Frequently Asked Questions

Starphire is a premium low-iron glass manufactured to eliminate the subtle green tint found in standard clear glass. Standard glass contains trace iron oxide, which produces a noticeable greenish hue — particularly visible along the edges and against light-colored surfaces such as white marble or porcelain tile. Starphire removes this coloration, delivering crystal-clear, color-neutral transparency with approximately 91% light transmission compared to 86% for standard glass. For homeowners who have invested in premium tile work, natural stone, or a carefully curated bathroom palette, Starphire ensures the glass does not introduce unwanted color interference. It is especially impactful in well-lit bathrooms and alongside white or cream tones. We consider it an essential upgrade for truly luxury-grade installations.

Achieving a flawless fit begins with our precision measurement process. We schedule an on-site visit only after all tile and finish work is complete — because even a single millimeter of variance can compromise the final result. Our specialist uses laser-calibrated instruments to document every dimension, angle, and surface irregularity of your shower space, including wall plumbness, floor levelness, and fixture positions. These measurements are then translated into exact fabrication specifications. Each glass panel is custom cut, ground, polished, and tempered specifically for your enclosure. There is no guesswork and no adjustment on installation day — the glass arrives ready for a precise, gap-free fit that looks and feels intentional.

We offer a curated selection of premium hardware finishes designed to complement Brooklyn's most refined interiors. Our primary options include brushed nickel — a versatile, warm-silver satin finish that conceals fingerprints beautifully; matte black — a bold, architectural statement ideal for modern and industrial-contemporary spaces; polished chrome — a timeless, mirror-like finish that amplifies light and pairs effortlessly with classic fixtures; and brass — a warm, golden tone that evokes pre-war elegance and complements natural stone and brownstone aesthetics. We recommend selecting a finish that coordinates with your existing bathroom hardware — faucets, towel bars, and light fixtures — to create a cohesive, collected environment.

The overall timeline from initial consultation to completed installation typically ranges from two to four weeks, depending on the complexity of the enclosure and the current fabrication schedule. The on-site installation itself is surprisingly efficient: a single shower panel can be installed in approximately 40 minutes, a door-and-panel combination in about 1.5 hours, and more elaborate configurations such as steam room enclosures or panel-door-panel systems in 3 to 4 hours. After installation, we require a 24-hour silicone cure period before the shower can be used — this ensures a permanent, leak-free seal. We respect your schedule and your home, arriving punctually and working with care.

Absolutely. We offer private consultations where we discuss every aspect of your glass installation — from glass type and thickness to hardware finish, mounting method, and enclosure configuration. During the consultation, we review your bathroom layout, discuss your aesthetic preferences and practical needs, and provide expert recommendations tailored to your space. We can advise on the visual impact of different glass options (Starphire, tinted, frosted), help you coordinate hardware finishes with your existing fixtures, and suggest configurations that maximize both function and beauty. There is no obligation — it is simply an opportunity to explore what is possible for your home.

We approach every project with the conviction that glass installation is a craft, not merely a service. Several distinctions define our work: First, our meticulous five-step process — consultation, precision measurement, custom fabrication, expert installation, and quality inspection — ensures that nothing is left to chance. Second, we work exclusively with premium materials, from Starphire low-iron glass to professional-grade hardware from industry leaders like CRL (C.R. Laurence). Third, we understand and respect the unique architectural character of Brooklyn's brownstones and historic homes. And finally, we treat your home with the same care you do — protecting surfaces, working cleanly, and ensuring that every detail meets our exacting standards before we consider the project complete.

Yes, absolutely. All of our shower glass is tempered — a thermal treatment process that makes the glass five to seven times stronger than standard annealed glass. In the unlikely event of breakage, tempered glass crumbles into small, relatively smooth granules rather than dangerous shards, significantly reducing the risk of injury. For families with young children, we also recommend specific enclosure configurations that provide better access and water containment. The Door + Panel (compact version, 35-38 inches) and Folding Shower Door configurations are particularly well-suited to children's bathrooms, allowing parents to easily reach faucets and assist with bathing while maintaining effective water containment.

For frameless shower enclosures, we predominantly use 3/8-inch (10mm) tempered glass, which provides an ideal balance of structural integrity, visual weight, and aesthetic refinement. This thickness delivers a substantial, premium feel while remaining light enough for smooth door operation. For certain applications — particularly larger panels, steam room enclosures, or configurations where additional rigidity is desired — we may recommend 1/2-inch (12mm) glass. During your consultation, we assess the specific requirements of your enclosure and recommend the thickness that will provide the best performance and appearance for your particular installation.

