The Hamilton Glass Guide to Glass Cutting: Professional Glass Cut to Size & Processing

Precision glass cutting in the Hamilton Glass workshop, preparing bespoke cut-to-size glass for domestic and trade projects.

The Hamilton Glass Guide to Glass Cutting

Professional Glass Cut to Size, Shaping & Bespoke Services – A UK Guide

Glass cutting is one of the most important stages in bespoke glazing. Whether you need mirrors cut to size, custom glass splashbacks, shaped panels for shower screens, or precision glass for balustrades and partitions, the way glass is cut and processed directly affects fit, safety, finish and long-term performance.

At Hamilton Glass Products, we carry out professional glass cutting and processing for domestic, trade and commercial clients across Surbiton, South West London, Surrey and Greater London. This Hamilton Glass guide answers the most common questions people search for when looking for “glass cutting near me”, “glass cut to size”, and “professional glass cutting services”.

What Is Glass Cutting?

Glass cutting is the controlled scoring and separation of glass to produce panels in exact sizes or bespoke shapes. Cutting is usually the first stage before further processing such as:

• Toughening (tempering)

• Laminating

• Edge polishing or bevelling

• Drilling holes and cut-outs

• Silvering (for mirrors)

At Hamilton Glass, we cut glass accurately to the millimetre using professional cutting tables and specialist equipment, ensuring every piece is prepared correctly for its intended use.

The Types of Glass Hamilton Glass Can Cut

Hamilton Glass can cut and process a wide range of glass types, including:

• Float glass – standard clear glazing for windows and general applications

• Low-iron glass – ultra-clear glass for high-end installations

• Mirror glass – cut to size for bathrooms, wardrobes and feature walls

• Decorative / textured patterned glass – privacy and feature glazing

• Laminated glass – can be cut after lamination using specialist equipment

• Cut-to-template / shaped glass – for uneven walls, alcoves and bespoke joinery

⚠️ Technical accuracy:
Standard laminated glass can be cut after lamination by specialists.
Toughened glass and toughened laminated glass cannot be cut or altered once processed.

What Type of Glass Cannot Be Cut?

The following glass types cannot be cut, drilled or altered once processed:

• Toughened (tempered) safety glass

• Toughened laminated safety glass

• Double glazed sealed units (DGUs)

For safety glass, Hamilton Glass ensures all cutting, shaping and hole drilling is completed before toughening, guaranteeing compliance and performance.

Can Glass Be Cut Into Curved or Bespoke Shapes?

Yes. Hamilton Glass can cut float glass, mirror glass and laminated glass into:

• Straight edges

• Curves

• Circles

• Radius corners

• Notches and cut-outs

• Fully templated bespoke shapes

We regularly provide shaped glass for bespoke mirrors, curved splashbacks, shower screens, partitions and architectural features.

How Thick Can Glass Be Cut?

Hamilton Glass processes a wide range of thicknesses, including:

• 4mm – light domestic glazing

• 6mm–10mm – mirrors, splashbacks, shelving

• 12mm–19mm+ – balustrades, table tops, structural applications

Thicker glass requires specialist handling and edge finishing, which we carry out in-house for safety and quality control.

What Tools and Machinery Does Hamilton Glass Use?

Hamilton Glass uses a combination of:

• Professional cutting tables

• Automated scoring systems

• CNC machinery for shaping

• Diamond tooling for drilling

• Edge polishing and bevelling equipment

This allows us to achieve precision to the millimetre, clean edges and consistent quality across all bespoke glass orders.

CNC glass cutting table cut-to-size glass processing and shaping

How Accurate Is Professional Glass Cutting?

Professional glass cutting at Hamilton Glass is accurate to within millimetres, which is essential for:

• Frameless shower screens

• Glass splashbacks

• Balustrades and guarding

• Glass partitions

• Bespoke mirrors in tight spaces

Where required, we also offer site measuring and templating to ensure a perfect fit in real-world conditions.

Can You Cut Glass While I Wait?

For small, simple pieces of standard float glass, Hamilton Glass may be able to offer a cut-while-you-wait service (subject to workshop workload and glass type).

Most bespoke glass, shaped panels and safety glass are pre-ordered to allow for proper processing, polishing and, where required, toughening or laminating.

Can Hamilton Glass Drill Holes in Glass?

Yes. We regularly drill holes and cut-outs for:

• Hinges

• Brackets

• Handles

• Stand-offs

• Fixings

All holes and notches are completed before toughening or laminating, as required by safety standards.

Diamond core drill bits used by Hamilton Glass for precision drilling holes in glass for fixings, hinges and fittings

Cut-to-Size vs Templated Glass – The Hamilton Glass Approach

Cut-to-size glass:
Suitable for square, regular openings where measurements are reliable.

Templated glass:
Hamilton Glass can template on site for:

• Uneven walls

• Out-of-plumb corners

• Curved openings

• Period properties

This ensures a perfect fit, particularly for high-end or awkward spaces.

Do Hamilton Glass Offer Measuring & Site Surveys?

Yes. Hamilton Glass provides professional site surveys and templating services across London and Surrey, helping avoid costly mistakes and ensuring the correct glass specification is used for each project.

Hamilton Glass Q&A – The Most Asked Questions

Can Hamilton Glass cut mirrors to size?
Yes. We cut bespoke mirrors to size, including shaped and polished-edge mirrors.

Can laminated glass be cut after processing?
Yes. Standard laminated glass can be cut by specialists. Toughened laminated glass cannot be altered.

Can Hamilton Glass cut toughened glass?
Toughened glass must be cut before toughening. We prepare all glass to size prior to safety processing.

How long does glass cut to size take?
Lead times vary depending on processing, but many bespoke orders are completed within a few working days.

Is professional glass cutting expensive?
Professional cutting is usually more cost-effective than replacing glass broken by DIY attempts.

Do Hamilton Glass supply glass for kitchens and splashbacks?
Yes. We cut splashback glass to size and prepare it for toughening and finishing.

Can Hamilton Glass drill holes for fittings?
Yes. We drill holes and cut-outs as required before safety processing.

Do you offer trade pricing?
Yes. Hamilton Glass works closely with builders, joiners, kitchen fitters and interior designers.

Can you supply and install the glass as well?
Yes. We offer supply-only or full supply-and-install services depending on your project.

Glass Cutting Near Me – Hamilton Glass Local Service Areas

If you’re searching for glass cutting near me, Hamilton Glass serves:

• Surbiton

• South West London

• Greater London

• Surrey and surrounding areas

We provide a local, reliable glass cutting and glazing service for domestic, trade and commercial clients.