DIYers, Carpenters, Handy-people! Help with a quick question

[AmandaRuth]

I really want to put up some glass window shelves as in the photo below, for plants, seedlings, cuttings --- My question is I have a window that is wider than average, close to 45 inches. I know glass is strong, but is it that strong? Would it help to get it cut thicker? Any help/advice given is most, most appreciated....







I was going to post this in the DIY home improvement group, but apparently I lost my star, will put a donation to DU on the calender...

[HopeHoops]

1. Glass shelving certainly is.

Getting it in that size could be a trick, but if it comes that way then it should certainly be able to handle the weight. I would think a 48" x 12" sheet would be available in most places. Glass for shelving is a little different and usually has at least a slight green tint. If you can find it, then MOUNTING it becomes the issue. You may have to improvise with shelf-mounts that are extended into the window area (to account for the trim). As long as you're mounting those into studs, you'll be fine there.

[AmandaRuth]

2. thank you

I was going to have the glass cut, but I was worried the 45 " length would make the loaded weight unbearable. For the mounting, I was just going to cut up some molding and, as you suggest, attach into the wall studs. Thanks again, this really helps.

[HopeHoops]

5. WHOA! Danger! Danger Will Robinson! You can't just use any glass.

Glass for windows and doors WILL NOT support that weight and isn't intended to in the first place. Having it "cut" is not the way to go. It has to be manufactured with shelving as its intended purpose.

[AmandaRuth]

6. got it, thanks

I will be sure to discuss this at the glass shop. Perhaps auto glass would be strong enough (just thinking here)

[HopeHoops]

9. Negative on the auto glass - it is made to shatter by design.

That's actually a good thing. Safety glass was one of the best features they ever came up with for cars.

[Inchworm]

3. I gave the DIY Group a heads-up for ya

It looks like a neat project :)

:hi:

[AmandaRuth]

4. thanks!!!!

:D :D back at ya....

[Warpy]

7. Why does it have to be glass?

You could certainly get the same effect with plastic and plastic thick enough to span 48 inches (window + brackets) won't be too heavy to hang. In addition, it doesn't shatter when the unthinkable happens. It will scratch a little more easily, but any reasonable care will prevent it.

This is one of those applications where a plastic substitute is really superior.

[AmandaRuth]

8. good point

I really didn't think about plastic.



Mr. McGuire: I want to say one word to you. Just one word.
Benjamin: Yes, sir.
Mr. McGuire: Are you listening?
Benjamin: Yes, I am.
Mr. McGuire: Plastics.

:)

[Stinky The Clown]

10. Go to a glass shop and inquire there

Modern glass is available in a dizzying array of flavors. As has been stated, window glass won't do, but that doesn't mean you can't have glass shelves 45" wide.

[amerikat]

11. This may help

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Composite-Materials-2430/Tempered-Glass-Shelf.htm

[amerikat]

12. some other things to concider.

Tempered glass has great strength. If it shatters it breaks into small
pieces and the edges are not sharp. There is also laminated glass much like a
car windshield, which is two pieces of glass with a plastic in between. This
keeps most breakage attached to the plastic. There is also glass with a metal
screen in the middle which provides strength and something for the glass to adhear to.
like the other poster said check with a glass shop.

[jmowreader]

13. It needs to be tempered glass, which can't be cut

If your window has divided lites like the one in the photo does, what I would do is erect supports, aligned with the (grilles if you've got new windows or muntin bars if they're older units) that are in the windows, and put shelf brackets on the supports. This will reduce the span and make the shelf MUCH stronger.

Even if you wind up with acrylic or Lexan shelves, you'll still need some sort of support--transparent shelving flexes. That would be bad.

[applegrove]

14. Get it thick (3/8th of an inch), supported in the middle, and tempered.

This advice is from a wood worker not someone that familiar with glass. Fyi.