FAQS: What Kind of Glass Do You Use For a Table Top?

Glass tabletops are a staple of modern interior design, offering a blend of elegance, function, and aesthetic versatility. However, not all glass is created equal. The types of glass you may consider for a tabletop can vary dramatically in terms of their properties and suitability for specific situations. 

In this guide, we take a closer look at the types of glass used for tabletops and explore some little-known facts that could influence your decision-making process.

Types of Glass for Tabletops

1. Tempered Glass

Composition and Manufacturing: Tempered glass is made from annealed glass that has been subjected to thermal tempering, involving heating the glass to over 1,100°F and then cooling it rapidly.

Strength and Durability: This treatment increases its tensile strength, making tempered glass four to five times stronger than annealed glass.

Safety: One of its standout features is its safety; if broken, it disintegrates into small, granular pieces instead of sharp shards, reducing injury risk.

Applications: Due to its strength and safety features, tempered glass is used in various settings, including patio tables, dining tables, and commercial spaces like conference rooms.

Cost: While tempered glass is more expensive than annealed glass, its durability often justifies the cost in high-traffic or high-risk areas.

2. Annealed Glass

Composition and Manufacturing: Annealed glass is what you might consider “standard” glass. It is cooled slowly during the manufacturing process to relieve internal stresses.

Strength and Durability: It’s weaker than tempered glass and can break into large, jagged pieces, posing a safety risk.

Applications: Generally used in settings where safety and strength are less of a concern, such as small indoor tables or decorative pieces.

Cost: This type is often less expensive but isn’t recommended for heavy-duty applications due to its weaker structure.

3. Laminated Glass

Composition and Manufacturing: Laminated glass is essentially a glass sandwich; it features two or more layers of glass with a layer of resin or polyvinyl butyral (PVB) in between.

Strength and Durability: It is strong but not as strong as tempered glass. However, its layered structure provides excellent durability.

Safety: If broken, the plastic layer holds the glass in place, making it an ideal choice for outdoor settings or homes with children.

Applications: Frequently used in skylights, balconies, and even car windshields, laminated glass is an excellent option for tables that need to be durable and safe.

Cost: The additional manufacturing process makes laminated glass a more expensive option.

4. Frosted Glass

Composition and Manufacturing: Frosted glass is created by sandblasting or acid etching one side of clear glass.

Aesthetic and Function: It provides a translucent surface, diffusing light and offering privacy while still allowing light to pass through.

Applications: Often used in office settings for a sleek, modern look without sacrificing privacy.

Cost: Generally more expensive than basic annealed glass due to the additional etching or sandblasting process.

5. Textured Glass

Composition and Manufacturing: This type of glass is imprinted with textures during the molten stage of production, creating patterns like ripples, waves, or geometric shapes.

Aesthetic and Function: Mostly used for its decorative properties, textured glass adds a unique touch to furniture.

Applications: Ideal for coffee tables, accent tables, or as a creative design element in custom furniture.

Cost: The specialized manufacturing process can make textured glass more expensive than standard options.

6. Low-E Glass

Composition and Manufacturing: Low-E glass is coated with a microscopic layer of metallic oxides.

Function: This coating reflects thermal radiation, making it energy-efficient by reducing UV and infrared light penetration.

Applications: Perfect for outdoor tables where sunlight exposure is a concern.

Cost: Due to the special coating, Low-E glass is often more expensive than other types.

Now that you have a little more insight into the types of glass available for tabletops, let’s look at some other glass tabletop FAQs, but not just any facts; let’s look at the less commonly known ones. 

Little-Known Facts About Glass Tabletops

Historical Innovation

Glassmaking dates back to ancient Mesopotamia, but it wasn’t until the Roman Empire that the technology evolved to produce clear glass, leading to its usage in furniture like tabletops.

Edge Customization

Beyond basic edge types like flat, pencil, and beveled, there are more intricate designs like the ogee and waterfall edges, which add elegance to your table.

Thermal Resistance

Tempered glass not only resists physical impact but also offers greater thermal resistance compared to standard glass, making it suitable for tables near heat sources.

