Plate glass is a type of glass which is cast in a solid plate, typically through a roller process. The resulting glass is extremely flat and free of distortions. This type of glass is often used to make windows, and it is also utilized in the manufacture of mirrors, tables, and other objects which require extremely flat glass. There are a variety of different weights of plate glass available, ranging from incredibly thick and highly durable plate glass to more delicate varieties.

To make plate glass, liquid glass is spread out on a metal table while it is still extremely hot, and then rollers are passed over the table to smooth and polish the glass as it cools, creating the desired uniform sheet of glass. Depending on the precise details of the manufacturing method, the glass may need to be polished again once it has cooled. Plate glass is also produced through a floating process, using a bath of molten tin to float liquid glass as it cools and sets.

One of the major disadvantages of plate glass is that it can be very brittle. For this reason, safety or breakaway glass is often used in situations where glass might be broken, as people could be seriously injured by shards of plate glass. Plate glass can also be expensive to replace, as anyone who has broken a picture window is probably already aware. Glass in general tends to be expensive because the manufacturing process can get quite complex if the glass is to be of high quality.

Many glassmaking firms offer plate glass in their range of products. It can usually be purchased through companies which specialize in glass, or through large hardware stores. Many stores keep a set amount of plate glass in specific sizes on hand; for unusual sizes, consumers can either cut down an existing sheet of glass or custom order the desired size. Glass cutting is usually best accomplished by a professional, especially with thicker grades of plate glass.

When purchasing plate glass, the thickness of the glass should be considered. If the glass is being used in a structure, you may want to check on prevailing building codes, to ensure that you purchase glass of an acceptable thickness. If the glass is for another type of project, consider the fact that the thicker glass is, the more it weighs, but it is also more durable. You may want to pick up a few sample pieces so that you can find the perfect thickness for your project.