Glass for covering monitor - what's a good price?

[bratwurst]

I placed an order a few weeks back at a local glass shop for a 23 1/4" square peice of tempered glass with 20% grey tint and polished edges.  They quoted me $45.  I went to pick it up on Saturday and it turned out that they had actually made a peice of plate glass, not tempered.  I told them I didn't want that, since I didn't want to assume the risk of injury if it were to break.  Last thing I need is some young kid over at my house break the glass and cut his hands up really bad when big shards come down.  I had originally asked for tempered, so the glass place knew it was their mistake and said they'd price out tempered for me.  They were past closing time on Saturday so I said - no rush, call me Monday.

So Tuesday comes around, and I just got off the phone with them.  Long story to get to this question...

I received a new quote of:

Tempered glass, 23 1/4" square with 20% grey tint: $46
Same as above with polished edges: $73

Laminate glass, 23 1/4" square with 20% grey tint: $76
Didn't ask for polished on this, just not in my price range.

Is this about normal pricing in your experience?  I'm a bit shocked at the cost.  I can see spending $50, but that's max I can spend on this.  And are the polished edges necessary?   Guy at glass shop said once it was installed I shouldn't worry about it since the edges won't be exposed and with tempered glass it doesn't get sharp and dangerous like plate if not polished.

Really could use some advice on this.  Thanks in advance.

Edit to add: This is all for 1/4" thick glass.

[Lewis Black]

That pricing is consistent with NY area pricing at local 'mom & pop' glass places.  Everyone on here seems to be able to do better, I have had no such luck.

[bratwurst]

I requested a quote online from another glass place, but pretty far away I would have to drive to.  We'll see what comes back.

[Nips916]

I got a piece at a local glass shop.  1/4" unpolished around 25"x27" was $35. 

[bratwurst]

I got a piece at a local glass shop.  1/4" unpolished around 25"x27" was $35. 

tempered or plate glass?

[releasedtruth]

I did something like a 26x26 piece of greylite for about $45 if I recall

[RayB]

Those prices seem consistent with what I've seen here and there. As always, you could shop around and get quotes.

I'd say the polished edges are very important. You don't want to cut your hands when handling the glass.

[bratwurst]

Arrrgh.  Can't believe I'm going to have to spend $75 for a safe peice of glass 2 feet square.

[releasedtruth]

You can always get plexi. People use the smoked plexi to good effect.

[Nips916]

I believe I got plate.

[SlayerAlex]

I got a piece at a local glass shop.  1/4" unpolished around 25"x27" was $35. 

about what i paid too. un tempered. then i went to some car place to get it tinted for like 20 i think, maybe less

[gryhnd]

Check on the price of laminate glass. That's what I use. About $25 for the size you referenced. However I get clear, not smoked and I am frankly not sure if laminated glass is available in tints or not w/o a special order.

[Turnarcades]

You can always get plexi. People use the smoked plexi to good effect.

+1 on this, unless you're restoring an original cabinet. The prices you've been quoted seem consistent with UK quotes, so if you're not prepared to front just under the ton for the perfect glass, go for plastic.