Table Tops Installation

For those ordering online, four thicknesses are offered: 3/16", 1/4", 3/8", 3/4” and 1/2". To discuss options regarding other glass table top thicknesses, please contact us to speak to one of our glass table top professionals at 1-866-452-7707.

For all shapes with edges corners(i.e. – square, triangle, rectangle),  are usually nice and sharp to create a clean line. However, if you have small children or pets, you may have your corners finished for safety. Corner finishes offered are listed below:

• Eased corner: glass corners are sanded down slightly to relieve sharp edges
• Radius and polished corner: corners are cut down to a radius and then polished
• Clip and polished corner: corners are cut down to a 45 degree angle and then polished

Heavy glass refers to glass that is 3/8" or 1/2" thick. Heavy glass is ideal for table tops, particularly for larger table tops used for dining and patio tables. Heavy glass table tops are much stronger and more durable than glass table tops of lesser thicknesses, which makes them a smarter choice for large tables that will be holding heavy dishes and other items. If you need a glass table top for a dining table or patio table that has no frames, but consists of the glass table top resting directly on the legs, you will want a heavy glass table top for ultra durability and security.

"Touched" or "eased" corners refer to the process of slightly sanding down the corners edges of a square or rectangular glass table top or glass table cover so they are not so sharp. It is a common safety measure for glass table tops, glass table covers and glass desk covers. We can't polish a touched corner, this may leave a slight frosty look at the corners of the glass.

Rounded corners on a square or rectangular glass table top or glass table cover have been cut with a radius to form a curved outer edge instead of a sharp angle. They can then be polished or beveled.

Clipping the corners of a glass table top or glass table cover refers to the process of cutting the corners to a 45-degree angle. The clipped corners can then be polished or beveled. This serves both as a safety measure and a decorative feature.

That depends on the table. If the glass piece is being used as a table cover or a protective cover then 1/4" thickness is sufficient. If the glass piece is being set upon a stand or a pedestal to form the actual table surface, however, then depending on the size you may choose to use a thicker glass.

It is recommended to use a thickness greater than 1/4" in these cases if the glass table to be used exceeds 24" in dimensions or is meant to support heavy objects.

When it comes to choosing a thickness between 3/8", 1/2" or 1/4" it is mostly a matter of preference. Obviously thicker glass has a more substantial look and feel but the weight of the glass top becomes a major consideration after a certain size. Thicker glass can become very heavy as the size increases.

Here are our standard thicknesses:

3/16" - This is a good thickness for patio tables, small tables, inserts, and as glass protective table covers.

1/4" - This is a good thickness for glass tabletops and glass protective table covers.

3/8" - This is a good thickness for heavy, unsupported table tops where the glass is the only table top.

1/2" - This is the strongest, most attractive thickness available, ideal for heavy, unsupported table tops where the glass is the only table top.

Watch this helpful video

Tempering a glass table top adds to its strength. Tempered glass is 5 to 7 times harder to break compared to regular annealed glass. Tempered glass is also regarded as safety glass because when it breaks, it shatters into small pebbles that don't pose as much of a danger to you and your family.

In most instances, 1/2" inch thick glass tops are not tempered. This is due to the added strength from the thickness. However, 1/4" and 3/8" thick glass tops are mostly tempered for extra strength.

As a basic rule, tempering the glass does not change its appearance or weight. With that in mind, if you have kids at home or are just concerned with safety, we say, "when in doubt, temper your glass".

Dulles Glass & Mirror | Replacement Glass Strength

We offer four different types of edging for your glass table top. The type of edging you choose will be influenced by the use to which you put the table. Here are the basic edges: 

Seamed edge - removes the sharpness for safer handling. In this application, after the glass is cut the edges are sanded to dull the sharp edges. This is to make the glass safe to handle. Choose a seamed edge if the glass is to be framed and in applications where the edges are not visible. 

Flat edge - a polished "square" edge. In this application the edges of the glass has been polished to a smooth shiny finish. Choose a flat polish when the edges of the glass are visible and you prefer a minimalistic look. 

Pencil edge - a polished round edge. In this application the edges of the glass has been polished to a smooth shiny rounded finish. 

Beveled edge - a straight sloped edge from 1/2 inch to 1-1/2 inch slope. In this application the edges of the glass are cut and polished in an angle with a specific bevel width. Bevel width must be specified by the customer and can range in size from 1/4" to 1-3/4". Pricing and ordering must take into account the bevel width, the most common one being 1".

​​That will depend both on the shape of your table and how many people you plan to have seated at it. Keep in mind how much room you'd like at the table, but here is a quick guide:

Round Glass Tables Top Sizes

• 4 people = 36" - 50"
• 5 people = 42" - 54"
• 6 people = 46" - 66"
• 7 people = 60" - 66"
• 8 people = 66" - 72"
• 10 people = 66"

Oval Glass Tables Top Sizes

• 6 people = 36" x 60" - 42" x 72"
• 8 people = 36" x 72" - 44" x 84"
• 10 people = 44" x 84"
• 12-14 people = 48" x 96"

Square Glass Table Top Sizes

• 4 people = 36" - 48"
• 6 people = 48" - 54"
• 8 people = 48" - 60"
• 12 people = 60"

Rectangular Glass Table Top Sizes

• 6 people = 36" x 48" - 42" x 78"
• 8 people = 42" x 60" - 44" x 84"
• 10 people = 44" x 84"
• 12-14 people = 48" x 96"

Thick glass will sometimes crack when it is heated on one side. Glass does not conduct heat very quickly, so one side will expand while the other side will not. The uneven cooling process can lead to cracks in your dining table. When setting hot pots, pans, and serving dishes on a table, place a trivet under them to prevent cracks from uneven cooling. This will protect your glass tabletop or table cover from heat-inducing cracks.

There are many good brands on the market. At Dulles Glass & Mirror, we strongly recommend our own brand glass cleaner to keep your glass table tops and glass table covers looking their best. A do-it-yourself, economical glass cleaner consists of a mixture of 1/3 white vinegar and 2/3 water. When cleaning glass table tops and table covers, use lint-free paper towels to avoid leaving streaks behind. Newspaper also works, and will not leave lint on the glass.

A glass tabletop can be secured using anti-slip glass tabletop bumpers. These rubber desk pads can protect both the underside of your glass table top and the surface of your desk. They are easy to install and nearly invisible. Dulles Glass' offers a variety of cylindrical, hemispherical, and square-shaped bumpers in sizes and thicknesses for glass tabletops.