How Much Does Stained Glass Repair Cost in 2025?

Normal Range: $176 - $427

Stained glass repair costs $298 on average

How we get this data
craftsman repairing stained glass window in workshop
Photo: Reza Estakhrian/The Image Bank/Getty Images
craftsman repairing stained glass window in workshop
Photo: Reza Estakhrian/The Image Bank/Getty Images
Highlights
  • Stained glass repair costs range from $176 to $427, averaging $298.

  • Key cost factors include location, size, quality of materials, and maintenance frequency.

  • Materials cost between $100 and $210, or $10 to $15 per square foot.

  • Professional labor costs range from $50 to $100 per hour.

  • Hiring a professional safely preserves the beauty and value of your stained glass pieces.

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Stained glass repair is a specialized service that restores the beauty and integrity of stained glass pieces, such as windows, doors, and decorative items. The cost of stained glass repair ranges between $176 and $427, with an average cost of $298

Costs can vary based on factors like location, size, quality of materials, and how often maintenance is needed. Hiring a professional ensures your delicate stained glass pieces are carefully restored, so you can enjoy their beauty for years to come.

Stained Glass Repair Cost Factors

Several factors affect how much you'll pay for stained glass repair, including the cost of materials, labor rates, and the size and number of pieces needing repair.

Materials

Materials for stained glass repair cost between $100 and $210 for a 12-by-24-inch windowpane, or about $10 to $15 per square foot, making up 30% of your project's total cost. Prices can increase depending on the materials needed—for example, replacing reinforcing bars costs more than replacing a windowpane.

Labor

Labor makes up 70% of your project's total cost and runs between $50 and $100 per hour. This can include a trip to your home where a stained glass repair professional measures your window, as well as any design work needed during the repair.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance is crucial for preserving stained glass. Professional stained glass cleaning costs an average of $450. Newer stained glass may require minimal maintenance beyond keeping the surface free from dust and debris. Older stained glass can require more extensive maintenance as sealant and cement begin to break down. A pro should perform maintenance on older stained glass to preserve its condition and prevent minor issues from becoming major repairs.

Restoration

Restoring stained glass costs $1,500 for a 12-inch by 24-inch panel. You can pay up to $10,000 for a full restoration. Stained glass restoration can include repairing all damage to the original state of the stained glass, which can mean removing all the components that go into stained glass—like the cement, sealant, cames, windowpanes, and paint—and repairing cames and joints.

Replacement

Stained glass replacement costs between $700 and $1,200 for a 12-inch by 24-inch panel. More intricate and customized designs cost $2,000 to $3,000 per panel, and in some cases up to $5,000. If you also need a replacement frame, add another $350 to $500 for a window frame and up to $1,000 for a door frame. Any kind of stained glass replacement will cost more than most restorations and maintenance work. Custom stained glass costs range from $100 to $250 per square foot.

Stained Glass Repair Cost by Type

Stained glass repair costs will vary based on the repair needed. A small crack can cost less to repair than replacing an entire window frame and require less labor. Things like the color of the glass can impact the repair costs, and stained glass repair specialists can charge for cleaning and reassembling the glass if the repair requires it.

Repair Type Average Cost Range Average Total Cost
Crack repair $100–$300 $200
Damaged paint and fading glass $100–$300 $200
Repairing foil $100–$300 $200
Regrouting $200–$500 $350
Cement replacement $200–$500 $350
Repairing window frame $200–$500 $350
Resealing $200–$500 $350
Cleaning$300–$600 $450
Repairing lead cames $400–$3,000 $1,700
Resoldering joints $500–$1,500 $1,000
Replacing reinforcing bars $700–$3,000 $1,850

Crack Repair

Repairing a crack in stained glass ranges between $100 and $300, depending on its size and the number of affected panes. The depth and age of the crack can impact the repair cost. A stained glass repair technician will fill the gaps with epoxy or resin, then color the filled area to match the surrounding glass. After the crack repair cures and the repair technician finishes retouching, they'll reseal the glass.

Painting Damaged and Faded Stained Glass

If you have faded stained glass or damaged paint, repainting faded or damaged stained glass costs between $100 and $300. Old paint can crack and may need to be removed to restore the colors. Repainting costs vary based on how much paint has faded or whether a design or the entire panel needs retouching.

