Architects, designers, contractors, and property owners have discovered the new world of glass block — a material that dates back to the late 19th century and enjoyed resurgences in the Art Deco and Mid-Century modern design movements and in the 1980s. Glass block suppliers are offering new styles, shapes, textures, colors, and prefabricated glass windows, walls, paver panels, and other products, that deliver the benefits that have made glass block a functional choice for decades, but with new aesthetics.

Here are some reasons why glass block is enjoying a resurgence:

• It is a versatile material that can be used in a variety of different ways. Glass block can be used to create walls, windows, partitions, backsplashes, and even furniture.
• It has a contemporary and minimalist look that is popular in today’s interior design trends.
• It is a durable and low-maintenance material that is easy to clean and maintain.
• It is a good insulator, which can help to reduce energy costs.
• It can provide privacy while still allowing in natural light.
• It can be used outdoors to create incredible landscape designs and add privacy to gardens, patios, decks, and terraces.

As a contractor, architect, or even a homeowner who is adding glass block to a project, how do you choose the right glass block supplier for your clients? Here are some tips:

• Ask for recommendations from other architects, designers, and contractors who have installed glass block. This is a great way to get feedback on different suppliers and to find out who the best suppliers are.
• Attend trade shows, home shows, and industry events. This is a great way to meet with different suppliers and to see their products in person.
• Contact some glass block manufacturers. They should be able to provide you with a list of recommended suppliers.
• Look at online reviews. This is another great way to get feedback on different suppliers. Be sure to read both positive and negative reviews to get a balanced view. And remember, most reviews sites are not verified, so if you find a supplier you’d like to use but has a couple of unfavorable comments, ask them about it!

Once you have a list of potential suppliers, you should contact them and get quotes. Be sure to ask about their experience, their warranty, their availability, and lead times. You should also look at their portfolio to see the quality of their work.

Here are some additional things to consider when choosing a glass block supplier:

• The type of glass block you need. There are many different types of glass blocks and glass brick products available, including clear, frosted, colored, and patterned blocks, blocks for extra security, hurricane- and fire-rated blocks, paver blocks, and more. Some suppliers may specialize in certain types of glass blocks, so it’s important to find one that has the type of block you want.
• The size of the project. The amount of glass block you will need will determine the suppliers you can choose from. If you’re only using a small amount of glass block for a minor project, you may be able to use a smaller supplier. However, if you’re using a large amount of glass block for a major project, you’ll need to find a glass block company with the supply chain that can handle the job.
• The budget. Glass blocks can range in price from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars per block. It’s important to have a budget before you start getting quotes from suppliers.

After you’ve considered all of these factors, you’ll be able to narrow down your choices and select the best glass block supplier for your needs.

Here are some additional tips for architects who are working with glass block suppliers:

• Ask for samples of several products. Items might look different in person, so it’s good to have a few options from each supplier.
• Be clear about your expectations. Make sure to communicate your design requirements to the supplier in detail. This will help to avoid any misunderstandings or delays.
• Get everything in writing. Once you’ve agreed on the terms of the project, be sure to get detailed quotes and warranties in writing. This will protect you in case of any problems with the product or delivery.
• Inspect the glass blocks before they are installed. Look to make sure it is the exact product you specified, and check for any defects before they are installed.

Glass Block Supply Company encourages you to get in touch when you are ready to choose glass blocks, glass bricks, or glass windows or panels. At GBS, glass block is all we do, and we have built a 30-year reputation as a dedicated glass block supplier for the commercial and residential construction and remodeling industry. As one of the largest providers of premium glass block products and accessories for homeowners, dealers, and distributors, we continue to expand our services to meet customers’ needs.

Our knowledgeable staff will help you with all project details, from pre-planning and design validation to selecting all the correct materials. By following the guidance in this blog, contractors, architects, designers, and other building professionals can find the glass block suppliers to match their project needs and ensure their jobs are completed successfully.