Considerations in Using Glass for Your Table Top?

There is no doubt about it; a table top made from glass adds beauty and elegance to any setting, whether it is in the dining room, living room or even the bedroom. Glass is not only affordable, but with the proper care, it can last a very long time. However, the beauty and durability of glass does not come without some special concerns that you should be aware of before rushing headfirst into a purchase.

Your first consideration should be safety. For the most part, glass table tops are sturdy and they are safe; however, they are designed to rest atop a pedestal, not permanently attached to the base of the table. They are usually held in place with sticky clear rubber tacks positioned between the table base or pedestal and the glass top to prevent skidding. The reason for this is obvious. Moving a table with the glass attached to the base makes it quite heavy and extremely awkward. Moving the glass table top and base separately is much easier and safer.

Because of the way the glass table top rests upon the base, the glass table top is not as steady as a conventional wooden table and may have a tendency to tip easier. If you have children or pets, it is wise to choose a medium other than glass for your table top, at least until your children are old enough to understand the safety concerns associated with having a glass table top.

Another consideration when shopping for a glass table top is the type of glass you want. Two types of glass are used in making glass table tops—tempered glass and annealed glass. The difference between annealed, or regular glass, and tempered glass is this: tempered glass is cooled at a much faster rate which allows it to become stronger. Once you have found a table that you like, be sure to ask your salesperson if the top is made from tempered or annealed glass.

Glass is an ideal table top as long as you know exactly what you are looking for and understand the safety concerns associated with it.