Custom mirror and glass cutting from a workshop
Cut mirrors, tabletops and replacement panes to order from a garage or small workshop, with pickup or local delivery.
- C$5k-20k
- Side hustle
- From home
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
A small-scale, order-based version where you buy glass from a wholesaler as needed and cut it to size in a garage or workshop. Work is mostly custom mirrors, tabletops, shelves, picture glass and replacement panes, without a retail shop.
Your first three steps
- Set up a dedicated, ventilated workspace with a cutting table and safe storage, then price the basic tools
- Open a trade account with a glass wholesaler and ask about minimum orders, delivery and offcuts
- Create a simple price list and post it on local marketplace sites, plus a few photos of finished work, then approach framers and designers
Who pays
Homeowners, interior designers, small contractors, framers and landlords who want a quick cut-to-size job.
How it makes money
You charge per piece based on glass type, size and edge finish, plus a delivery fee. Keeping little stock and working to order keeps costs down while you build a customer base.
Skills that help
- Accurate measuring and cutting
- Careful, safe handling of glass
- Quoting and basic bookkeeping
- Marketing locally and online
Watch out for
- Check whether your municipality allows a home-based business and what its licence and zoning rules say about workshops and customer pickups
- Commercial general liability insurance, and check what your home insurance excludes
- Cut hazards and glass dust or shards: use protective gear and keep children and pets away
- Do not cut tempered glass, and check building code rules for safety glazing before supplying panes for doors or windows
- Heavy sheets and winter driving: check your vehicle and how you will carry glass safely
Deep research report · Canada
Everything you need to start: custom mirror and glass cutting from a workshop
Researched with live web search for Canada: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a glass cutting business from a workshop?
Startup costs are typically around $5,000 to $20,000, depending on your cutting tools, protective gear, lifting and carrying equipment, insurance and your vehicle. Buying glass to order keeps stock costs down.
How much can a home workshop glass cutting business earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on how many custom mirrors, tabletops and replacement panes you cut and how well you market locally. The estimate assumes at least 12 hours a week.
What rules should I check before cutting glass at home?
Check whether your municipality allows a home-based business and its licence and zoning rules for workshops and customer pickups. Also check insurance, including what your home policy excludes, and building code rules for safety glazing. Do not cut tempered glass.
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