Glass table tops are the perfect interior upgrade that blends practicality and style, and they work well for both modern and traditional homes. If you're looking for a new dining table, want to protect a wooden surface, or want to avoid those pesky water marks on your coffee table, you may already be browsing the web for your bespoke glass table top. The most common questions that come along with the purchase of a glass table top are what thickness it needs to be, and does it really matter? On this page, you'll hopefully find the answer to all your questions.
Why does the thickness of glass matter for tabletops?
The thickness of a glass tabletop is important for more than just its aesthetic appeal. It's a matter of safety and durability. Choosing the wrong thickness of tempered glass can introduce the risk of scratches, the glass chipping, or breaking altogether. Without accounting for the necessary thickness, you may find yourself searching for replacement glass table tops more often than you would like.
What thickness is required for different table types?
How thick a glass table top should be depends on what type of table it will be for. The thickness of the glass will vary by the size of the table and its use. Larger surfaces need stronger, thicker glass to remain stable, while smaller tables can manage with lighter glass. For example coffee table glass top thickness will differ to an outdoor patio table thickness.
- For smaller tables, like side tables and small coffee tables, aim for 6mm of thickness.
- For medium tables, like coffee tables, aim for 10mm of thickness.
- For large tables, like dining tables and heavy-use tables, aim for 12-19mm of thickness.
This is not the only factor to keep in mind. You also need to consider the type of furniture the glass will sit on and how much weight that frame can handle. It's always best to check what weight your base can hold and compare that to the weight of your glass. It also matters whether the glass will act as a protective cover for an existing surface or serve as a standalone top, which usually requires greater thickness for stability.
Why is toughened glass the best choice for tabletops?
While using glass as a piece of furniture may sound daunting, it's actually a great way to add a low-maintenance, sleek design to any space. So what makes a toughened glass table top a good choice? Toughened or tempered glass is heat-treated to withstand everyday use. It's specially designed to break into smaller, duller pieces rather than large, sharp shards, making it safer for households.
With a glass table top, you can see watermarks as a thing of the past, as glass is non-porous; accidental spills and forgotten coasters are no longer a major worry, unlike with materials such as wood that can easily stain or absorb moisture. Toughened glass for dining tables are easy to maintain and keep clean, perfect for messy meals at the dinner time. Whether you want to use a glass table top as a standalone product or to put it onto an already existing table to protect the underneath surface, the neutral aesthetic of the glass works as a versatile choice to complement any type of home decor.
Outdoor glass table tops
When it comes to outdoor glass table tops, the thickness of your glass will need to be significantly thicker to withstand exposure to different weather conditions. Thicker glass is made to handle the knocks and bumps of being outside, especially in the British winter. Toughened glass is designed to work in sudden temperature changes like heat, rain, or cold. To make sure your glass table top is looking its best, make sure to cover it when not in use, or even better, you can remove the glass and store it away from the weather. Wipe down regularly, and avoid putting very hot dishes straight onto the glass. With the right care, patio glass table tops can stay as sleek and flawless as the day you got them.
Made-to-measure from Bespoke Glass Products
Whatever your design, size, or thickness needs are, we've got you covered at Bespoke. Our replacement glass table tops are made to order and come polished as standard, so you can use them straight out of the box. Made 5x stronger than standard glass, options for drilling holes, and available in five different finishes.
Finding your new glass table top has never been easier. Browse our collection today or get in touch with one of our helpful team members.
