A glass block window typically costs between $500 and $1,100, depending on its size and whether your home needs structural work to support it.
These cost more than a standard window because they require specialized installation and, in many cases, custom sizing. If you want decorative patterns, colored glass, or added security features, expect to be on the higher end of that range.
These aren’t your typical windows. Glass block windows don’t open, so they’re best for basements, bathrooms, or anywhere you want privacy and security over ventilation. Made from thick tempered glass bricks, they’re strong, energy-efficient, and tough to break into—which is why a lot of homeowners put them in places where standard windows might be a liability.
That said, if you need fresh air or a lot of natural light, these may not be the best choice. This guide breaks down pricing, installation considerations, and whether glass block windows make sense for your home.
- Price Range: $1,200+
- Glass and Hardware Warranty: 10–20 years
- Labor Warranty: 2 years
- BBB Rating: A+
- State Availability: 47 states
- Installs its own patented Fibrex framing
- Includes a transferable 20-year warranty on glass and a 10-year warranty on nonglass materials
- Holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau
- Doesn’t carry aluminum, fiberglass, or wood frames
- Can have long wait times between consultation and installation, according to customer reviews
You can purchase the following window styles from Renewal by Andersen:
- Awning
- Bay/bow
- Casement
- Double-hung
- Picture
- Sliding/gliding
- Specialty windows with geometric shapes
This site receives compensation from the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. This listing doesn’t feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.
Average Glass Block Window Costs
The cost of glass block windows varies widely, but one thing is certain: They will cost more than your typical window.
“Expect to spend between 10% and 30% more on a glass block window than a normal window,” said Joe Gerrior, owner of Gerrior Masonry in Woburn, Massachusetts.
He added that the number of glass block windows you install, their size, and any retrofitting needed to your home (among other factors) can affect their total cost. The final cost will depend on factors like window size and whether you choose a standard or custom design.
Small, custom-designed options with specialty glass bricks can start as low as $200, while large, custom-designed options can cost well over $2,000.
Cost Range | Average Cost |
---|---|
Low-end Cost Range | $200–$500 |
National Average Cost Range | $500–$1,100 |
High-end Cost Range | $2,000+ |
What Factors Affect the Cost of Glass Block Windows?
Glass block windows are unique because they consist of multiple glass bricks sealed together. In this way, they function almost like part of a brick wall instead of a window opening. However, like any type of window, your glass block window installation costs will vary depending on several factors, such as customizations, block design, window size, and assembly materials.
The sections below discuss these cost factors in more detail to illustrate how much you can expect to pay for a glass block window.
Prefab Vs. Custom Glass Block Windows
The primary factor in determining your glass block window costs will be whether you install a prefabricated (prefab) or custom-made window.
Prefabricated models arrive already sealed and mortared together, making them cheaper to produce and easier to install. Preassembled glass block windows come in different frame shapes, such as arched tops, octagons, and squares. However, you’re stuck with standard sizes dictated by the manufacturer. This is why prefab glass block windows are far cheaper than tailor-made designs, often between $300 and $1,500.
Custom windows often involve specialty blocks, individually manufactured to fit the homeowner’s size, texture, color, and shape requirements. These new windows almost always cost more than pre-made ones, sometimes exceeding $3,500 for premium designs.
While you can better customize the shape and size of custom-built block windows, consider prefabricated versions to save on labor costs. Retail companies such as Lowe’s and Home Depot sell preassembled glass block windows.
This site receives compensation from the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. This listing doesn’t feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.



Cost of Glass Block Windows by Block Design
One of the most attractive benefits of glass block windows is their customizability. Glass bricks come in an expansive range of designs, allowing you to pick the color, texture, and translucency level that fits your privacy needs, lighting preferences, and home aesthetic.
According to Richard Garrett, owner of RG Pro Builders in Battleground, Washington, you can choose from three block styles: clear, patterned, and tinted. Garrett added that patterned and tinted blocks make suitable privacy barriers since they reduce light transmission compared to clear styles. “[Block styles] used for privacy in bathrooms differ from styles providing more openness and natural light in living areas,” he said. In most cases, block styles with aesthetic designs tend to cost more than simple, clear blocks.
The best way to see the cost differences between these designs is to look at the prices of individual blocks. We’ve listed average price ranges for popular block types below:
Glass Block Design | Low-End Cost Per Block | High-End Cost Per Block |
---|---|---|
Clear | $5 | $10 |
Acrylic | $12 | $20 |
Wavy | $5 | $10 |
Alpha | $10 | $20 |
Diamond | $15 | $30 |
Frosted | $20 | $30 |
Colored | $20 | $35 |
Clear glass blocks offer the best lighting but the worst privacy. They typically consist of three or four-inch-thick glass without interior patterns or exterior textures.

