Glass Table Top Guide: Measuring, Thickness & Finishes

Ordering a custom glass table top is straightforward – but getting accurate measurements is essential. Too small and you’ll have gaps; too large and it won’t fit. This guide walks you through everything you need to know before placing your order.

What You’ll Need

Before you start, grab these tools:

• Tape measure – A retractable metal tape measure is ideal
• Pen and paper – To note down your measurements
• Spirit level – Optional, but useful if you’re checking your table surface is flat

Measuring Rectangular & Square Table Tops

For rectangular or square glass tops, you only need two measurements: width and length. Measure in millimetres for accuracy.

Measure at multiple points if your table has any warping or irregularity – take the width at both ends and the length on both sides. If there’s variation, use the smallest measurement to ensure the glass fits.

What About Shaped or Circular Table Tops?

If your table isn’t a simple rectangle or square – perhaps it’s oval, circular, or has an irregular shape – you’ll likely need a template. This involves creating an exact outline of your table using cardboard or paper, which we can then use to cut your glass precisely.

Get in touch if you need a shaped glass top and we can advise on the best approach for your specific table.

Choosing the Right Thickness

Glass thickness affects both appearance and durability. Here’s a practical guide to help you choose:

4mm Glass

Best suited for small tables, side cabinets, and compact coffee tables. At 4mm, the glass is lightweight and economical, but it’s only appropriate for smaller surfaces where it won’t be under significant stress. Ideal for protective covers on furniture.

6mm Glass

The most popular choice for table tops. 6mm offers a good balance of strength, weight, and value. It’s suitable for most dining tables, desks, and coffee tables where the glass sits on an existing surface.

8mm Glass

Consider 8mm for larger tables or surfaces that will see heavier use. The extra thickness provides additional rigidity and a more substantial feel.

10mm, 12mm, 15mm & 19mm Glass

These thicker options are largely down to personal preference and aesthetics. They’re particularly suited for freestanding table tops – where the glass itself forms the table surface rather than sitting on top of wood or other material. The thicker the glass, the more premium and substantial it looks.

Glass Types & Finishes

Not all glass looks the same. The type you choose can significantly affect how your table top complements your furniture and room.

Clear Glass

Standard clear glass has a natural green tinge – this is completely normal and caused by the iron content in the glass. On darker furniture, you won’t notice it. However, if your table is white, cream, or a light colour, the green tint can be more apparent and may affect the overall look.

Low Iron Glass (Extra Clear)

If you’re placing glass on white or light-coloured furniture, low iron glass is the better choice. It has minimal green tint, giving a true, crystal-clear appearance. It costs a bit more but makes a noticeable difference on lighter surfaces.

Tinted & Decorative Glass

For something with more character, consider these popular options:

• Grey tinted – A subtle, modern look that works well with contemporary interiors
• Bronze smoked – Warm tones that complement wooden furniture beautifully
• Smoked – Darker and more dramatic, ideal for statement pieces
• Satin (frosted) – Obscures what’s beneath while still protecting the surface, popular for desks

Corner Options

Sharp corners on glass can be uncomfortable and potentially dangerous, especially in homes with children. You have two main options for softening them:

Dubbed Corners

Dubbed corners are lightly sanded to remove the sharp point. The corner remains essentially square in appearance, but the very tip is smoothed off. This is a subtle, economical option that removes the sharpness without changing the overall look.

Radius Corners

Radius corners are fully rounded to a specific measurement. Common radii include 10mm, 20mm, 30mm, and 50mm – the larger the number, the more rounded the corner appears. This gives a softer, more contemporary look and is the safer option for households with young children.

Not sure which radius suits your table? We’ve created a printable radius guide – print it at 100% scale (no scaling), cut out the corner templates, and hold them against your table to see which looks best.

Edge Finish

All our table top glass comes with polished edges as standard. This means the edges are smooth, safe to touch, and have a clean, finished appearance. No rough or sharp edges to worry about.

see our full guide to edge finishes explained in detail

Toughened vs Standard Glass

We recommend toughened (tempered) glass for most table tops. It’s up to five times stronger than standard glass and, if it does break, it shatters into small, less dangerous pieces rather than large shards.

Toughened glass is also heat resistant, so you can place hot dishes, plates, and pans directly on the surface without worry – perfect for dining tables and kitchen use.

Optional Extras

Easy Clean Coating

An easy clean coating creates an invisible protective layer that repels water, oil, and fingerprints. Your glass stays cleaner for longer and is much easier to wipe down. It’s a worthwhile addition for dining tables or any surface that sees regular use.

Quick Checklist

Before ordering, make sure you’ve decided on:

1. Size – Width and length in millimetres
2. Thickness – 4mm, 6mm, 8mm, or thicker for freestanding tops
3. Glass type – Clear, low iron, tinted, or satin
4. Corners – Dubbed or radius (and which radius size)
5. Extras – Easy clean coating

Ready to Order?

Once you’ve got your measurements and chosen your options, ordering is simple. Head to our table top glass page to configure and order online, or contact us if you have any questions about your specific requirements.