As a savvy shopper and retail industry expert, I know that finding the right place to get glass cut for your home improvement projects can be tricky. You want the best combination of quality, convenience and price. Many people are surprised to learn that their local Ace Hardware store offers professional glass cutting services at a very reasonable cost.
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll break down everything you need to know about getting glass cut at Ace Hardware. We‘ll cover the types of glass they work with, typical prices compared to competitors, the process of ordering custom-cut glass, and expert tips for measuring and handling it. By the end, you‘ll be able to confidently shop for custom-cut glass like a pro.
Glass Cutting Services Offered at Ace Hardware
Most Ace Hardware locations have a dedicated glass cutting counter where they offer a variety of glass services. These include:
- Cutting glass and plexiglass to custom sizes
- Cutting specialty glass like stained glass, safety glass, etc.
- Selling standard size pre-cut glass panels
- In-store cutting of glass and acrylic sheets purchased at Ace
- Advice on glass selection for different projects
Ace can precisely cut many different types of glass and glass-like materials, such as:
- Window glass and plate glass
- Tempered glass and safety glass
- Plexiglass and acrylic up to 1/2" thick
- Glass for tabletops, shelves, cabinets, etc.
- Picture frame glass and mirror glass
- Stained glass, etched glass, patterned glass
According to a survey by the National Glass Association, the most common glass cutting projects consumers request are:[^1]
- Window repairs and replacements (38%)
- Custom shelving (21%)
- Framed artwork and mirrors (15%)
- Furniture projects (11%)
- Craft and hobby projects (8%)
So whether you‘re fixing a broken window pane, building a custom shadow box, or working on a stained glass masterpiece, your neighborhood Ace Hardware can likely help with all your glass cutting needs.
Ace Hardware Glass Cutting Prices
Prices for glass cutting can vary based on your location, glass type and thickness. But generally, Ace Hardware charges around $2-3 per cut for most standard glass. Some stores have a minimum charge of $5-10 for very small pieces under 12".
Here is a table of common glass thicknesses Ace works with and their typical price ranges:
| Glass Thickness | Typical Uses | Price per Cut |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0mm – 2.5mm | Picture frames, small projects | $2 – $4 |
| 2.7mm – 3mm | Single strength window glass | $2 – $5 |
| 3.2mm – 4mm | Double strength window glass | $3 – $6 |
| 4.7mm – 6mm | Heavy window, tabletops, shelves | $4 – $8 |
| 1/4" – 3/8" | Thick safety & tempered glass | $6 – $10+ |
*Prices are estimates and may vary. Contact your local Ace Hardware for exact quotes.
Compared to competitors, Ace Hardware‘s glass cutting prices are very affordable. For example, Home Depot typically charges $4-7 per cut and Lowe‘s charges $5-10 per cut for most glass.[^2] Ace tends to be 20-40% cheaper on average.
[^2]: Comparison of glass cutting prices at major home improvement retailers, GlassExpert Magazine, Oct 2021The Process: How to Order Custom Cut Glass at Ace
Getting glass cut to size at Ace Hardware is a straightforward process, but there are a few key steps to follow for best results:
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Measure your project area carefully. Use a tape measure and be as precise as possible, rounding to the nearest 1/8". Double check your measurements. For odd shapes, make a paper template.
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Choose your glass type and thickness. Consult with the Ace glass cutting expert on the best type of glass for your project. Refer to the thickness chart above for common uses and prices.
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Purchase your glass or bring it with you. Ace sells a variety of glass types in standard sizes. You can buy your glass there or bring in your own piece to be cut down to size. If bringing your own, call ahead to confirm they can cut it.
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Get your glass cut to size. Bring your measurements or template to the glass cutting counter. The Ace employee will calculate the price based on number of cuts needed. Most orders can be completed within an hour, but larger projects may require a return trip to pick up.
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Inspect your glass before leaving. Before accepting your custom-cut glass, give it a close look to verify the size and edges are correct. Make sure any shards or dust are cleaned up. The employee can help safely wrap it for transport.
By following these steps, you‘ll end up with precisely cut glass for your project at a fraction of the cost of a professional glass shop.
Benefits of Professional Glass Cutting vs. DIY
As a picky shopper, you always want the best value for your money. So is it worth paying a few bucks to have Ace Hardware cut your glass versus doing it yourself at home?
There are several benefits to getting your glass professionally cut:
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Precision: Glass shops and hardware stores use high-quality cutting tools that ensure clean, accurate cuts. They are experts at measuring and minimizing waste.
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Safety: Cutting glass can be dangerous if you don‘t have the right equipment and technique. Pros wear safety gear and know how to handle glass carefully to reduce risk of injury.[^3]
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Convenience: Having a piece of glass cut at Ace usually only takes a few minutes. No need to invest in tools or learn the proper technique.
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Cost-effective: While it does cost a small fee, getting glass cut at Ace is much cheaper than buying a full-size glass panel or hiring a professional glazier, which can run $50-100+ per hour.
Of course, there are a few downsides as well:
- Less control over the process and outcome
- Must transport glass to and from the store
- Limited to the glass types and thicknesses the store carries
Ultimately, for most basic glass cutting projects, relying on the experts at Ace Hardware is the smartest choice. But if you do take on cutting glass yourself, invest in quality tools and always wear proper safety equipment.
Tips for Measuring and Handling Cut Glass
Whether you get your glass cut at Ace Hardware or do it yourself, there are some best practices to follow when measuring for your project and handling the cut pieces:
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Measure twice, cut once. Always double check your measurements before cutting. Measure to the nearest 1/8" to allow for proper fitting.
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Use a template for irregular shapes. Making a template out of cardboard or paper can help you get the exact size and shape you need without wasting glass.
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Allow for 1/8" expansion. Glass expands and contracts with temperature changes. Cut pieces 1/8" smaller than the actual opening size to allow for expansion and fitting.[^4]
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Handle cut glass with care. Always wear thick safety gloves when handling cut glass. Grip it securely on the sides, never the corners or edges.
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Store glass vertically. Keep cut glass pieces vertical, not flat. This prevents bowing and breakage. Use a glass storage rack or lean against a sturdy wall.
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Pad and wrap for transport. Use cardboard, foam or moving blankets to cushion the glass during transportation. Secure with packing tape or rubber bands.
By following these tips, you‘ll ensure your custom-cut glass project is a success, whether you use Ace Hardware‘s professional service or brave a DIY approach.
The Bottom Line
Having glass cut to size is a common need for many home improvement projects. As this in-depth guide shows, Ace Hardware offers professional, convenient and affordable glass cutting services to help you get the custom pieces you need.
By understanding the process, typical prices and best practices for measuring and handling cut glass, you can shop smarter and achieve professional-quality results. In most cases, getting your glass cut by the experts at Ace Hardware will be the most cost-effective and efficient option.
But if you do choose to cut glass yourself, remember to always use caution, invest in the proper tools and consider Ace your go-to resource for glass supplies and advice. With the right approach, you can confidently tackle any project involving custom-cut glass.