Acrylic block windows consist of commercial-grade acrylic resin molded into brick shapes of many textures, sizes, and translucencies. They provide the light and privacy of standard glass blocks with added durability. Acrylic is stronger than glass, making it ideal for homes in harsh weather climates.

Wavy glass blocks are common in basements, where lighting and privacy are top concerns. Their rippled surface allows light to flow in but distorts the view through the glass.

Alpha glass blocks feature circular clear glass in the center. These are popular for making a design statement and adding light to living spaces and entryways.

Diamond glass block windows provide excellent privacy, so they’re often used in bathrooms as exterior windows or shower walls. Their interior diamond pattern disperses light and blocks the view through the glass.

Frosted glass blocks have a matte texture and cloudy appearance, making them ideal for private rooms. They provide the security, strength, and lighting of clear glass blocks without sacrificing privacy.

Colored glass blocks are perfect for adding a decorative touch to interior spaces. The hued tint is fused into the glass for long-lasting color and durability. However, because of their complex manufacturing processes, colored glass blocks are more expensive.

Cost of Glass Block Windows by Size
The size of your glass block window will significantly impact its price. A larger window opening requires more glass blocks to fill it, which will inevitably cost you more for materials and installation.
The tables below list costs for various installed window and block sizes to help you start budgeting:
Glass Block Window Size | Low-End Cost | High-End Cost |
---|---|---|
25” X 25” | $300 | $500 |
31” X 31” | $350 | $600 |
36” X 36” | $475 | $600 |
40” X 40” | $550 | $775 |
48” X 48” | $850 | $1,125 |
Glass Block Size | Low-End Cost Per Block | High-End Cost Per Block |
---|---|---|
6” X 6” X 3” | $7 | $9 |
8” X 8” X 3” | $8 | $10 |
8” X 8” X 4” | $9 | $12 |
Cost of Glass Block Windows by Assembly Material
Glass block windows are among the most energy-efficient window options available. This is largely due to their thickness, but it’s also because of the sealant between each glass block. The most common assembly material is a mortar-like sealant, similar to what goes between bricks. However, other materials, like silicone and vinyl, are commonly used for glass blocks, and each has its benefits.
Mortar is a mixture of cement, sand, lime, and additional chemicals for flexibility and watertightness. It’s one of the most accessible materials, making it popular with DIY window enthusiasts. However, it isn’t always the most energy-efficient choice. Silicone systems hold the glass blocks in place with a thin silicone joint. These systems are generally affordable but also the least watertight and energy-efficient. However, they do provide a sleek, “all glass” look with thinner joints between blocks.
Vinyl glass block assembly requires the installer to seal the bricks with silicone caulk and vinyl spacers. This method is expensive but creates a more durable, energy-efficient surface than other assembly types. Meanwhile, vinyl-framed glass block windows come pre-fit in frames for easy installation and energy-efficient use. Instead of the blocks being cemented directly into the rough opening, the prefab window panel can be tightly sealed and sometimes made to open and close.
Mortared and rebarred glass block assembly is necessary for large or custom-shaped windows. This method requires a steel reinforcing bar to be sealed between bricks for enhanced load-bearing capabilities.
The costs in the table below are for a standard 36-inch-by-36-inch glass block window.
Window Assembly Material | Low-End Cost Per Window | High-End Cost Per Window |
---|---|---|
Mortar | $650 | $775 |
Silicone | $675 | $800 |
Vinyl | $750 | $875 |
Vinyl-framed | $925 | $1,050 |
Mortared and Rebarred | $1,375 | $1,500 |
Related Reading: Glass Block Guide For New Homeowners
Additional Costs of Glass Block Windows
When budgeting for a glass block window, you should also account for installation fees and special features that will increase your bill. We’ve detailed some additional cost factors below to help you avoid pricey surprises:
Installation and Labor Cost
Labor costs will likely add between $40–$60 per crew member per hour to your final bill. A two-person crew performing a three-hour installation might cost around $300.
Location
The place where you put your glass block window can potentially impact project costs. Glass block basement windows are typically smaller and less decorative, yielding lower prices. Meanwhile, specialty glass blocks or colored bricks commonly used in entryways and bathrooms are more expensive.
Retrofitting Vs. New Opening
Another factor affecting costs is the window opening. You can retrofit a window opening with glass blocks or cut a new opening in your home. “Retrofitting existing window openings with glass block windows requires adjusting or replacing the existing frame to fit the blocks,” Garrett said. “It may be easier and more affordable to create a new opening specifically for the glass block window.”
The decision to retrofit an existing window with glass blocks or create a new opening depends on your design preference and budget. Depending on the home’s wall structure, retrofitting is usually less expensive than cutting a new opening.
Adding a Vent
Adding a vent to your glass block window will improve its functionality but impact its total cost. Although the vent space decreases the number of glass bricks you’ll need, the vent materials and installation still come at a price—often between $50–$100.
Corner Glass Blocks
Corner glass blocks cost more than standard glass blocks, a consideration to account for if you’re building a partition or shower wall. If your glass block window has curves and corners, you’ll likely pay $30–$50 per block for that section.
