Glass Table Tops Custom Design
Custom Glass Table Tops come in different shapes, materials, thickness, and sizes; being one of the most customizable features when buying furniture.
One of the best options for Table Tops is glass, whether it’s for your living room, bedroom or kitchen. Glass guarantees a beautiful appearance combined with low maintenance. They also create an illusion of space, opening up a room and making it seem larger than it really is. Glass protects the underlying table in case the glass is above a surface made of wood or other delicate materials.
Another advantage of choosing glass is, that it creates an easy display area. Many coffee tops have small shelves and compartments underneath, having glass table tops makes it easier to display objects. And the biggest benefit is that glass table tops can be custom made. Choosing different colors, layering, and patterns, as well as shapes and sizes.
How to choose the right Custom Glass Table Top?
Glass Table Tops can be used in three main ways. As a protector, as a topper on a pedestal, or as an insert that fits in a rim.
Used as a cover on a wood surface.
You can use a thinner glass. The main recommendations for glass table tops used as a protector are the following:
1- Glass Thickness: 1/4″ is the preferred thickness. 3/8″ or 1/2″ can be used for effect but make sure that the furniture can carry the weight.
2- Edge Type: flat polish is the preferred edge work. However, pencil polish or beveled polish can be used for a unique effect.
3- Glass Strength: Annealed glass is sufficient to protect the table but glass can always be tempered for added safety, especially if there are younger kids in the house.
The Glass Table Top sits on a pedestal.
That pedestal can be made out of different materials. Often times the pedestal is made out of wood, but glass or metal can also be used. For safety reasons, the glass must be tempered, especially when there are young kids in the household. Main recommendations for these types of table tops are:
1- Glass Thickness: Please choose 3/8″ or 1/2″ glass. Thinner glass is not recommended in these cases.
2- Edge Types: Flat polish, pencil polish, or beveled polish edges are all acceptable. This is an option where you are in complete control and you can choose the look and the effects you want for your table glass.
3- Glass Strength: Tempered glass is recommended for added safety and strength.
The glass sits in a metal frame.
Like a patio table, it’s more difficult to choose the right glass. If the broken glass that sits inside a metal frame needs replacement, straighten the frame before measuring for the glass needed. Some of the recommendations for this type of table tops are:
1- Glass Thickness: 1/4″, 3/8″ or 1/2″, depending on the table. Follow the table manufacturer’s recommendations if at all possible.
2- Edge Types: Seamed edge or flat polished edge. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations or go by what was used with the table before if you are replacing broken table top glass.
3- Glass Strength: Tempered glass is recommended for added safety and strength.
The best option for Glass Table Tops.
There are many options to choose from, there are four main reasons to choose a tempered glass custom Table Top. Table Tops made with tempered glass are stronger than annealed glass. It means these types of glass materials can offer better and longer protection for your furniture. They don’t crack nor get scratches easily which makes it have a lasting life.
Tempered glass is shatter-proof. But it does break apart, often when extreme force is applied. However, it does not shatter into many pieces that scatter, making it harder to clean, not to mention it’s dangerous. Standard glass tends to break apart into larger and much sharper pieces. Meanwhile, tempered glass shatters into dull, small pieces and often stays in one piece.
Tempered glass materials are often shock-proof. While these aren’t entirely unbreakable, they won’t break very easily. It takes a little more than someone hitting it a little too hard. However, it does crack when you apply extreme force on it, or when it drops down. Thus, it must be treated with care, like every glass. Also, tempered glass also has great transparency, so aesthetically, it’s very similar to annealed glass.
Perfect thickness for a Glass Table Top.
The thickness of the glass surface depends on which use is going to have. Some considerations to take into account are whether the base of the table will support the heavy glass. Also, whether the custom glass table top will need to support large amounts of weight. If it’s being set upon a pedestal or stand, the size of it influences the thickness of the glass. Some standard thickness measurements and its uses are:
1- 3/16″ – This is a good thickness for patio tables, small tables, inserts, and a glass protective table covers.
2- 1/4″ – This is a good thickness for glass tabletops and glass protective table covers.
3- 3/8″ – This is a good thickness for heavy, unsupported table tops where the glass is the only Table Top.
4- 1/2″ – This is the strongest, most attractive thickness available, ideal for heavy, unsupported table tops where the glass is the only Table Top.
Custom Glass Table Tops Maintenance.
Protecting the glass is as simple as not putting any objects on top of the table that may cause scratches. Cleaning it constantly without using abrasive cleaners, using decorative placemats and using rubber bumpers also helps to protect it. Glass Table Tops should be kept out of dangerous or risky areas in order to avoid accidents.
Glass Table Tops need to be protected, but this doesn’t mean it has to affect the beauty of the furniture. A table is usually the proud centerpiece of a room. You would want it to be protected, without sacrificing the aesthetics. Whether it’s in the living room, dining room or the patio, these are valuable additions that should be taken care of.