See also:
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Color Spectrum

In addition to traditional clear glass, you can opt for tinted glass in hues ranging from bronze to gray to blue, which offer varying levels of UV protection.

The Weight Factor

Glass is heavy. A 3/4-inch thick, 48-inch round glass tabletop can weigh as much as 130 pounds, which is why proper table base support is crucial.

Not Just Recyclable, but Upcyclable

Glass can be melted down and reformed without losing quality, meaning your old glass tabletop could be transformed into other glass products in its next life.

Acoustic Influences

While not immediately obvious, the density and thickness of your glass tabletop can subtly impact the acoustics of a room. Denser, thicker glass absorbs more sound energy, reducing noise levels.

New Glass Tabletops Installation

Understanding the details about different types of glass and their peculiar facts will help you make an informed choice, adding beauty and functionality to your space. If you are ready to make your decision, the next step is to hire a professional to ensure your new glass tabletops are properly installed. 

And here’s why …

1. Safety Concerns

First and foremost, safety should be your top priority when dealing with glass. Even-tempered or laminated glass, designed to be more durable and safer upon breakage, can pose risks if mishandled. Professionals are trained in proper handling techniques and have the right safety gear, such as gloves, eye protection, and specialized footwear, to minimize the risks of cuts, punctures, or more serious injuries.

2. Specialized Tools and Equipment

Installing a glass tabletop often requires specialized tools that most homeowners do not have. This could range from suction lifters for safely moving and positioning the glass to precision laser levels for ensuring perfect alignment. Professionals have access to these tools and are trained in using them efficiently, making the installation process smoother and more reliable.

3. Customization and Fit

Not all tabletops are created equal. Many modern designs feature custom shapes, beveled edges, or even engraved details. A professional will take accurate measurements and possibly even create templates to ensure that the glass fits perfectly on its base, accounting for any unique characteristics in the design. DIY attempts at this level of customization are fraught with the risk of miscalculations, leading to poor fit and wasted materials.

4. Structural Integrity

A professional installer understands the nuances of weight distribution and structural integrity, which is crucial when dealing with a heavy material like glass. They can assess the strength of the table base and recommend any necessary reinforcements to prevent the table from becoming unstable or collapsing, thereby averting potential disasters.

5. Material Knowledge

Different types of glass have different properties, from weight and strength to thermal and UV resistance. Professionals are knowledgeable about these aspects and can provide valuable guidance on the type of glass best suited for your particular application, be it an outdoor dining table or an elegant coffee table for the living room.

6. Aesthetic Expertise

Professionals bring an aesthetic touch to the installation process. Whether aligning the tabletop to optimize visual symmetry or ensuring that any textural elements are showcased to their best effect, a skilled installer adds finesse that a DIY enthusiast may find challenging to replicate.

7. Time-Efficiency

Time is often underestimated in DIY projects. What may appear to be a straightforward job could consume hours or even days, disrupting your schedule. Professionals, with their expertise and specialized tools, can perform the installation far more quickly, freeing up your time for other important tasks.

8. Warranty and Liability

When you employ a professional service, you’re often covered by warranties or guarantees on the materials used and the labor involved. This provides a safety net in case anything goes wrong with the installation. DIY installations usually lack this level of financial and material protection, leaving you liable for any mistakes or damages.

9. Troubleshooting and Problem-Solving

Even a seemingly simple installation can present unexpected challenges, such as an uneven floor or pre-existing damage to the table base. Professionals have the experience to troubleshoot these issues on the spot, applying solutions that maintain both the function and form of the tabletop.

10. Post-Installation Services

Beyond just the installation, professionals often offer added services like sealing the edges for additional safety, cleaning the glass to a spotless finish, or providing care instructions tailored to your specific type of glass. These final touches can make a significant difference in the longevity and appearance of your tabletop.

11. Compliance with Local Codes and Regulations

Some regions have building codes or homeowner association rules that dictate how and what materials can be installed. Professionals are usually well-versed in these regulations and can ensure your installation complies with all local statutes, avoiding potential legal complications.

