Wrong sizes are one of the most expensive mistakes in bespoke glass because once the panel is made, there is no easy fix. A small measurement error can make the whole piece useless.
Most problems do not come from the tape measure itself. They come from measuring the wrong point, confusing opening size with glass size, or missing a detail like an angle, notch, or cut-out.
Measure the actual glass requirement, not just the opening
One of the first things we would clarify is whether the size you have is the opening size or the actual glass size needed. Those are not always the same thing.
If that point is not clear from the start, the rest of the order can be wrong even if every number has been written down neatly.
Staircase angles are a common problem
Staircase glass is where we see some of the most costly mistakes. People often measure the stringer-to-floor angle and assume that is the internal glass angle, but that can be wrong if the geometry is not exactly what they think it is.
That is the kind of detail we would always rather check before cutting because a shaped panel is not something you want to order twice.
Do not guess cut-outs and special details
If the panel needs a cut-out, notch, hinge detail, socket detail, or any shaped section removed, the positions and sizes need to be clear. Vague measurements create expensive problems on bespoke work.
The more custom the panel is, the more important the drawing becomes.
The safest way to place the order
If you already have sizes, we would still recommend checking whether they refer to the exact finished glass, whether tolerances have been allowed for, and whether every special detail has been measured from the correct point.
A couple of minutes spent checking that now is a lot cheaper than a remake later.
We will check your specification before cutting. Fast turnaround times help keep your project moving.
Clear delivery timelines make it easier to plan the next step. If you want us to sense-check the measurements before the glass is cut, send them over with the application details and any sketches you have. That is usually the quickest way to avoid the kind of mistake that only shows up when the glass arrives on site.
Questions you might still have
What tolerance should I allow on a glass order?
That depends on the application and how the glass is fitting, but the first thing is making sure you know the difference between the opening and the actual glass size needed.
How do I measure staircase glass angles?
Very carefully. People often measure the wrong reference point, and that can make the whole panel wrong. If in doubt, we would always rather check the drawing before cutting.
What is a cut out?
It is a shaped section removed from the glass for fittings, sockets, hinges, or site details, and it needs clear size and position measurements.
Will you check my sizes before cutting?
Yes, where possible we will sense-check them before cutting because it is much better to catch an issue early.