Related Reading: Garden Window Pricing
How Does the Cost of Glass Block Windows Compare To Other Window Types?
Glass block windows cost more than standard options like double-hung, casement, and awning windows but offer more privacy and a decorative flare. However, when selecting a glass block window, you’ll often give up some operability unless you choose one with an added vent.
On the other hand, glass block windows generally cost much less than structural types like bay windows, egress windows, and garden windows. If adding light to a room is your main concern, you might consider a glass block window over these types, especially if you want to maintain privacy.
With these considerations in mind, see how glass block window costs stack up to other common window styles:
Window Type | Low-End Cost | High-End Cost |
Storm | $100 | $400 |
Single-hung | $200 | $400 |
Double-hung | $430 | $915 |
Casement | $440 | $950 |
Awning | $430 | $830 |
Egress | $300 | $1,500 |
Skylight | $500 | $2,000 |
Bay | $1,000 | $7,000 |
Bow | $2,000 | $4,000 |
Is DIY Glass Block Window Installation Worth It?
Unless you have window expertise and masonry experience, we suggest leaving glass block window installation to the pros. One of the major benefits of glass block windows is their optimal security and energy efficiency, which stem largely from proper installation.
Unlike standard windows, which feature one glass panel between the frame, glass block windows have multiple parts that fit together to form a whole. This makes a lot more room for error, especially if you lack the necessary home improvement skills.
How To Save Money on Glass Block Windows
As with most window replacement projects, you can save money on your glass block window installation by choosing preassembled windows, requesting multiple estimates, and hiring window installers during the offseason.
Choose Prefabricated Windows
Our research shows that prefabricated glass block windows generally cost less—materials and installation included—than a custom-built version. While compiling pricing information, we noticed that a frameless glass block window from Lowe’s measuring 18 inches by 14 inches costs under $100.
Install During the Offseason
Another way to save money on your glass block window project is by hiring window installers in the offseason, which may vary based on location. Some window installation companies may have less work during the hot summer and frigid winter months. Ask your window contractor if they’re open to labor discounts during these seasons.
Request Multiple Estimates
We highly recommend gathering quotes from at least three window companies to see which one provides the best value for your dollar. Depending on the company, some may even price match a lower-priced installation quote to earn your business.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Glass Block Windows
Glass block windows are a great option for changing a living space’s appearance or providing additional privacy and security where needed. However, they will likely cost more to install than most window types, especially if they require mortar and grout.
Below, we highlight some pros and cons of glass block windows.
Pros
- Are energy-efficient and sturdy due to construction
- Increase curb appeal with their unique design
- Provide more privacy than some other window styles
Cons
- Provide no airflow due to sealed construction
- Cost more than standard window styles, generally
- Lack the functionality of standard window styles
Are Glass Block Windows Worth It for Your Home?
Glass block windows are a unique feature many homeowners consider adding to their personal spaces. These highly customizable bricks come in a wide range of textures, colors, and shapes, all intending to promote interior lighting and privacy. Although glass block windows are expensive—usually between $500 and $1,000—they can be an excellent investment for your bathroom, laundry room, basement, and beyond.
Ready to start shopping for your own glass block window? Use the form below to get free estimates from top installers in your area:
This site receives compensation from the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. This listing doesn’t feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.
FAQs About the Cost of Glass Block Windows
Though glass block windows became popular in the 1980s, they’ve made a comeback in recent years due to their versatility and functionality, which includes added privacy. Homeowners and interior designers are getting creative, designing stylish glass block walls, shower partitions, and even floors.
Whether or not glass windows are an attractive home feature is purely up to the individual. If you decide to install them in your home, we suggest choosing the most energy-efficient, durable option to optimize potential resale value
Glass block windows are highly energy efficient. Their thickness gives them insulative qualities comparable to double-pane windows, which means they’ll keep outside temperatures out. Glass block products with ENERGY STAR certification are the best choice for your long-term budget, as these can help you lower your energy bills by 12%.
Yes, you can replace one brick out of your glass block window. Not only are the thick glass bricks challenging to break in the first place, but they’re also relatively simple to patch up if a crack occurs. A professional can safely remove and replace the damaged block without replacing the whole window, saving you time and a chunk out of your wallet.
Glass block windows provide a different look and feel than traditional ones and naturally resist moisture buildup. They also provide additional security and privacy because they are harder to see through and are strong in construction. Consider glass block windows instead of normal ones if you need a robust window that insulates well and won’t break easily.