Glass and mirror workshop
Run a small unit that cuts glass and mirrors to size and supplies homeowners and builders.
- C$15k-70k
- Full-time
- Own premises
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
A small workshop or storefront where you cut glass and mirrors to size, polish edges, and supply or fit custom pieces such as tabletops, picture glass, shower panels and splashbacks.
Your first three steps
- Learn glass cutting and finishing through a glazier apprenticeship, a course or paid work in an existing glass shop
- Price out a small unit with a loading door, plus a cutting table, edging tools and safe racking
- Set up supplier accounts and visit local contractors, renovators and designers to offer trade pricing
Who pays
Homeowners, landlords, renovators, interior designers and building firms.
How it makes money
Price per piece based on size, thickness and finish, plus fitting charges. Trade accounts with contractors bring repeat orders.
Skills that help
- Glass cutting and edge finishing
- Accurate measuring and pricing
- Customer service
- Basic business admin and stock control
Watch out for
- Commercial general liability and property insurance for your unit and stock
- Check zoning and the business licence needs with your municipality before signing a lease
- Check whether your province requires trade certification for glaziers
- Workers' compensation (WCB or WSIB) coverage once you hire, with rules differing by province
- Heavy sheets of glass are a serious injury risk, so plan for safe storage and lifting equipment
- Rent, equipment and stock make costs higher than a mobile setup, so test demand first
🔒 Full research report for Canada
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to start a glass and mirror workshop?
Startup costs are estimates, typically around $15,000 to $70,000 CAD, depending on the unit, equipment and stock you need. Costs run higher than a mobile setup because of rent, so consider testing demand first.
How much can a glass and mirror workshop earn?
Monthly revenue is an estimate, typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on your customer mix of homeowners, renovators and builders. Plan for at least about 30 hours a week.
What should I check before opening a glass cutting workshop in Canada?
Check zoning and business licence needs with your municipality before signing a lease, and whether your province requires trade certification for glaziers. Also check property and liability insurance, WCB or WSIB coverage once you hire, and safe storage and lifting for heavy glass.
Other ways to run this business
Similar trades ideas
Small building firm with a crew
Run a small crew taking on extensions, residential builds and light commercial fit-outs under contract.
- C$15k-70k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Custom metal railing and gate workshop
Fabricate and install made-to-measure steel and aluminum railings and gates from a small workshop.
- C$15k-70k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Used forklift reseller
Buy, refresh and sell or rent used forklifts to local warehouses, workshops and yards.
- C$15k-70k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Fibreglass supply trade counter
Run a small unit stocking fibreglass, resin and insulation for local boat builders, repairers and trades.
- C$20k-70k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Woodworking shop for kitchens and built-ins
Rent a small unit to build custom cabinetry, built-ins and fittings for homes and businesses.
- C$15k-70k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Machine servicing and rebuild workshop
Run a small unit where clients bring motors, pumps and machine parts to be serviced, rebuilt and tested.
- C$15k-70k
- Full-time
- Own premises