Architects and contractors must consider not only the step-by-step construction process but also the finishing touches. Whether the structure is intended to be a residential home or a sprawling commercial space, it will likely have at least one mirror, and mirrors can be a thorn in the side of anyone working in construction.
They are notorious for their fragility and difficulty of installation. However, acrylic mirrors are increasingly popular because they address these challenges, as well as another significant pain point: cost.
Acrylic mirrors offer a cost advantage that architects and contractors should not ignore. They make mirrors more accessible for clients without harming your bottom line.
Here are some ways you can save money by using acrylic mirrors instead of standard glass.
Key Takeaways
- Acrylic can be up to 50% less expensive to produce than glass.
- Acrylic mirrors are less likely to break during shipping, reducing replacement costs.
- Fewer crew members are needed to install acrylic mirrors due to their light weight, reducing labor costs.
- Companies can enjoy lower liability due to acrylic’s shatter-resistant properties.
- Acrylic can be customized to fit spaces where glass cannot.
Why Acrylic Mirrors Are Financially Appealing for Architects and Contractors
Acrylic mirrors, as their name implies, are cut from acrylic sheets and do not contain glass. As a result, the entire experience, from purchase to installation, is different from that of glass mirrors. The main things that change are:
Material cost
First, the acrylic used to make the mirror is typically more affordable than glass. On average, an acrylic sheet is 30% to 50% less expensive than a comparably sized glass sheet. This effect only compounds when ordering larger quantities, as you may also qualify for bulk discounts in addition to the lower production cost.
Transportation and handling
Once you have ordered mirrors for your build, the next step is to arrange shipment, either to the project site or a designated pickup location. In either case, the biggest risk at this stage is breakage. It is not uncommon for glass mirrors to break during transport, leading to waste, reordering, and potential financial consequences that can delay the project timeline. Having less breakable cargo may also reduce the shipping insurance costs.
Acrylic is much more resistant to breaking. In fact, testing shows that it can be up to 17 times more resistant to shattering than glass. Add to this the lower weight, which reduces labor costs for loading and overall transportation fees, and you will quickly see savings before the mirror even arrives.
Installation
As with many other parts of the acrylic mirror process, installation saves money as well. Because of the lightweight panels, workers can expect fewer man-hours and fewer installers overall. These factors result in a shorter project timeline that may save money depending on how the project is structured.
Additionally, acrylic is an easily worked material. It can be drilled or cut on-site without specialized tools. This can also save money on tool purchases or rentals, since not all contractors have glass-cutting tools on hand.
Safety and risk
Mirrors can, and often are, installed in spaces ranging from schools and hospitals to homes. These broad use cases can mean a safety risk for glass mirrors. Should they shatter, people could be injured, leading to liability exposure for the architects or contractors who installed them.
Additionally, glass must often be upgraded to safety glass in order to withstand these pressures, increasing the project’s cost. Acrylic is safer because it does not shatter like glass, reducing liability exposure, injury costs, lawsuits, and the need for more expensive materials.
Design fabrication
One of the most significant advantages of acrylic mirrors is how easily they can be customized. Unlike glass, which becomes strained when cut at unusual angles, acrylic is easily shaped. It can be curved, slanted, bent, or cut into any pattern a building may require, making it more flexible (literally and figuratively) at a much lower cost.
Mounting is also easier because acrylic does not require complex hardware or wall modifications. Wall modifications, in particular, can be a hidden cost when installing heavy glass mirrors, so this is another way acrylic can save money.
Get Custom Acrylic Mirrors to Complement Any Project
Do you need one or more mirrors for your next build? Consider the advantages acrylic offers over glass. From lighter weight to lower cost per square inch, acrylic offers benefits that save you money while providing a quality mirror for the end user.
Contact Tree Towns to get started on a custom order with the shape, size, and finish that matches your project’s specific goals and aesthetic. If you are not sure where to begin, our experienced team can help!