Glass for Tables
An overview of the different types of glass for tables. Here is a guide to measuring your table and a guide to making templates.
Case #1 Protective Table Top
A piece of glass used to protect a wood surface below. The glass sits on top of the wood surface
What We Need In Quote These Table Tops
A photo of the table
The dimensions of the table. (Here is a guide to measuring your table.)
What We Need To Make The Glass
The dimensions are enough so long as the they are accurate and none of the cases below apply.
Case #2 Thick Glass Table Top
A piece of glass used as a table top, usually on top of a table base. In this case, the glass supports whatever weight is put on the table.
thick glass table top on table base
What We Need In Quote These Table Tops
A photo of the table
The dimensions & shape of the glass
The dimensions of the table base
The weight rating of the table base (how much weight can the table base support).
What We Need To Make The Glass
The table base itself (if possible)
Case #3 Shaped Tables
The wood of your table has a rounded edge, bevel, or some other decorative shape (that is not just a squared off edge).
This Table Has an Irregular Edge
It would require a template
What We Need In Order to Quote Shaped Tables
A photo of the table
The table’s dimensions
What We Need In Order to Make Shaped A Shaped Table Top
A template
Or you can bring us the table itself…that is even better
Case #4 Inlay Glass Tables
Your table has an “inlay” or section inside the table where the glass lays.
Here the glass is surround by wood on all sides and sits flush with the wood of the table
What We Need In Order to Quote Inlay Tables
A photo of the table
The dimensions of the table top
The depth of the channel that holds the glass
What We Need In Order to Make Shaped An Inlay Table Top
A template
Or you can bring us the table itself…that is even better
Case #5 Holes, Notches, or Shaped Table Tops
Your table has a shape or feature that is unusual, like a hole, notch, or similar. Often these are to allow cables to run from beneath the table to above.
What We Need In Order to Quote Inlay Tables
A photo of the table
The dimensions of the table top
The size and location of the hole, notch, etc.
What We Need In Order to Make Shaped An Inlay Table Top
A template
Or you can bring us the table itself…that is even better
Case #6 Radius Corner
Your table has rounded (also called “radius”) corners.
This table inlay glass and radius corners
What We Need In Quote These Table Tops
A photo of the table
The size of each radius
The dimensions of the table top
What We Need To Make The Glass
a template of the table
Or you can bring us the table itself…that is even better
Things to Consider
Plastic pads used to separate glass from the table top
Using plastic pads Normally, we use 4 plastic pads in between the surface of the table (one close to each corner).
Pros This accounts for slight unevenness in table top, as well as making removing the table top for cleaning.
Cons These plastic discs may slightly discolor the wood over time.
Tempering the process of strengthening glass is called tempering. Tables that are 24” or lower need to have tempered glass.
Pros Tempered glass is approximately 10x stronger than regular glass (also called “annealed” glass). Tempered glass also pebbles instead of shattering if it breaks.
Cons Tempering can cause the glass to warp, making it less flat (and thus creating a potential for rocking on the table top. Tempering is also slightly more expensive.
All 90 degree corners are “bumped” or slightly sanded to prevent sharpness.