Customer Project: Custom Cut Glass Table Cover

Our customer, Dora Martin Ramos of New York, recently purchased a custom glass table cover to protect her dining room table. It looks great, and she couldn't be more pleased with the results. "Still one of the best things we ever did," she says, noting that the glass showcases the beauty of the wood at the same time it protects her heirloom table.

Choosing the best glass type for your table

When ordering a tempered glass table top, you'll first choose the shape. Many tables, such as dining room tables are rectangles, however a greater number of people are choosing to repurpose barrels, stools and other types of furniture to create unique round side tables and coffee tables.

How to customize your glass table top

Customization gives you the opportunity to modify the tint of the glass, the corners, the width of the bevel or even add an umbrella hole. Remember, going custom is all about creating something unique and stunning for your home or outdoor patio!

Glass Table Tops: Styles, Safety & Benefits

If choosing a rectangle shape for your project, it may be wise to opt for additional safety by selecting either a radius and polished corners. Radius corners can really create a unique aesthetic. You will note that Dora’s heirloom table has long rounded corners, and a radius was custom cut to match.  The dimensions of the radius are completely down to personal preference  Here is our blog for choosing the best edge finish for glass table tops!. Further down this page you will see our video on how to measure radius corners if you need any help.

Customized glass table tops FAQ’s

When choosing the glass, what is the difference between Clear Glass and HD glass?

HD or (Low-iron glass) is made from low-iron silica sand and has a ferric oxide content of 0.1 percent, while most clear glass has about 10 times that amount. This is important because it allows for better color neutrality, more natural light, and edges that are clear

Is there glass that has no green tint?

All glass has somewhat of a greenish tint, but you can get a reduced green appearance.

Iron particles are what give regular glass a greenish tint. HD glass table tops have low-iron glass, which is nearly colorless and offers exceptional light transmission and clarity. Low-iron glass is produced through a special process in which the iron particles are removed from the glass, resulting in an ultra-clear glass for a premium upgrade to standard glass.

Please note that it is not possible to completely remove all the iron content from glass. However, low-iron glass table tops use the clearest glass you can buy, and will have far less greenish tint than standard glass.

For a product that is 100% free of greenish tint, you may want to consider a glass alternative, such as acrylic sheets.

Are glass table tops more than protective covers?

Absolutely, an antique whiskey barrel with a fine glass topper, accentuated by a 1” bevel around the edge of the glass  is sure to be a showstopper in anyone's home!

How thick should a glass table top be?

A glass table top's thickness should be determined by the type of use it will receive, and may also be chosen based on a specific aesthetic look.  In depth answer here: What is the best thickness for a glass table top?

Can glass table tops be used outdoors?

Absolutely, tempered glass table tops are very suitable for outdoors. HD or Low iron glass will be additionally resistant to temperature fluctuations than standard clear glass.

How can I clean a custom glass table top?

Use vinegar and water or a specialized cleaning product.

How much does a custom glass table top cost?

A custom glass table top has to have a specialized glass cutting machine calibrated to the design specification and is produced as a unique piece for the individual client.  The process also involves other very expensive equipment to create high strength custom packaging.  Here is more information on the machinery used to create custom glass table tops and finishes such as beveled edges.

Can you put a glass top on a wooden table?

Glass table tops have many advantages for covering wood table surfaces, which include, easy to clean, strong, stain resistant, elegant, highly customizable.

Is tempered glass necessary for a table top?

While not strictly necessary, it would generally not be worth considering a, non tempered, or annealed glass table top due to the hazardous nature of annealed glass should it break, and the relative lack of strength.  Annealed glass is 4-5 weaker than tempered glass.

How do I prevent my glass table top from sliding?

Glass bumpers can be an effective way to prevent a glass table top from sliding. If you are creating a table top from a wine or whiskey barrel, you can use cylindrical blocks of wood as supports with place glass bumpers on top to protect and level the glass.

Are glass table tops fabricated in the U.S.A.?

Custom glass table tops were first fabricated and sold online in the U.S.A. by Dulles Glass. Dulles Glass continues to be a market leader for custom glass table tops shipped nationwide.  They also offer installation for custom glass projects in Virginia.

How to Measure Your Table For a Glass Table Top Cover

Need extra help with measuring your table? Watch our video to find out how to measure custom-cut tabletop corners.