How Does a Custom Mirror Installation Work?
A custom mirror install is a four-step process: site measure, template/cut list, fabrication, install. For a standard wall mirror – a vanity, a powder-room piece, or a gym wall – total turnaround is usually 7 to 10 business days from the measure. The mirror itself is cut to the millimetre, edges polished, and we cut clean openings for sconces, outlets, switches, and medicine cabinets so the finished piece looks like it grew out of the wall. Everything is glued and mechanically secured with hidden clips. No exposed hardware.
What does the site measure include?
We arrive with a laser level, tape, digital calipers, and a template kit. We measure wall dimensions in multiple spots (walls are rarely truly square), mark the exact centerlines of any electrical, locate any obstructions (window trim, baseboards, transition strips), and photograph everything. If the mirror is going around outlets or sconces, we make a paper or cardboard template for the cutouts.
How are cutouts handled?
Mirrors can be cut around outlets, switches, sconces, faucets – almost anything. We use water-jet or CNC for complex shapes and hand-drilled holes for simple round penetrations. Edges around cutouts are polished smooth so there’s no visible chip. Cutouts cost a small premium per opening (usually $40-$80 each) and add a day to the lead time.
What edge finishes do you offer?
Standard polished flat edge is included on most mirror jobs. Bevelled edges (1/2″, 3/4″, 1″) cost more and read more “traditional” – common on dining-room or hallway mirrors. Pencil-polished and ogee edges are options for higher-end pieces. Sharp/raw edges are never appropriate for installed mirrors.
What about mirror thickness?
We typically use 1/4″ (6 mm) for most wall mirrors. 3/16″ works for small pieces. 3/8″ is used for large statement mirrors or gym walls where a heavier panel reads more substantial. Thicker mirror also takes a bevel cleaner if you’re going that direction.
How is the mirror mounted to the wall?
Two layers: mirror mastic (a specific glue, NOT construction adhesive – regular adhesive can attack the silver backing) plus mechanical clips at top and bottom edges or J-channels. The mastic does the work; the clips are insurance. For very large pieces we sometimes add hidden cleats glued to the back of the mirror and the wall.
Do walls need to be perfectly flat?
No, but they need to be reasonably flat. We can compensate for small variations with mastic thickness and clip positioning. Severe bowing or out-of-plane walls may need shimming or a backer panel – we’ll flag it on the measure visit. See our page on installing mirrors on uneven walls for more.
How long is the actual install?
For a typical 36″x42″ vanity mirror: 60 to 90 minutes once the old mirror (if any) is removed. For a gym wall or a multi-panel installation: half a day to a full day. We protect floors and adjacent surfaces, vacuum after, and haul away any old mirror or packaging.
Can you remove and dispose of the old mirror?
Yes. Old mirrors glued to drywall sometimes come off cleanly, sometimes they take chunks of paper face with them. We have a process – score, wedge, peel – that minimizes damage, but if the drywall is going to need a patch we’ll tell you before we start.
Have a project you’re sizing up?
We do free in-home consults across the GTA. Call 416-897-0767 or message luxglass.com.
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