How Much Does Stained Glass Repair Cost in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

Expect to spend between $65 and $797 to repair stained glass, with most homeowners paying an average of $298. Your final price depends on the window’s size, design, materials, and local labor rates. Staying on top of small maintenance tasks helps keep costs in check, and hiring a window repair pro ensures delicate panels are repaired correctly and last for decades.

Stained Glass Repair Cost Factors

Several factors influence the cost of stained glass repair, including the price of materials, labor rates, and the size and number of pieces requiring repair.

Materials

Plan on spending $100 to $210 in materials for a 12-by-24-inch pane, or $8 to $9 per square foot, which accounts for close to 30% of the project. Costs rise when specialized supplies are required; for instance, reinforcing bars run higher than a straightforward pane swap.

Labor

Labor often accounts for 50% to 75% of the final bill, with professionals charging $50 to $100 per hour. That rate covers the initial site visit, precise measurements, and any design work needed to match colors and patterns.

Restoration

A complete restoration costs $1,500 for a 12-by-24-inch panel. During this meticulous process, a specialist removes cement, sealant, cames, panes, and paint, then repairs or replaces each piece before reassembling the window.

Replacement

Swapping out a 12-by-24-inch panel costs $700 to $1,200, while intricate, custom designs can climb to $2,000 to $3,000 per panel. If you need a new frame too, budget an extra $350 to $500 for a window frame or up to $1,000 for a door frame. Because you’re essentially buying brand-new art, replacement outprices basic repairs or maintenance. Custom stained glass costs run $100 to $250 per square foot.

Stained Glass Repair Cost by Type

The cost of stained glass repair varies depending on the specific repair required. A small crack can cost less to repair than replacing an entire window frame and require less labor. Factors such as the color of the glass can impact repair costs, and stained glass repair specialists may charge for cleaning and reassembling the glass if the repair requires it.

Crack Repair

Repairing a crack in stained glass ranges between $100 and $300, depending on the size and 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 it costs between $100 and $300. Old paint can crack and may need to be removed to restore the colors. Repainting costs vary based on the extent of paint fading or whether a design or the entire panel requires retouching.

Regrouting

Regrouting a stained glass window costs between $200 and $500. Regrouting is a delicate task, so it's best to have a professional handle it to prevent any damage. It involves removing the panel, which requires careful handling and attention to detail. 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, also known as 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 requires additional labor due to the fragile nature of stained glass windows.

Cleaning

Cleaning stained glass is a delicate task that costs between $300 and $600, depending on the extent of the restoration required. 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.

Resoldering Joints

Resoldering stained glass joints costs between $500 and $1,500. The glass around the joint needs to be removed, and the joint needs to be scored 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

DIY window repair can be tempting, but stained glass work is delicate and time-consuming. If you decide to try repairing a stained glass window yourself, the cost will be $100 to $210, or $10 to $15 per square foot. 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.

Ways to Save on Stained Glass Repair

You can reduce stained glass repair costs through several practical approaches while maintaining quality and preserving the integrity of your piece.

• Schedule annual inspections to prevent small chips from snowballing into expensive repairs.

• Gather several quotes from stained-glass pros to compare pricing and expertise.

• Opt for partial fixes when possible; they often reduce the bill by 40%–60%.

• Master gentle cleaning techniques to keep colors vibrant and minimize damage.

• Tackle extensive restorations in phases to spread costs while handling urgent issues first.

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.