Should I go w/ glass blocks??

1742 Views 12 Replies 6 Participants Last post by oh'mike, Dec 2, 2012

Sadde10

Discussion Starter · Nov 30, 2012

I am thinking of putting translucent glass blocks in this void under the soffit and right of the walk through door. This will separate the long rec room and future office w/ attached half bath that is in my basement project.

I am looking for knowledge on installing the blocks, which ones to purchase/size and whether or not it is a good idea. Here is a pic of the area I am thinking. Thanks!

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emagsamurai

· #2 · Dec 1, 2012

So the rec room is on one side and the office is on the other? I'm not sure I've seen two spaces like that separated by a glass wall. Are there features in the two spaces that you want visible to the other?

I don't have anything to offer about installing the block, just trying to understand what you're going for with the space. If nothing else, this will bump your thread

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funfool

· #3 · Dec 1, 2012

I love glass block in the correct location. I like them in a dark stair well, they look good next to a door, basically anyplace you want to let light in but not deal with shades and curtains.
One house the master bedroom was divided by glass block above the jacuzzi tub of master bath ... whoo hoo! kinda sexy watch shadows of wife taking a bath.

We kinda have it down to a science, at $65 per hour for labor, price of glass block and installation is close to $25 per block.
This includes finish on both interior and exterior sides, is just labor to install a 8"x8" block and build a window.

I am just saying, for a customer they often think that a block is $4 and has to be cheaper then a new window.
A new window would cost $500 and take 15 min to install and more time to finish drywall.

Same size opening in glass block will cost them $800, just more labor to install.
Since you are doing labor, would be cheaper.
Is glass block mortar, and glass block spacers, you need to do the math and build opening to the correct dimensions, but not hard to install.
You can not cut 1/2 a glass block, so framing needs to be correct, other then that have fun.

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AndyGump

· #4 · Dec 1, 2012

In my opinion, glass block is one of those design elements that needs to have most everything else designed around it. Not to just throw it in somewhere that was not designed specifically for it.
If that makes sense.
I think you would be better off with a grid of obscured glass panels in that area. Not my first choice but something to think about.

Andy.

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Sadde10

Discussion Starter · #5 · Dec 1, 2012

Interesting...keep em' coming.

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Sadde10

Discussion Starter · #6 · Dec 1, 2012

emagsamurai said:
So the rec room is on one side and the office is on the other? I'm not sure I've seen two spaces like that separated by a glass wall. Are there features in the two spaces that you want visible to the other?

I don't have anything to offer about installing the block, just trying to understand what you're going for with the space. If nothing else, this will bump your thread

No features, just something that I haven's seen done before. Kinda thought , if anything, that it would help with the light considering I have windows on the westside and not on the east.

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kwikfishron

· #7 · Dec 1, 2012

You may want to a consider acrylic block window. They look just like the glass and have lots of different options, they can even be lighted. I’ve used this company for both interior and exterior applications with no issues. http://www.hy-lite.com/Hy-lite-US-Block-Windows-Welcome.cfm

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oh'mike

· #8 · Dec 1, 2012

I'm a lousy mason---I have the blocks made into panels at the brick yard----they mortar them and place a steel band around the panel---makes installation quick and easy for a poor mason---

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Sadde10

Discussion Starter · #9 · Dec 1, 2012

AndyGump said:
In my opinion, glass block is one of those design elements that needs to have most everything else designed around it. Not to just throw it in somewhere that was not designed specifically for it.
If that makes sense.
I think you would be better off with a grid of obscured glass panels in that area. Not my first choice but something to think about.

Andy.

Thanks Andy, if you don't mind me asking what would be your first choice?

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Sadde10

Discussion Starter · #10 · Dec 1, 2012

I am no Mason either, heck I barely have any carpentry knowledge! Which after reading what funfool said, I don't think this is one of my better ideas.

I like the Acrylic idea though.

And getting something framed and brought down into my basement would be pretty difficult. Heaving drywall down there is fun enough.

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oh'mike

· #11 · Dec 1, 2012

Having a helper is a real dream----I'm thirty miles from the job and the drywall is being taped as I sit at this computer----

The glass block panels are makes is manageable sections--then the sections are put together with mortar---

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funfool

· #12 · Dec 1, 2012

oh,mike I agree with you.
Just seems I never have all my ducks lined up, everytime I try to order something like that is 2 or 3 weeks out, no thanks just build it myself.
But is good option to order them like this.

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oh'mike

· #13 · Dec 2, 2012

I have a busy brick yard not far away ---they have them made in a day or two---and will deliver for a small fee----

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Should I go w/ glass blocks??

Sadde10

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