Repairing Foil

Should the foil need repair work, repairing foil for stained glass costs between $100 and $300. Some stained glass windows have copper foil for decorative purposes or to hold stained glass together. The foil ranges from $5 to $20 per roll. How much foil you’ll need and the labor costs will vary based on the size of the repair project.

Regrouting

Regrouting a stained glass window costs between $200 and $500. Regrouting is delicate work, so it's best to have a pro handle it to prevent any damage. It involves removing the panel, which requires careful handling. A local grout repair pro can do the grout work on a stained glass window.

Cement Replacement

If you need to replace the cement, stained glass cement costs between $200 and $500. Stained glass cement or stained glass putty costs $20 and can weatherproof a stained glass window. Stained glass cement secures windowpanes and lead cames (which wrap around individual glass pieces and separate glass pieces as part of the design) to create a seal between the glass and the frame.

Repairing Window Frame

Repairing a stained glass window frame costs between $200 and $500. Your window frame repair costs will vary based on its current condition and whether it needs a complete or partial replacement. Stained glass window frame repair involves additional labor because of the fragile nature of stained glass windows.

Resealing

Resealing a stained glass window costs between $200 and $500. Stained glass windows need resealing when the glass becomes loose or leaky. Sealants seal the leaded panel to a window sash and any joints around the window frame. Clear silicone sealant costs between $5 and $10.

Cleaning

Cleaning stained glass is a delicate task that costs between $300 and $600, depending on how much restoration is needed. Professional cleaning is especially important for older or fragile pieces, and sometimes it's included as part of a restoration project. In some cases, each piece of stained glass needs to be cleaned individually to ensure it looks its best.

Leaded Window Repair

Leaded window repair costs range between $400 and $3,000. Leaded window repair refers to fixing lead cames on a stained glass window. Repairing a lead came means removing the glass surrounding the came, which adds to labor costs. Depending on the damage, the lead came could need replacing, which means additional work to solder a new piece in place and adding in glass.

Resoldering Joints

Resoldering stained glass joints costs between $500 and $1,500. The glass around the joint needs removal, and the joint needs scoring before soldering can begin. Soldering is precise work, and the entire project can take time to complete, especially if you have several joints to repair.

Replacing Reinforcing Bars

The most expensive repair with stained glass is replacing reinforcing bars. Replacing stained glass reinforcing bars costs between $700 and $3,000. The reinforcing bars differ from lead cames because they prevent the window from sagging, bulging, or bowing due to its weight. They’re often horizontal bars and attach to the frame. It’s an intensive project since it involves removing several pieces to replace or repair the bars.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro for Stained Glass Repair

While it might be tempting to tackle the repair yourself, stained glass work is delicate and time-consuming. Attempting a DIY fix could lead to further damage or even ruin a priceless heirloom. It's best to hire a local stained glass repair pro who has the expertise to restore your piece safely and effectively.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

While the lead in stained glass is essential for its structure, it can be hazardous if ingested or inhaled. This is particularly a concern during the manufacturing or repair process when soldering creates fumes. It's important to keep stained glass out of reach of children and ensure that professionals handle any repairs to minimize risk.

Cleaning stained glass windows requires a gentle touch. Use warm, distilled water and a soft, damp cloth to carefully wipe the surface. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners containing alcohol or ammonia, as they can damage the glass and solder joints. This method helps preserve the delicate finish and keeps your stained glass looking beautiful.

Repairing a chip in stained glass involves either replacing the damaged pane, bonding the chipped pieces with a UV-activated adhesive or clear epoxy, or applying adhesive lead-backed tape to mask the flaw. These methods restore both the functionality and visual appeal of your window. Hire a professional to assess the damage to ensure the repair is done efficiently and safely.

Homeowners should inspect their stained glass windows once a year to ensure their continued integrity and appearance. When inspecting, look for cracks, chips, discoloration, and loose hardware, which are early signs of damage. A professional inspection every five years is highly recommended to detect hidden issues and maintain structural stability, preventing minor problems from escalating into costly repairs.

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