Zoning is a design technique that promotes a smarter use of any living or commercial space.
With the advance of modern technologies, this process stopped creating a massive problem for property owners and is now almost as easy as shopping for groceries online. The market offers solutions varying from metal dividers to more airy glass options. All of these possess one unsurpassed advantage – they do not demand any major construction, i.e. homeowners can save time and money. Translucent glass structures are an important and ideal acquisition for use in both residential and commercial areas. Glass partitions will transform any room into an attractive, functional, comfortable and modern space.
Distinctive qualities of glass partitions
Glass walls simultaneously solve several problems. They divide the space in accordance with current needs and represent a stylish element of the interior. The advantages of using such products are numerous:
- Glass partitions allow you to save space while providing an excellent level of lighting;
- They create separate rooms with minimal time and labor, excellent sound insulation and a sufficient level of privacy;
- Glass products are a stylish design element and provide extensive opportunities for implementing ingenious ideas and bold designs;
- Convenient and speedy redevelopment, as well as the dismantling;
How is the cost calculated?
We compiled a guide that would assist customers choose the most suitable partition type and get the most out of the purchase.
The cost of glass partitions depends on various factors:
- Dimensions and the number of materials used.
- Design features of the product.
- Type and quality of the hardware.
- The complexity of installation.
Our company works solely with high-quality products, so we don’t have a choice of lower quality hardware at a cheaper price. Some glazing contractors employ all means to deliver lower-priced partitions, but as the saying goes, you have to choose between the price, quality or speed, and this is something that all buyers should remember.
Case #1 – Frameless Glass Partition
Now that we have price influencing parameters, we can explore the first type of glass dividers – frameless glass partition.
The frameless glass partition is the most basic and minimal type that is extensively used in residential and commercial spaces.
Main cost changers
Glass configuration
Clearly, the larger the partition, the higher the cost, as the pricing is calculated on a per square foot basis. To be more precise, the calculation begins with assessing the scope and pricing out the cost of the glass, framing, and hardware.
Design
The design here is the main price forming factor. The customization options include the choice of a door configuration – swing versus sliding; the height of the door; locks, handles, and hinges types. The framing and glass also offer an abundant variety of finishes that influence the cost.
The installation conditions are no less important because uneven sides of the opening constitute a huge problem for the installers. But do not despair – frameless glass partitions can be adjusted (within reason) for a little upcharge.
To sum everything up, glazing contractors take into consideration the dimensions of the opening, the evenness of its sides, selected glass type, door configuration, and hardware. The average price range of a frameless glass partition will vary from at $25 – 75 / ft2
Case #2 – Aluminum and Glass Partition
Aluminum and glass partitions represent an immensely popular option for office spaces. The thickness of the aluminum framing and the possibility of installing glass on both sides of the profile make this system one of the best sound-insulating glass dividers.
As in the first case, the square footage of the partition is the main cost defining factor. However, the design here plays even a larger role due to the unlimited options. The aluminum framing allows creating crisscross patterns, leaving the glass out at certain squares that can be as small as 2 by 2 feet.
Rarely are sliding doors used with this partition type, so here the question lies in the number of doors. Hardware, just like in the case of frameless partitions, adds a significant sum and can be customized to meet the client’s needs and technical requirements.
As for the installation, the very same principle of “even versus uneven” sides works here as well. But with this framing type, the adjustment is easier and barely visible because of the frame width.
Generally, glass companies charge $35 – $80 per square foot, but the customer needs to be extra careful in selecting the right company. They all stock and offer different profiles and the quality range here can be shocking. A lot of times we get requests from people that were not satisfied with the product and now have to pay to twice. Therefore, make sure to obtain references and ask for samples before placing the order.
Case #3 – Custom Steel and Glass Partition
The design remains the most important part of the project because when we say the variations are unlimited, we 100% mean it. The steel frame thickness, patterns, infills, door pull, hinges, stoppers – everything is customizable.
Moving on to the following system, it is necessary to provide more details on this particular partition type. Let’s take each word from the title and analyze it individually.
Custom steel and glass partition
CUSTOM: these systems are bespoke and made to size. Clients enjoy full freedom of expression here, even the most unusual and creative ideas can be accomplished with this partition type.
STEEL: steel is what gives the system its bespoke, hand-crafted feel. The frames are welded by hand as there is no machine (yet) that would produce the same piece as the hands of a master.
GLASS: in fact, glass is by far not the only material that can be used. The infill options additionally include steel sheets – patterned and perforated, and even finished plywood.
PARTITION: this is an inclusive term that includes stationary dividers with or without swinging doors, folding systems, nook partitions, and sliding walls.
The price of this system is the most difficult to calculate.
And this system demands the purchaser to pay maximum attention to the product and company they are choosing. Ideally, you would insist on seeing as many samples as they can provide or even better visit the showroom if this option is possible. With the range of $90 – $350 you definitely want to make sure you get the best of the best.
Conclusion
There are a lot of factors affecting the price of the partition, but with all the above-mentioned systems, the most principal one is not the price. The transparency of the communication with the vendor makes or breaks the deal. Glass partition can enhance your space or ruin it. So, it is crucial to remember that you are paying not only for the product but also for the service.
A word of warning: some companies are not backed by insurance and do not have a Contractor’s license. They can sell you the product for less, but when it comes to maintenance — poof — the company vanishes.
Hence, remember this:
Ask for insurance and license.
Try to read reviews and do not hesitate to ask for clients references.
Visit their office, showroom or at least try to see some samples.A company that has nothing to hide will not have any issues providing this information, but a not-so-reliable firm will find a million reasons, and most likely, will leave you on “read.”
A word of warning: some companies are not backed by any insurance, that do not have any licenses. From them, you can purchase a product for less, and when it comes to maintenance — poof — the company vanishes.
Hence, remember this:
- Ask for insurance and license
- Try to read reviews and do not hesitate to ask for clients’ references
- Visit their office, showroom or at least try to see some samples.
A company that has nothing to hide won’t have any issues providing this information, but a not-so-reliable firm will find a million reasons, and most likely, will be scared of.