Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about custom stained glass, restorations, and care

General

How much does a custom stained glass window cost in Toronto?

Custom stained glass windows in Toronto typically range from $1,000 to $10,000+ depending on the size of the window, complexity of the stained glass design, and the type of glass selected. Every stained glass project is unique — contact Sunday Projects for a free consultation and personalized quote based on your window dimensions and design preferences.

What areas of Toronto do you serve for stained glass work?

Sunday Projects provides custom stained glass windows, leaded glass restorations, and stained glass encapsulation services to homeowners across Toronto including The Junction, High Park, Roncesvalles, The Annex, Rosedale, Parkdale, Brockton Village, Corso Italia, Runnymede, Forest Hill, and surrounding neighborhoods. I offer free consultations and on-site visits throughout the GTA.

Do you offer free consultations for stained glass projects?

Yes. Every stained glass project starts with a free consultation about your home, your space, and your vision. Whether you need a custom stained glass window, a leaded glass restoration, or a stained glass encapsulation, contact Sunday Projects in Toronto to schedule your consultation and receive a detailed quote.

What is the difference between leaded glass and stained glass?

Leaded glass refers to any window where pieces of glass are joined together using strips of lead that hold the glass in place. Stained glass is a type of leaded glass where the individual pieces are coloured or painted. All stained glass is leaded, but not all leaded glass is stained — many leaded windows in Toronto homes use clear or textured glass without colour. Sunday Projects works with both stained and leaded glass.

Do you work with heritage or historically designated homes in Toronto?

Yes. Many of my stained glass projects involve heritage homes in Toronto’s historic neighborhoods such as The Junction, Rosedale, The Annex, and Roncesvalles. I understand the importance of preserving the character and architectural integrity of these homes, and I design custom stained glass and leaded glass windows to match existing styles, glass types, and lead patterns.

Custom Stained Glass Windows

How long does it take to make a custom stained glass window?

Most custom stained glass commissions take 3 to 6 weeks from design approval to installation. The timeline depends on the complexity of the leaded glass design, the number of glass pieces, and any specialty glass sourcing required. Sunday Projects handles everything from stained glass design through to on-site installation across Toronto.

How is a custom stained glass window made?

Every custom stained glass window starts with a full-scale design, drawn to the exact dimensions of your opening. Once the stained glass design is approved, each piece of glass is hand-selected, scored, and cut to shape. The pieces are then assembled using lead, soldered at each joint, and sealed with putty for weatherproofing and structural integrity. All stained glass windows by Sunday Projects are handcrafted in Toronto.

What styles of stained glass do you offer in Toronto?

Sunday Projects designs custom stained glass windows in a wide range of styles including Victorian, Edwardian, Art Deco, Mid-Century Modern, and contemporary geometric patterns. Every stained glass piece is custom designed to suit your Toronto home’s architecture and your personal taste — from front door windows and transoms to bay windows and interior accents.

Can I provide my own design or inspiration for a custom stained glass window?

Absolutely. Many stained glass clients come with photos, sketches, or references from Pinterest, magazines, or other leaded windows they admire. I use these as a starting point and work together with you through the stained glass design process to refine the concept until it’s exactly what you envision for your Toronto home.

Do you offer stained glass installation in Toronto?

Yes. Sunday Projects handles the full stained glass process from design through to on-site installation across Toronto. Your finished stained glass or leaded glass window is carefully installed and trimmed for a clean, polished look. Installation is included as part of the custom stained glass commission process.

Stained Glass Restorations

Can old stained glass windows be repaired?

Yes. Most antique and heritage stained glass windows can be fully restored by a professional stained glass artist. Common stained glass repairs include replacing cracked glass pieces, re-leading deteriorated lead, reinforcing sagging panels, and resizing leaded windows to fit new openings. Sunday Projects specializes in stained glass restoration for homes across Toronto.

How do I know if my stained glass window needs restoration?

Signs your stained glass or leaded glass window may need restoration include visible cracks in the glass, bowing or sagging panels, loose or crumbling lead, rattling when touched, drafts coming through the window, or white powdery residue on the lead lines. If your stained glass window is over 80–100 years old, it’s likely due for at least a professional assessment. Sunday Projects offers free stained glass evaluations across Toronto.

Can I keep my existing window frame during a stained glass restoration?

In most cases, yes. The stained glass panel is carefully removed from the frame for restoration work and then reinstalled once the lead and glass repairs are complete. If the frame itself is in poor condition, Sunday Projects can refurbish or replace it as part of the stained glass restoration project.

What holds the glass together in a stained glass window?

The individual pieces of glass in a stained glass or leaded glass window are held together by H-shaped strips of lead. The glass sits in the channels on either side of the lead, and each joint is soldered to create a strong, weathertight stained glass panel. Over time, lead can deteriorate and need replacement — this is one of the most common stained glass restoration services Sunday Projects provides in Toronto.

Stained Glass Encapsulation & Care

What is stained glass encapsulation?

Stained glass encapsulation involves sealing your existing stained glass or leaded glass window within a modern thermal glass unit. This improves insulation, protects the stained glass against weather damage, and increases home security — all while preserving the original character of your heritage stained glass windows. Sunday Projects offers professional stained glass encapsulation for Toronto homeowners.

Can stained glass windows be energy efficient?

Yes. Through stained glass encapsulation, your leaded glass window is sealed between two panes of modern glass, creating an insulated unit that significantly reduces drafts and heat loss. This allows Toronto homeowners to enjoy the beauty of heritage stained glass without sacrificing energy efficiency. Encapsulation is especially popular for stained glass windows in older Toronto neighborhoods.

How do I care for and maintain my stained glass windows?

Stained glass windows are relatively low maintenance. Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners — a soft cloth with mild soapy water is sufficient for routine stained glass cleaning. Inspect the lead lines periodically for signs of deterioration. Sunday Projects also offers professional on-site stained glass cleaning services across Toronto for a deeper clean without the need to remove the leaded window.

How long do stained glass windows last?

With proper care, a well-built stained glass window can last 75 to 100+ years. Many of the stained glass windows I restore in Toronto are over a century old. The key factors in stained glass longevity are the quality of the lead work, proper installation, and protection from the elements — which is why stained glass encapsulation is such a valuable investment for Toronto homes.

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