DIY vs Pro Glass Block Installation: Making the Right Choice
Glass blocks bring light and style to homes while keeping privacy intact. Many homeowners face a tough choice when planning a glass block project – should they install it themselves or hire professionals?
For most homeowners, professional installation is the right choice for glass block projects larger than a single small window, while DIY installation can work for simple, small projects if you have moderate DIY skills. The decision depends on your experience level, project size, tools available, and how important the final look is to you.
Before making your choice, it helps to understand what each option involves. This guide breaks down the differences between DIY and professional glass block installation to help you decide which path is best for your specific project.
Understanding Glass Block Installation Basics
What Are Glass Blocks and Their Benefits
Glass blocks are thick, hollow squares or rectangles made of glass. They come in different sizes, patterns, and sometimes colors. These blocks offer several benefits:
Energy efficiency by providing insulation
Privacy while still letting light through
Security since they're harder to break than regular windows
Water resistance making them perfect for bathrooms
Sound blocking properties
Glass blocks are sealed together with mortar or special spacers and adhesives. The installation method depends on where they'll be used and what look you want.
Common Uses in Homes and Buildings
Glass blocks work well in many places around the home:
Basement windows for security and light
Shower walls for a bright, open feel while maintaining privacy
Room dividers to separate spaces while sharing light
Accent walls to add visual interest
Entryway sidelights for a decorative touch
Each type of project has different levels of difficulty. A small basement window might be manageable for DIY, while a shower wall usually needs professional skills.
DIY Glass Block Installation
Tools and Materials Needed
If you choose the DIY route, you'll need these items:
Glass blocks
Mortar mix or silicone adhesive
Panel anchors and reinforcing wire
Spacers
Level
Trowel
Rubber mallet
Measuring tape
Mixing bucket
Sponges and clean rags
Caulking gun and silicone caulk
Safety glasses and gloves
These materials cost between $100-$300 beyond the price of the glass blocks themselves. If you don't already own tools like levels and trowels, factor in those costs too.
Step-by-Step Process Overview
The basic DIY process includes:
Measuring and preparing the opening
Creating a solid base for the first row
Setting the first row of blocks using spacers
Adding reinforcement between rows
Continuing block by block, checking level as you go
Letting the mortar cure before finishing
Cleaning and sealing the completed installation
Each step requires attention to detail. If one row isn't level, the entire project will look crooked.
Skill Level Required
DIY glass block installation isn't for beginners. You should have:
Experience with basic masonry work
Good measuring skills
Patience for precise placement
Physical strength to handle heavy materials
Problem-solving abilities for unexpected challenges
Without these skills, your project might end up looking amateur or could even fail structurally.
Time Commitment
DIY projects take time, especially your first one:
Small basement window: 4-8 hours
Shower wall: 1-2 full days
Room divider: 2-3 days
Remember to add prep and cleanup time, plus trips to the store for forgotten supplies. First-timers should add 50% more time to these estimates.
Professional Glass Block Installation
What to Expect from Experts
Professional installers bring knowledge and efficiency:
Free consultation and measurement
Custom sizing for your exact opening
Proper anchoring to surrounding structures
Clean, even mortar joints
Fast completion (most jobs finished in one day)
Warranty protection
Building code compliance
Pros have installed hundreds of glass block projects and know how to handle common problems.
Finding Qualified Installers
Look for specialists with:
Focus on glass block installation (not general contractors)
Portfolio of completed projects
Written warranties
Proper licensing and insurance
Good reviews from previous customers
Specialists usually deliver better results than general contractors who only occasionally work with glass blocks.
Timeline and Process
The professional process usually goes like this:
Initial consultation and measurements
Written quote with project details
Scheduling (typically 1-3 weeks out)
One-day installation for most projects
Final inspection and cleanup
Warranty paperwork provided
From first call to completed project, expect 2-4 weeks total, though the actual installation is much faster than DIY.
Cost Comparison: DIY vs. Professional
Breaking Down DIY Expenses
DIY costs include:
Glass blocks: $5-15 per block
Materials: $100-300
Tools: $50-200 if you don't own them
Waste factor: Add 10% for breakage or mistakes
Your time: Don't forget this has value too!
For a standard basement window (16 blocks), materials might cost $250-400 total.
Understanding Professional Pricing
Professional installation includes:
Materials and blocks
Labor
Equipment
Warranty coverage
Cleanup and disposal
A professional might charge $350-650 for that same basement window. Larger projects like shower walls typically run $1,000-2,500 depending on size and complexity.
Long-Term Value Considerations
When comparing costs, remember:
Professional installations usually last longer
Warranties protect your investment
Proper installation prevents water damage to surrounding areas
Resale value is higher with quality workmanship
The cheapest option now isn't always the cheapest in the long run.
Common Installation Challenges and Solutions
DIY Troubleshooting Tips
Common DIY problems include:
Uneven rows: Use more spacers and check your level constantly
Mortar too runny: Let it set up longer before applying
Blocks shifting: Work more slowly and let each row set before adding more
Messy joints: Clean as you go with a damp sponge
Gaps at edges: Use proper anchoring systems around the perimeter
Even with these tips, first-time DIYers often struggle to get professional-looking results.
When to Call in the Professionals
Consider calling a pro if:
Your project involves more than 20 blocks
You need to create curved walls
The installation is in a wet area like a shower
Your project requires cutting blocks
You notice structural issues in the opening
You're replacing basement windows that may be load-bearing
Some challenges are best left to experienced installers with specialized tools.
Making Your Decision
Project Size Considerations
Size matters when deciding between DIY and professional installation:
Small projects (1-2 windows): DIY might work if you're handy
Medium projects (shower walls, multiple windows): Consider pros
Large projects (room dividers, accent walls): Definitely hire professionals
The bigger the project, the more noticeable any mistakes will be.
Skill Assessment Questions
Ask yourself honestly:
Have you done masonry work before?
Are you comfortable with precision measuring?
Do you have the right tools or budget to buy them?
Can you physically handle heavy materials?
Do you have help available if needed?
How will you feel if the results are less than perfect?
Be realistic about your skills to avoid disappointment.
Budget and Timeline Factors
Consider practical constraints:
How tight is your budget? Factor in potential DIY mistakes
When must the project be finished? Pros work faster
Is this a high-visibility area where quality really matters?
Do you have backup bathroom facilities if a shower project takes longer?
Will weather affect your timeline? (Mortar doesn't cure well in cold temps)
Sometimes paying more for professional installation makes sense when time or visual impact is important.
Light Up Your Space the Right Way
Whether you choose DIY or professional installation, glass blocks can transform your space with light and style. For most homeowners, the professional route offers peace of mind and superior results.
The Glass Block Warehouse specializes in making glass block projects simple and stress-free. As Central Ohio's premier glass block specialists, we offer:
Residential and commercial glass block windows
Pre-assembled glass block windows for easier installation
Individual glass blocks for DIY enthusiasts
Highest quality Mulia brand glass blocks
Affordable pricing (we buy direct from manufacturers)
Expert craftsmanship with windows custom-made locally in Columbus, Ohio
Installers with over 20 years of experience
Single-source responsibility with professional measuring, manufacturing, and installation
Lifetime warranty on residential projects
Our 3rd generation family business has installed thousands of glass block windows over 37 years. We're 100% focused on glass block—it's the only thing we do.
From a single basement window to a factory full of large openings, The Glass Block Warehouse handles projects of any size. We're locally established in Columbus, Ohio, and fully licensed, bonded, and insured for your protection.
Call us today to experience the difference that decades of specialized expertise can make on your glass block project.