A Buyer's Guide to Picking Glass Tabletops

The Type of Glass

Most quality tabletops are made from annealed or tempered glass.

Annealed glass is also known as standard or float glass. To make this material, manufacturers cool molten glass in an annealing lehr. This device subjects the glass to a regulated process and allows it to cool until it reaches a specific strain point.

Tabletops made from annealed glass are popular because they have excellent transparency and visibility. Also, these products are affordable, which makes them ideal for homeowners with limited budgets.

On the other hand, tempered glass is around four times stronger than standard glass. Manufacturers use thermal tempering processes to boost annealed glass' strength and convert it into toughened glass materials.

Since tempered glass has incredible strength, it produces tabletops that won't scratch or shatter easily. Also, unlike standard glass tabletops that can break into thousands of sharp pieces, products with toughened glass shatter into small, dull pieces in extreme cases.

The Thickness of the Glass

Experts make tabletops with glass materials of different thicknesses. For instance, you may find 1/4 or 1/2-inch-thick glass products.

Generally, tabletops with thicker glass have a more solid feel. Additionally, they tend to be stronger than components with thinner glass. So, if you plan to use your glass tabletop to support heavy items, choose a product with thicker glass. That will ensure your table doesn't warp or cave in under stress.

Conversely, thin glass makes lighter tabletops used on smaller-sized patio tables, table covers, and inserts. That means you should go for tabletops with materials like 1/4-inch glass if you plan to use them to hold lightweight items like vases.

The Tabletop's Base

Countless tabletop base options are available today. The most common include wood, stainless steel, aluminum, and iron.

Wood is a splendid option if you want a base that you can sand and refinish over the years. Plus, wooden bases have a timeless appeal and can bear considerable weight. On the other hand, stainless steel is easier to bend. Therefore, you can use it to make tabletop bases with unique designs.

Suppose you want a base that'll ensure your table stays put at all times, especially when you use it in an exposed area like the patio. In that case, bases made from weighty materials like aluminum or iron can work wonders.

And if you love irresistibly charming items, glass tabletops supported by oak barrels and similar unique bases won't disappoint. The same applies to molded, concrete-based options.

The Tabletop's Shape

Glass tabletops come in diverse shapes, from round to square and oval. Round tabletops allow you to optimize space use in smaller areas. Plus, tables with these components have smaller footprints and can fit snuggly in crowded spaces.

Check out square glass tabletops if you prefer tables that lend spaces a greater sense of intimacy. This shape ensures no side of the table is more crowded than the others and allows people to hold conversations relatively easily.

And if your spaces need furniture that boosts visual appeal, oval glass tabletops can do the trick nicely. Plus, these components don't have sharp edges, a quality that enables them to create softer aesthetics and laid-back vibes.

The designs outlined above are just but a few common shapes. Professionals can help you brainstorm many other novel ideas, including diamond and kidney-shaped tabletops.

If you want to decorate your spaces with quality top-glass tabletops, partner with Palmetto Glass & Mirror. Our team offers the best residential and commercial glazing services in Charleston and surrounding areas. Besides tabletops, we specialize in shower doors, mirrored glass, windows, and many other products.