How Much is my Church Stained Glass Worth?

Churches in the United States alone have over 400,000 stained glass windows. Stained glass is a popular religious practice in the United States, just like it is in Europe. In fact, the first stained glass windows were erected in Jamestown in 1607. The majority of US stained glass was used to decorate churches. Therefore, many of America’s oldest stained glasses may be found inside churches here.

According to the National Stained Glass Association, about 1 percent of churches have windows that are worth more than $1 million. However, not all stained glass is valuable. Here are some factors to consider when determining how much your Dallas church’s stained glass is worth.

What Determines the Value of Your Stained Glass Window?

There are a lot of variables to consider when trying to calculate the worth of your glass. Most of our Dallas church clients want to know what their glass is worth so they can decide whether or not to restore it. We believe that stained glass in churches has extra sentimental and historical value beyond its monetary value, but there are a number of factors an appraiser considers while evaluating the monetary value.

The Condition of the Dallas Church Stained Glass

The condition of your church’s stained glass is important when it comes to its worth. A stained glass window that has not been restored may be worth significantly less than one that has. Minor repairs for minor damage might boost the value of your Dallas church’s stained glass, as well as full restoration.

The Studio or Maker of Dallas Church Stained Glass

The maker of your Dallas church stained glass is critical to the value. Certain studios or artists may command a high price for their stained glass work. Tiffany stained glass windows, for example, can cost up to $200,000 depending on the type of glass used. Many large Victorian stained glass windows lack a signature, yet many professional stained glass restoration experts may be able to identify the creator based on style, types of glass, and location.

The Size of Your Dallas Church Stained Glass

The size of your church’s stained glass has a major influence on its value. The square foot is the most common unit for assessing stained glass. This is especially true when no artist or workshop is known. The larger the window, the more valuable it is. Although the cost per square foot of a piece of church stained glass goes hand in hand with its condition, before any calculations are done based on size, its condition must be verified first.

For more information regarding stained glass restoration or appraisals, please contact us!

Martin Faith

Martin Faith is a master craftsman, builder, and designer of stained glass windows. Martin learned the art of glassmaking while living in Scotland, where he was born and raised. He has been studying stained glass as an art form for over 30 years. When he moved to the U.S., Martin opened his own shop and started selling antique and custom stained glass windows. Martin's areas of expertise range from historic and religious stained glass to popular styles such as art nouveau, Mackintosh, floral, beveled, Greene & Green, and prairie. Over the years, his company has produced and sold over 50,000 stained glass windows to customers located in Dallas and throughout the country.