?
We cut to within 1/16 inch of the dimensions you give us. That tolerance is standard for quality custom glass cutting, and is what lets a glass piece sit properly in a frame or other opening like a cabinet door. It also means your measurements are the thing that determines fit, so it's worth getting them right the first time, since your order will not be returnable if your provided dimensions were wrong.
What thickness should I choose?
Match the thickness to the job. Heavier glass for tabletops and shelving that carry weight or get daily use (1/4" - 1/2"), thinner glass for picture frames, cabinet door inserts, and lighter decorative pieces (1/8" - 3/8"). If you're replacing an existing piece, measure the thickness of the old glass at an exposed edge and match it. Not sure which to pick? Contact us for guidance.
What edge finishes and corner options can I choose?
It depends on whether the edge will be seen or hidden. As a general guide, a seamed edge (lightly sanded so it's safe to handle) works for glass that sits in a frame or track. A flat or pencil polish gives it a smooth, finished look for exposed edges like a tabletop or shelf. A bevel adds an angled decorative edge. Corners can usually be squared, clipped, or rounded. Choose a finished edge for anything that's meant to be seen and not covered by a frame or track.
Can you cut custom shapes, or match an existing piece?
To match something you already have, we will need the exact dimensions, thickness, edge finish, and glass type of the original, and we will cut to those numbers. Copying an antique mirror or an odd tabletop comes down to detailed, accurate measurements and the right specs, so the more detail you can give, the better the result.
Shipping FAQs
When will my order be delivered?
We ship nationwide. Your order will be carefully packaged and delivered directly to your doorstep. Delivery takes between 2 and 4 business days. You will receive an email after ordering with more information about the delivery.
What can I do if my glass piece is damaged or broken?
We work hard to deliver your items without damage. However, not all breaks are preventable. Because of this, we offer full replacements at no extra cost to you. Just use the claim form on the contact page to let us know within 48 hours of receiving your damaged glass. We'll get back to you ASAP. Be ready to provide photos of the damage to the shipping materials and to the product itself.
How do you ship glass without it breaking?
Every order is packaged for freight, not tossed in a parcel and hoped for the best. We use rigid external packaging, with foam edging and corner protection, and add a "fragile" sticker to the outside packaging so that shipping workers know to handle the package with extra care.
If your piece does show up cracked or otherwise damaged, let us know within 48 hours, with photos of the packaging and glass piece, and we will send you a new one at no extra cost to you (including shipping!).
How much does shipping cost, and why?
Shipping is calculated based on the size, weight, and destination of your order, and you'll see the full cost before you pay, not at the last screen. Glass is heavy and fragile, so it's crated and handled with care rather than shipped like a flat envelope, which is what the cost reflects. Compared with a local shop's minimum charge plus two trips in your own vehicle to the shop, getting it delivered to your door often still comes out ahead.
Do you ship to my area?
That's the point of ordering online: if there's no good glass shop within a reasonable drive, your location stops being the obstacle. We ship anywhere in the contiguous United States and can ship to AK, HI, and PR for smaller sizes.
Pricing FAQs
Do you offer trade or volume pricing?
If you're a contractor, interior designer, cabinet maker, property manager, or anyone ordering glass regularly, reach out at info@flashglassusa.com and we'll get you set up.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept major credit and debit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. In all cases, your payment details are entered via a secure processor, so nothing gets stored on our servers.
General FAQs
When does building code require tempered glass?
Most building codes require tempered glass in "impact zones." These are places where people are likely to slip, fall, or otherwise impact the glass. These zones are around doors, near the floor, around stairs, and inside bathrooms.
How can I tell if my existing glass is tempered?
The easiest way to tell if your glass is tempered is to check for a corner stamp. A stamp will be an etched or sandblasted logo. If there is no logo (there isn't always), you can check with polarized sunglasses - look at the glass with bright sunlight or a digital screen. If you see faint dark spots, lines, or a slight rainbow grid pattern, you're looking at tempered glass. You can also check how reflections appear when you look at them from an angle. You may see some waviness or even a minor bend to the surface, caused by the intense heating and cooling process. Lastly, if the edges are exposed, feel them. Tempered glass must have smooth edges or the tempering will cause it to shatter.
Can I Return my product?
Since all orders are custom made, we do not accept returns (unless your glass was damaged during shipping. See below if that's you). So be sure to double-check your measurements, because once we have your order, we'll be using your provided specs to cut your glass.
I would like to speak with the customer service. How can I get in touch?
You can email and call us anytime. We try to respond to emails within 24 hours, and if we miss your call, we will return your call within 48 hours. You can also use the contact form on the contact page.
Can I order a single piece, or is there a minimum order?
You can order a single piece. A lot of people end up here because a local shop turned down a one-off replacement or quoted a steep minimum just to take the job. Whether you need one shelf or a batch of cabinet inserts, you can order exactly what the project calls for, nothing more, and nothing less.
Do you install the glass, or just ship it?
We cut and ship; installation is on you or your contractor. Most of what we make (shelves, tabletops, cabinet inserts, mirrors) is easy enough for a confident home DIYer to fit, and a handyman or other contractor can handle the rest.