The most effective maintenance strategy is also the simplest: use a squeegee after each shower to remove standing water. This single habit dramatically reduces mineral deposit buildup and keeps your glass looking pristine between deep cleanings. For routine cleaning, any ammonia-free glass cleaner applied with a soft cloth or microfiber towel will deliver excellent results. For stubborn hard water deposits or limescale, we recommend specialized lime scale removers available at any hardware store. Avoid abrasive pads or powders, which can micro-scratch the glass surface over time. For mirrors — particularly antique mirrors — it is essential to avoid ammonia-based cleaners, which can damage the reflective backing and cause irreversible dark spots.

Yes, and in fact this is one of the most common challenges in Brooklyn's pre-war and historic homes. Our precision measurement process specifically accounts for walls that are out of plumb and floors that are not perfectly level. When we document your space, we record these variations and factor them into the fabrication specifications. The result is glass that is custom shaped to accommodate the actual geometry of your bathroom — not the idealized geometry of a blueprint. This attention to real-world conditions is critical for achieving the seamless, gap-free fit that defines a premium installation.

These are the two primary methods for securing glass panels, and each has distinct advantages. Clamp mounting (also called clip mounting) uses individual metal brackets that grip the glass at specific points — typically two wall-mounted clamps and one at the base. This method offers a clean, minimal aesthetic, allows for easier glass removal if needed, and works well on various wall types. U-channel mounting involves a continuous aluminum channel fixed to the wall and floor, into which the glass edge slides. This method provides maximum stability with continuous support along the entire edge, creating a very secure installation with a clean linear appearance. We recommend the best mounting method for your specific configuration during the measurement visit, considering factors like wall condition, glass weight, and aesthetic preference.

Yes, we offer a refined selection of specialty glass options beyond clear and Starphire. Bronze-tinted glass introduces a warm, amber tone that creates a spa-like atmosphere and provides subtle privacy while still allowing visibility. Gray-tinted glass delivers a cooler, more contemporary aesthetic suited to modern minimalist interiors. Both tinted options are available in 3/8-inch tempered glass for all shower door configurations, and they offer the practical advantage of concealing water spots and mineral deposits more effectively than clear glass. For greater privacy, we offer frosted glass, reeded glass (featuring elegant vertical grooves), and acid-etched glass — each providing different levels of opacity while still transmitting soft, diffused natural light.

The most important prerequisite is that all tile work and finish surfaces must be complete before we can take measurements. This is non-negotiable in bespoke glass fabrication — variations in tile thickness, grout lines, and adhesive can shift dimensions by several millimeters, which is enough to compromise the fit. Depending on your enclosure configuration, we may also need the toilet and sink to be installed, as these fixtures can affect clearances and door swing paths. Beyond that, it is helpful to have a general idea of your glass preference (clear, Starphire, tinted), your preferred hardware finish, and your desired enclosure style. However, these decisions can also be refined during the measurement visit itself — our specialist is happy to advise.

Our pricing reflects the premium quality of materials and craftsmanship we deliver. Every installation includes 3/8-inch clear tempered glass with polished edges, professional-grade hardware in your selected finish, custom fabrication to your exact measurements, expert installation by our experienced team, and after-care instructions. There are no hidden fees. For clients who wish to upgrade to Starphire low-iron glass, bronze or gray tinted glass, or specialty hardware finishes, we provide transparent pricing for each enhancement. We are happy to provide a detailed, itemized estimate after your measurement appointment so you can make an informed decision with complete clarity.

This is where our expertise truly distinguishes us. Brooklyn's architectural diversity — from pre-war brownstones with curved plaster walls to modern loft conversions with exposed structural elements — means that "standard" configurations are often the exception rather than the rule. We regularly design and install enclosures for neo-angle corners, sloped ceilings, curved walls, extra-wide openings, and spaces with complex plumbing layouts. Because every piece of glass is custom fabricated, we are not constrained by off-the-shelf sizing. If you can envision it, we can almost certainly build it — and build it beautifully.

We stand firmly behind the quality of our work. Our installations include a workmanship guarantee covering the precision of fit, the integrity of seals, and the proper function of all hardware. The tempered glass itself is exceptionally durable and engineered to last indefinitely under normal use conditions. Silicone seals, which are consumable components exposed to daily moisture, typically maintain their effectiveness for two to three years depending on usage frequency, after which routine replacement may be advisable. Hardware components carry manufacturer warranties. If you experience any concern with your installation, we encourage you to contact us directly — we are committed to resolving any issue promptly and thoroughly.