How to Cut Glass to Size

If you need a precise piece of glass for a job, there are two routes: order it made to measure, or cut standard (annealed) glass yourself with the right tools. For most trade projects, ordering cut-to-size is the safer and faster option. It gives you clean edges, accurate holes, and the correct thickness. Toughened glass cannot be cut after tempering, so any drilling or shaping must be done before it goes into the furnace.

Best in Glass is a supply-only partner based in Staffordshire with nationwide delivery. We provide stock items and bespoke panels for partitions, balustrades, furniture, and more. If you want to avoid reorders and wasted time on site, speak to us on 01889 226444 or contact@bestinglass.uk

When should you order glass cut to size?

• You need polished edges, holes, notches, or shaped corners

• The panel will be toughened for safety

• Tolerances are tight for channels, clamps, or hardware

• You need multiple matching pieces across a job

Made-to-measure is almost always the right choice for glass partitioning systems and glass balustrades and railings.

If speed is the priority for a simple protector or shelf, you may find a suitable option in our catalogue of stock products.

How to cut glass window to size

If you decide to cut standard annealed glass yourself, work slowly and protect yourself. Cutting is not suitable for toughened glass, laminated safety glass, or any pane already tempered.

Tools and setup

• Quality oil-fed glass cutter

• Straight edge or cutting bar with clamps

• Light machine oil or cutting oil

• Flat, clean cutting surface with a soft underlay

• PPE: safety glasses, cut-resistant gloves, long sleeves

• Fine emery stone or diamond pad for edge dressing

Steps

1. Clean the glass. Remove dust and labels.

2. Mark the cut. Use a reliable straight edge and check measurements twice.

3. Oil the cutter wheel. A tiny amount helps a clean score.

4. Score once, firmly, in one continuous pass. Do not stop and start.

5. Break the score. Move the sheet to the table edge and snap with steady downward pressure, or use running pliers.

6. Dress the edge. Lightly stone the sharp edge to remove chips and reduce the risk of cracks.

Do not rescore the same line. Multiple passes chip the surface and increase breakage. If the score looks sparkly or uneven, discard and start with a fresh line.

Important limits

• Do not attempt to trim tiny slivers off the edge. Narrow offcuts are likely to flake and run off the score.

• Avoid cutting over stickers or paint. The wheel must contact clean glass.

• Never try to cut toughened glass. It will shatter.

If the pane will be on show or under load, consider ordering a panel with a factory flat-polished edge for a safer, cleaner finish. For furniture, see our range of glass table tops.

How to cut toughened glass to size

You cannot cut, drill, or reshape toughened glass once it has been tempered. Any attempt will cause the sheet to break into small pieces. The correct method is to machine the panel first while it is annealed, then toughen it.

Typical made-to-measure options before tempering include:

• Exact sizes to the millimetre

• Holes and notches for hinges, handles, and brackets

• Radius corners and shaped profiles

• Edge finishes such as arrised or flat-polished

• Specified thickness for the application

For help specifying hardware and hole positions, browse our glass hardware and tools or call 01889 226444.

Measuring and tolerances

Good measuring prevents reorders.

• Measure the opening in several places and use the tightest size

• Allow fitting clearance for channels, gaskets, and movement

• Follow hardware drawings for hole sizes and edge distances

• Provide a simple sketch or CAD with all dimensions labelled

If you are unsure what clearance to allow, email your drawing to contact@bestinglass.uk and we will advise.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Trying to grind or “shave” millimetres off a toughened panel on site

• Scoring twice along the same line

• Cutting over dirt or adhesive

• Forgetting to specify edge finish on exposed edges

• Ordering toughened glass without adding the required holes or notches in advance

When to use stock sizes

For quick fixes where fit is forgiving, pre-cut pieces can save time. Check our current stock products. If dimensions are critical or the edge is visible, a bespoke panel is the better choice.

Need advice?

Our team is known for helpful, practical support in reviews. We are based in Staffordshire and deliver nationwide. Tell us your sizes, thickness, edge finish, and any holes. We will confirm current lead times and help you order once and install with confidence.

Speak to us on 01889 226444 or email contact@bestinglass.uk.

FAQs

Can I cut toughened glass to size?

No. Toughened glass cannot be cut, drilled, or reshaped. All machining must happen before tempering.

What glass can I cut myself?

Only standard annealed glass. Use the right tools, score once, and break cleanly. For visible or load-bearing edges, a factory-finished panel is safer.

How do I avoid chips when cutting?

Use a sharp, oiled cutter, make one continuous score, and keep the surface clean. Dress the edge lightly with a stone after breaking.

What thickness should I choose?

For interior partitions and many furniture tops, 10 or 12 mm is common. Always follow your hardware supplier’s guidance for thickness and hole spacing.

Do you supply cut-to-size glass with holes and polished edges?

Yes. We make panels to your drawings and deliver nationwide. Email contact@bestinglass.uk to get started.