FT NEWS

The transparent nature of glass makes it a popular building material because it brings in an element of lightness and offers seamless vision when introduced in interiors and exteriors of the home. Although glass is a fragile material, it can go through some chemical and heat processes to become strong and highly durable. Additionally, glass can be easily moulded into any shape and can be recycled, which makes it an environmentally friendly material. Learn about the costs of different types of glass (from premium brands) that can be used for different applications.

Regular float glass
Float glass or annealed glass forms the base material for manufacturing different types of glass such as toughened glass, laminated glass, frosted glass and textured glass (like in the image here). This type of glass can be used for making glass cabinets, coffee-table tops and glass shelves. Do note that when regular float glass breaks, it forms sharp shards, which may result in injury.

Cost

• 5 millimetre-thick glass starts at ₹52 per square foot.
• 6 millimetre-thick glass starts at ₹65 per square foot.
• 8 millimetre-thick glass starts at ₹85 per square foot.
• 10 millimetre-thick glass starts at ₹115 per square foot.
• 12 millimetre-thick glass starts at ₹130 per square foot.

Toughened glass
When float glass is heated under high temperature and then rapidly cooled, it forms toughened glass, which is approximately five times stronger. Therefore, toughened glass is highly resistant to heavy impact. Unlike float glass, toughened glass breaks into small and regular square fragments, which do not cause injury.

Toughened glass is used for fire-resistant doors, glass windows, structural glazing, facades, partitions, frameless doors and so on.

Cost

• 5 millimetre-thick toughened glass starts at ₹85 per square foot.
• 6 millimetre-thick toughened glass starts at ₹105 per square foot.
• 8 millimetre-thick toughened glass starts at ₹130 per square foot.
• 10 millimetre-thick toughened glass starts at ₹150 per square foot.
• 12 millimetre-thick toughened glass starts at ₹170 per square foot.

Frosted glass
The method of sandblasting or acid etching of the surface of any kind of clear glass produces frosted glass. This chemical process creates translucent glass that offers privacy while letting in light, and is used as shower screens, partitions and privacy windows.

Cost
Frosting can be achieved on any thickness of regular float glass.

• The cost of frosted glass includes the cost of the glass used plus an additional cost of ₹30 per square foot for glass frosting.

Mirror
When regular glass is coated with a special metal amalgam, it transforms into a reflective mirror. It is generally available in one standard thickness.

Cost
5 millimetre-thick mirror costs ₹80 per square foot.

Reflective glass
Reflective glass is formed when the surface of glass receives a thin coating of metal oxide. The exterior surface of the glass has a mirror finish, which does not allow one to look into the room from outside, but it is possible to see out from within. Both regular float (annealed) or toughened glass can be given this treatment.

Cost

• 3.5 millimetre-thick regular glass with a reflective finish starts at ₹45 per square foot.
• 5 millimetre-thick regular glass with a reflective finish starts at ₹60 per square foot.
• 5 millimetre-thick toughened glass with a reflective finish starts at ₹100 per square foot.

Bevelled glass
Bevelled glass has an angled surface all along its edges, which gives it a decorative look. The edges of the glass refract light like a prism, resulting in little flashes of light in rainbow colours. Bevelled glass looks elegant when used as a decorative feature in mirrors, table tops, doors, windows and bar cabinets.

Cost
The cost of bevelled glass includes the cost of the glass in the thickness used plus an additional cost of ₹40 per square foot for the bevelling.

Lacquered glass
Lacquered glass is formed by coating the rear of the glass in different colours. It is used in backsplashes (like in this kitchen), wall panelling, cabinet shutters and so on.

Cost
The different colours of lacquered glass range between ₹120 to ₹200 per square foot.

Textured glass
When any kind of glass has a texture or pattern etched on it, it forms textured glass. This type of glass is ideal for partitions, tabletops, showers and privacy screens.

Cost
The cost of textured glass is the price of the glass plus an additional cost of ₹120 per square foot for the textured effect.