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terence_mckinney

Advice needed for a faux lightweight "glass brick" project

6 years ago

I'm planning a dividing wall, roughly 6'x4', that needs to be as light as it can possibly be. I'd love glass brick which is anything but light. I'd love your ideas but here's my only one so far: get a large sheet of textured acrylic, frame it, add (peel and stick?) mullions, and mount it to the floor/wall. Or, do the same but with 2 such sheets spaced 1-2" apart in the frame. Only problem is I haven't found any sheets that look very glass brick-y but I'll keep looking. Are there other creative ideas out there? I've also thought of the vinyl window sheets to put on the acrylic, but again, I haven's see anything very glass brick-y. Any thoughts, suggestions, advice, and ideas greatly received!

Comments (16)

  • 6 years ago

    Can we see a picture of your space? What style is your home? Even though you love the way this looks, are you open to alternative ideas?

  • 6 years ago

    You guys are great! Thank you for your responses. I looked into the acrylic brick and found it to be more than I can afford. While not as heavy as glass, they're still fairly weighty. Two sheets of plexiglass covering the same area as any brick is much lighter and more affordable. I'm embarrassed to tell you that it's for a 5th wheel RV renovation, something like this: https://mobilehomeliving.org/fabulous-5th-wheel-camper-makeover/, which is why it needs to be so light. The third picture down shows the area this is for: the dining and living spaces are cheek by jowl, and I'd like then to feel distinct and separate. Glass block has been a longstanding dream, but I'm definitely open to other ideas.

  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    https://www.lumicor.com/

    Be sure to check out "remnants" (under products). Keep in mind, strips hung with some space between them will achieve visual separation.

  • PRO
    6 years ago

    You could look at buying a sheet of plastic lights key clear polypropylene. It comes in 4x8 sheets and is opaque, it is very tough unlike cheaper plexiglasss and even piyncarbonate. Dont think you’re find something ultra light weight that looks like glass block and be inexpensive assuming you can find said product.

  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    I was thinking of something that would hang from the ceiling....like a more interesting panel than glass blocks...

    Of course you would have to anchor it to the floor also, so it doesn't swing around when you're on the move.

    This is polycarbonate...

  • 6 years ago

    Hanging things is a cool idea. Remnants would be good, as would the twinwall polycarbonate. It's given me an idea. I found someone hanging empty window frames as a room divider which looked great. What if I put thin plexiglass-type material in frames and put this type of window vinyl on it? It might be a bit block suggestive. https://www.gilafilms.com/for-home/gila-faux-blinds-glass-scenes-window-film

  • 6 years ago

    Wow, this looks great, what I now realize you were suggesting, pennydesign. Fitting some old frames with this would look great! https://www.gothicarchgreenhouses.com/10mm-polycarbonate-panels.htm

  • 6 years ago
    Don't be embarrassed! I'm jealous, yet happy you have this opportunity. Is this a full time home or part time recreation? Yay for you and your family!
  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    Yes, frames are a great idea, however, just for aesthetics, I would probably go for more of a rustic look in the frame (if they're old wooden ones)....

    If you want a retro look, like the glass blocks and the like, I would do a cleaner, simple, single frame....(on the page that you showed, if you go to "accessories", you'll find the profiles for edges...)

  • 6 years ago

    True confessions, my husband isn't fully on board with the idea of retiring via hitting the road in a rehabbed 5th wheel trailer! So it'll have to be part-time for now. Second confession, I'm doing the project myself of buying the RV and redesigning the interior. Craziest thing I've ever done. I hope the pictures give you a sense of what a redesign can do, making it nicer than where we live now. Hopefully, when he gets the big reveal, he'll come around!


    My theme is farmhouse-ish. Shiplap, farmhouse-style pendant lighting. So the idea of getting rustic looking frames is great. I can probably find some naturally distressed frames on Craigslist.


    You guys are so awesome. Thank you for your ideas and suggestions.

  • 6 years ago

    Well, I for one would like to see some pics...now....It's a fun project. I've long been wanting a Scotty, but that's a lot of rehabbing to do...so maybe a Casita (fiberglass)...


    Anyway, if you're going for rustic, then do the windows and replace the glass with plexi. Then do a treatment.


    I've seen lace applied with starch or cornstarch and water (believe it or not). When you want a change, you just peel it off and wash the glass...

    I think it looks lovely and would go with your aesthetic...




  • 6 years ago

    Ooo, Scottys and Casitas look great. If this were more towards 3-4 day camping trips, that's the way I'd go.


    I promise to post some photos after the project gets further along. I can't even call the current state worthy of being Before pictures...


    The lace idea is great, a much more tasteful version of the window films I was talking about: https://www.gilafilms.com/for-home/gila-faux-blinds-glass-scenes-window-film


    Here are examples of frames-as-room-dividers I found.

    https://indulgy.com/post/cLydBnXqi1/repurposed-old-windows-as-room-divider I could find some empty frames on craigslist or facebook market easily, I think, then fit them with plexiglass and treat them with lace or film. This is great, and I love the example pics.


    Do you still think single pane would be better than mullioned? I was also thinking about the twinwall plexiglass. I love the effect but I wonder, depending on how thick it was, how easy it would to frame.

  • 6 years ago

    I think you're right about framing the double walled plexi...that's why I suggested the frames they sell with them.


    As far as the style goes, to me, the glass block is a kind of mid century modern look, the windows are country farmhouse-y....

    So it depends on the aesthetic you're looking for.


    You don't have to use lace, either...you can use any sheer fabric with or without a pattern. You can even use tissue paper...


    What I would do now, is get yourself ONE of those windows off Craigslist and a sheet of plexiglass from Lowes and see how it goes with making it. If I recall, Lowes will cut the plexi to whatever size you need (or you may be able to buy the sheets cut to size online)....

    See how this little experiment goes...Now, I've watched my dad glaze windows and it's not difficult, but I would do some online research to see if there's a better way.


    Also, I like the look as a divider and I think it will work, but I wouldn't do three....I would want the space above and below (below for the vacuum and broom and it won't collect dirt down there as much as if it was higher, kwim? and so it doesn't look too overwhelming) Of course it all depends on the size. You really only want about six feet(?) for the visual of a divider....I think anyway, but it's not my space...



  • 6 years ago

    That renovation that you linked above is really great...I see no reason that any space that you consider your home can't be made to look better than it is. And campers look very...generic and mass-production like.

    I think we should be camper designers :) I bet there's a market... :)

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