What glass is best for my table?
Glass table tops are usually a hot topic so we will address some of the usual questions we receive here.
Firstly, there are no strict rules on what you can and can’t have with regards to glass on table tops.
Table tops are furniture and therefore do not fall under the glass and glazing code.
However, common sense must prevail.
When is annealed glass ok?
Table tops with a flat surface for the glass to sit on like the one featured, with little to no overhang of glass would be best suited to the option of annealed glass.
Whilst annealed glass is weaker than toughened glass, the surface is actually more durable to cups, plates & cutlery etc. and if it were to break in this situation, the glass would not fall to the floor (and onto people’s feet).
For a table of this size (2000 x 1000) 6mm thickness is a good fit.
If it’s considerably smaller you may want to go down to 5mm, or possibly even 4mm.
When should safety glass be used?
Toughened glass on a table top like this one is not required and is actually more susceptible to scratches and marks, as the surface is softer.
In a situation like the one pictured below where the glass could break and fall to the floor it is recommended to use a safety glass.
Either toughened or laminated will suffice.
Is there a time I should not use laminated glass?
Keep in mind if using laminated glass that if the table top is exposed to the elements, eventually water will get in between the two sheets of glass and you’ll get what is called ‘lam rot’ with the water slowing creeping into the inter layer.
If the table is undercover, you don’t need to worry about this.
Because this one has a frame around it, again, 6mm would be fine up to a diameter of 1000mm. However the table top below is another matter again.
This one has no frame so it would require a heavier glass.
With a diameter of about 1000mm or more, 10mm to 12mm glass should be used as a minimum.
These are just a few examples and should be used as a guide.
Feel free to call us to discuss your options on table tops. Remember to send us photos if possible.
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