While installing a glass tabletop might seem like a straightforward task, the intricate details and risks involved make it a job best left to professionals. From ensuring safety and structural integrity to delivering a polished, aesthetically pleasing result, professional installation is the most prudent choice for your glass tabletop needs.

Get Your Custom Glass Table Top From Murray Glass

Ready to transform your living space with a custom glass tabletop that marries elegance with utility? Murray Glass is your dependable authority in all things glass. Offering unparalleled workmanship, meticulous detail, and a vast array of personalization possibilities, we’re your first call for quality glass tabletops. Why go for run-of-the-mill when you can opt for the exceptional?

Contact the skilled team at Murray Glass at 801.262.3364. Allow us to actualize your creative vision, redefine your space, and provide you with a uniquely crafted glass tabletop that sets us apart.

When choosing a glass table top, the right glass is essential for using or protecting your furniture. What is the best type of glass for table tops? While tempered options provide increased durability, the thickness of the glass and the purpose of your table are also considerations. Use this guide to choose the best glass for table top that enhances your table’s appearance and function.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Type of Glass for Table Tops

Glass table tops come in a variety of thicknesses that can determine whether tempered or standard glass is the best option. The best type of glass for table tops also depends on how your table is used and where it’s located. Here’s how to choose the right options for your home.

Choosing the Best Glass for Table Tops

The most common options for glass table tops use tempered or annealed (standard) glass.  What’s the difference between these two types of glass and what’s best for your table? The answer lies in the strength and durability of the glass and how you use your table’s surface.

Comparing and contrasting annealed and tempered glass:

• Annealed Glass: This standard glass is heated and cooled according to typical glass-making practices. This enables it to be cut, shaped, or recycled with ease. However, annealed glass is not as durable as tempered glass and, when broken, will break into large, sharp shards. For this reason, annealed glass is only recommended as a solid glass table surface when it’s at least ½” thick.
• Tempered Glass: A tempered glass table top has been heated, cooled and pressurized in an intensive treatment process that increases its strength and durability. Once the tempering process is complete, the glass can’t be cut or altered in any way. However, if it breaks, it shatters into many small pieces that are less likely to cause harm. This is why tempered glass is widely considered the best type of glass for table tops and the best shower door replacement option.

How Thick Should Table Top Glass Be?

Do glass table tops need to be tempered? Not if the glass is a certain level of thickness. Generally, glass table tops that are at least ½” thick don’t have to be tempered. The thickness of this glass alone increases its durability and strength.

Thick, annealed glass table top options include:

• ½” thick: Standard thickness for unsupported table tops such as large dining tables or solid surface coffee tables.
• ¾” thick: The safest and most reliable option for large dining and coffee tables.

Typically, table top glass is usually tempered and ¼” thick or less. This thin but durable layer of glass is ideal for a variety of tables and settings.

Thin, tempered table tops are used in the following situations:

• ⅛” thick:  The best type of glass for table tops that are small and lightweight.
• 3/16” thick: Standard for most side side and patio tables and as a glass insert. 
• ¼: thick: Ideal as a protective table cover for coffee and side tables as well as kitchen and dining tables.

Glass Table Top Replacement Alternatives

Are there table top surfaces that are as strong and durable as glass? Acrylic and stone are often used as glass table top replacement alternatives.

Here are the pros and cons of acrylic and stone table tops:

• Acrylic Plastic: Acrylic plastic is widely used as a glass alternative in a variety of applications. As a table top, it has a clear, glass-like appearance that provides increased durability, ideal for outdoor settings. It’s also more lightweight than glass, less prone to breakage, and widely available as a replacement material. However, acrylic doesn’t always lend the same high-quality appearance of glass and is more prone to scratches and staining.
• Stone Table Top: Stone table tops most often consist of marble or granite and can be used both in and outdoors. Stone naturally comes in a variety of colors, textures, and patterns and is extremely durable, lasting for years with few signs of aging. The downsides of stone table tops are their significantly higher expense and weight when compared to glass.

The professionals at Glass West can customize your glass table top replacement with a variety of sizes and designs. Contact us to schedule a consultation with our experienced technicians!