How Much Do Stained Glass Windows Cost? [2024 Data]

Stained Glass Window Cost Factors

Size

The size of your stained glass window is the first cost factor to consider. Standard window sizes vary based on the frame and overall design. On average, you'll pay between $90 and $250 per square foot for the cost of stained glass, but the price highly depends on the design. Smaller, highly intricate, or antique stained glass windows can cost up to $700 per square foot in extreme cases.

Type of Stained Glass

The rich history of stained glass means you can find pieces to upcycle everywhere, from thrift stores to antique dealers. Within the industry, however, stained glass is just one type of architectural glass or glass that has been tinted, stained, or frosted to meld with the style of your home. In other words, the window design ideas and opportunities are endless.

Standard pre-made stained glass will cost between $90 and $250 per square foot. Antique stained glass windows cost between $100 and $500 per square foot, whereas church stained glass with intricate depictions can cost up to $20,000 per window. You'll most commonly encounter custom-made stained glass that ranges from $100 to $600 per square foot.

Design Complexity

Both custom and premade stained glass come in a wide variety of designs. The number of panels, the variety of colors, and the complexity of the patterns all determine your stained glass window cost. Simple stained glass patterns that are geometrical and symmetrical will cost far less than windows that include lifelike scenes or complex Art Deco designs.

Type of Frame

The window frame surrounding the stained glass also plays a large role in the final price. The type of window frame will determine both the cost and its long-term durability, as well as the cost of repairs. If you're adding stained glass panes to an existing window, your contractor will need to ensure that the frame is strong enough to support the panel. New stained glass windows can come in anything from wood to steel frames, but prices widely vary.

Labor

The labor portion of stained glass window costs range from $100 to $300 per window on average. Window installation prices depend on the size, design, and physical state of the existing frame and the structure around where the window will go. Additional wall repairs will increase the price. If you're only switching out the glass, window glass replacement costs between $50 and $150 for labor alone.

Cost to Install Stained Glass Windows by Type

Photo: Anatoly / Adobe Stock

The type of stained glass window you are installing will determine the cost of the project:

Custom-Made Stained Glass

Like just about anything else that’s made expressly for your home, custom-made stained glass will cost a premium compared to premade panes. Skilled artisans can create the look you want. At $100 to $600 per square foot, larger custom windows can be costly.  

Antique Stained Glass

Antiques are valued more because of their age and character, including antique stained glass. It will run the gamut of costs depending on where you source it. You might come up with a valuable find at a garage sale or even a salvage yard, but you could pay more for a pane from a collector or online marketplace dealing in vintage goods. Antique panes can cost anywhere between $100 and $3,000 or higher, depending on their condition.

Church Stained Glass

While stained glass can certainly create a unique focal point in a home, the first place that might come to mind when thinking of stained glass is a church. Churches have multiple installations that tend to be quite large, depicting scenes from the Bible or saints. As such, stained glass windows in a church can cost upwards of $20,000.

Ongoing Stained Glass Window Costs

Cleaning and caring for stained glass windows takes more time, patience, and money than transitional panes. Reinforcing panels, cleaning antique panes, and filling in cracks are all common maintenance tasks you can expect to do.

Repairs

Stained glass window repairs cost between $70 and $800, or about $300 on average. Stained glass restoration, on the other hand, often requires a specialist and can cost an average of $1,500 for even a smaller window. Restoring faded glass will cost between $100 and $300 depending on the window design, while regrouting and resoldering joints can cost up to $1,000 on average.

Maintenance

Standard window maintenance is still necessary for stained glass windows, though it’s a bit more complex. Cleaning stained glass windows requires more delicacy, and professionals will likely charge more to clean them. Cracks or dents should be addressed immediately to avoid larger damage to the window, drafts, or leaking windows. While standard maintenance will not exceed the cost of cleaning a window yourself, restorative cleaning for antique windows can cost between $300 and $600.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro to Install Stained Glass Windows

Even an experienced DIYer might find installing a window daunting, and it will be even more so with a stained glass window. To ensure the panes are installed safely and correctly, it’s best to find a window replacement professional near you. If you hire a local window installer who is familiar with stained glass windows, you can expect them to charge an hourly rate of $30 to $50.

For custom jobs and large installations, this can prove to be costly. But considering the work involves creating or adapting window frames to securely hold the stained panes, it’s likely worth the expense. Stained glass is a custom piece of artwork, and you don’t want to risk damaging it due to poor installation. The cost to repair a stained glass window averages around $300 per window, depending on the level of damage.

Common Stained Glass Window Add-Ons

If you already have a window professional coming out to install your stained glass, here are some other projects you can bundle to potentially save costs:

• Window weatherstripping can help keep your stained glass and other window panels in top shape during the cold winter months.

• Painting window trim and other surrounding features to match your updated stained glass.

• Consider updating interior recessed lighting to highlight your new stained glass artwork.

How to Save Money on Stained Glass Window Costs

Windows are necessary for a home, though stained glass windows are more of an accent feature than a functional one. Unlike replacement windows that come in a range of budget-friendly styles, it can be challenging to save money with stained glass. 

Though the window might open and serve a function, stained glass is more decorative. If you want the look of stained glass but don’t want to shatter your budget, you’ll want to look into ways you can save money on the actual stained glass (versus the installation cost). Some options include:

• Purchasing a smaller pane instead of a larger one

• Recycle or reclaim an old stained pane rather than commission a new one

• Try stick-on panels that can mimic the look and feel of stained glass

• Invest in wavy glass (also called crown or cylinder glass), which won’t have any color but has an “old-fashioned” look and feel

• Purchase stained glass panels or wall decor that you can hang in front of an existing window

Barbara Bellesi Zito contributed to this piece.