[bsmith6356]

Hi-
I'm in middle of remodeling my kitchen, and would like to have a frosted glass backsplash. I have cabinets above that I (DIY) frosted, by putting a film from a graphics' shop over regular glass. I would like to match the same effect from countertops to under cabinets. I'm not sure if I should be getting a quote for frosted glass, matte or etched. Any help here?

I'm also trying to decide if the glass should be tempered. I have a 17" x 86" piece, with 3 cutouts for electrical outlets.

I also have a 4 3/4 x 31" piece that needs an outlet and a switch box (both turned sideways) cut out. It would only leave about an inch above and an inch below the outlet cutout, and I was told that when tempered it would "blow up" at that spot.

I'm worried if I don't have it tempered, and a pot or pan hits it that it will break. The glass will be mounted right onto sheetrock. Should I be worried, or just go with a 1/4" or 3/8" piece of glass (not tempered) and move on?

Thanks,
Brent
Charlotte, NC

 

[Just Bill]

Tempered glass is harder to break than untempered, but once tempered it can not be cut, so the fit has to be perfect. If it is hit hard enough to break, it shatters into small pieces that are less likely to cut you.

 

[cabinetman]

You can just use 1/4" glass, and if it's backed up by the drywall, it's pretty hard to break. It would have to take a good smack. Most glass will break from some stress on the edges, and break from there.

I've made 1/4" mirror and plain glass bar tops in commercial establishments that survived not getting broken.