Glass for a door

[vicky whitworth]

Good evening, could any one advise on what sort of glass I could use to go in my front door of a small 1760 Devon rubble stone cottage? It's a modern door but it's quite nice and it functions OK but it has a small window in it about 15 inches by 9 inches which is currently blocked with hardboard. Other than that it is solid wood, braced and in a sort of tongue and groove. I'm not saying it's really lovely but it's functional and it's not my priority to scrap it.

I want some glass that isn't horrid flat, completely clear, stuff but has some interest to it. Security isn't a priority (we are lucky enough to live in a low crime area), single glazing is what I'm after, building isn't listed.

I've researched Tatra Glass but they are miles away and I'm only after a tiny piece. Someone suggested horticultural glass but what is that?

Any thoughts? Many thanks.

 

[biffvernon]

'Horticultural Glass' is machine drawn rather than float so it has the occasional flaw, usually in the form of parallel wrinkles. I doubt if you'd find it suitable as a piece only 15 inches long might be flawless.

The Tatra glass is a much better idea - it is really beautiful. The clear white is called 'P1' but I'd be tempted to go for their palest amber tint. It just adds a bit of warmth and would look great in a door. Talk to Tatra on the phone and ask about the possibility of posting you a piece - they have clever methods of wrapping glass - it will be much cheaper than a trip from Devon to Loughborough.

Of course if you'd like to commission a small stained glass leaded light...

 

[michael]

http://www.londoncrownglass.co.uk/ -
Might be of help to you in selecting the right type of glass

 

[biffvernon]

Despite the name, they don't actually make, or sell, crown glass. Nobody does. I bet Tatra are cheaper. Polish glass-blowers.

 

[DaveBrigg]

Biff is far too modest. Look here for some inspiration. stained glass

 

[vicky whitworth]

Many thanks for the suggestions. I went to the local glass merchants to see some horticultural glass and you're right you'd hardly know it isn't standard clear glass. So I rang Tatra about the P1 restoration glass Biff suggested. But they thought I might not notice the imperfections/movement/beauty on a pice 13" by 9" and they suggested their seeded and other 'textured' glass. I found these too busy. In your opinion is it worth pushing the boat out (£50) for a piece of P1 - will I see the difference?
Thanks.

 

[Andrew Bodenham]

You could recycle somebody else's windows! I've built up a small stock of 'old' glass by watching for properties having upvc windows put in and asking for the old sashes. It's an easy job to cut the old glass out of the frame. I use it for repairs - thankfully some customers want to keep their old windows.
Alternatively you could find an old sash in a reclamation yard, or speak to a local window fitting company about having a look in their skip...

 

[Penners]

You could recycle somebody else's windows

But I wish you all the luck in the world when it comes to cutting old glass.

Maybe I'm just rubbish at glass cutting, but I've lost count of the number pieces of old glass that have insisted on breaking everywhere except on my scored line! :evil:

 

[biffvernon]

Can't see why a piece 13" x 9" should cost £50 (I'll do you a piece for half that.) Yes, you will see the difference. I actually rather like the P2 which has an amber tint.

When cutting glass, always dip the cutter in a little oil. Don't press to hard. Do it on a flat table.

 

[Penners]

When cutting glass, always dip the cutter in a little oil. Don't press to hard. Do it on a flat table.

Thanks for the tip, Biff. I don't seem to have any trouble cutting new glass - only old. Does glass change its properties over time?

 

[biffvernon]

No. It's an urban myth.

 

[skier-hughes]

My cut rate is so poor I gave up, out of 20 pieces I tried to cut I managed 2 good cuts, with new diamond tip cutter, glas on nice smooth flat surface, nice straight line cut.........

My local glass supplier cuts glass for 50p, could have saved me time and money if I'd just taken the reclaimed glass straight to him

Graham

 

[Penners]

No. It's an urban myth.

Or in my case a pastoral myth.

Hey ho - that's another shoddy workmanship excuse shot down.