Expert guidance from Mission Glass — San Antonio's trusted glass company since 2012. Use this guide to make informed decisions about your glass project.
Accurate measurements matter — glass can't be trimmed after cutting, and tempered glass can't be cut at all. Getting it right the first time saves you time and money. Here's how to measure for the most common glass projects.
Use a steel tape measure (not fabric). Measure the width of the opening at three points — top, middle, and bottom — and use the smallest measurement. Then measure the height at three points — left, center, and right — and use the smallest. Subtract 1/8 inch from each dimension for clearance. This gives the glass the room it needs to fit into the frame without binding. Note the glass type you need (single pane, double pane, tempered, tinted).
Measure the table surface itself — not old glass you're replacing. Decide on your overhang preference (typically 1/2 inch to 1 inch past each edge). Note the shape: rectangle, round, oval, or custom. For round tabletops, measure the diameter. For oval, measure both the length and width at the widest points. Bring your measurements to our shop on Grissom Rd and we'll confirm before cutting.
Shower enclosures require the most precise measurements because walls are rarely perfectly plumb or level. Measure the width at multiple heights (top, middle, bottom). Measure from the top of the curb/threshold to where you want the glass to end. Note the curb width. For shower enclosures, we strongly recommend letting Mission Glass measure on-site — a 1/16 inch error on a custom tempered panel means starting over.
Always use a steel tape measure — fabric measures stretch. Measure in inches, not feet. Measure twice before calling. Take photos of the opening or surface. If the shape isn't a standard rectangle, bring a cardboard template or the old glass to our shop. For larger projects (multiple windows, shower enclosures, commercial glass), we offer free on-site measurement as part of our estimate process.
A steel tape measure and a notepad. For odd shapes, cardboard for a template. Photos of the opening help too.
Subtract 1/8 inch from both width and height. This gives the glass room to fit into the frame without binding.
Yes. Bring measurements, photos, or the old glass itself. We verify dimensions before cutting.
Yes. For multiple windows, shower enclosures, and commercial projects, we measure on-site as part of the free estimate.
Free estimates. Fast response. San Antonio's trusted glass company since 2012.