Custom glass and mirror workshop
Run a small shop that cuts, edges and fits custom mirrors, glass shelves and tabletops for local customers and builders.
- $15k-70k
- Full-time
- Own premises
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
6,945 US businesses with employees in this field, +2.8% in a year
NAICS 238150 “Glass and glazing contractors”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
A small unit with cutting tables, edging equipment and storage where you make custom mirrors, glass shelves, tabletops and replacement panes. Customers bring in measurements or you visit to measure, and you deliver or install the finished pieces.
Your first three steps
- Get hands-on experience at an existing glass shop and learn cutting, edging and tempered glass ordering
- Price out a small industrial unit and the key equipment, such as a cutting table, edging machine and glass racks
- Set up supplier accounts and show your work to local contractors, designers and property managers
Who pays
Homeowners, interior designers, remodeling contractors, landlords and local businesses.
How it makes money
Priced per piece based on size, glass type and finishing such as beveled edges, with installation as an add-on. Steady trade work from contractors and designers can fill quieter periods.
Skills that help
- Glass cutting and edging
- Measuring and quoting
- Safe handling and lifting
- Building relationships with contractors
Watch out for
- Check zoning rules and the lease terms before renting a workshop unit
- General liability and commercial property insurance, plus workers' compensation if you hire
- Check whether your state or city requires a contractor license for installation work
- Safety glass and building code requirements for doors, windows and shower areas, so check with your local building department
- Dust, sharp offcuts and heavy sheets create injury risks, so plan for proper safety gear and storage
- Equipment and stock costs can tie up cash, so start with a limited range
Deep research report · US
Everything you need to start: custom glass and mirror workshop
Researched with live web search for United States: 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 custom glass and mirror workshop?
Startup costs are typically around $15,000 to $70,000, depending on your cutting and edging equipment, stock and workshop unit. Equipment and stock can tie up cash, so starting with a limited range is one way to manage this.
How much can a custom glass workshop earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on your customer mix, pricing and how much installation work you take on. The estimates assume at least about 30 hours a week.
What rules should I check before opening a glass workshop?
Check zoning rules and your lease terms before renting a unit. Also check whether your state or city requires a contractor license for installation, insurance needs, and local building code rules on safety glass for doors, windows and shower areas.
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