Glass and Mirrors - Replacing Glass Table Top

All,

I am trying to replace a glass table top (coffee table) that was broken and need to find out what type of glass I should be after. I have called a number of suppliers and have received a number of different answers.

The base of the table is a square pedastal 16 inches by 16 inches. I would like the table itself to be 48 inches by 20 inches. This means the glass will overhang the base by about 16 inches on each side (lengthwise) and 2 inches on each side (widthwise). The table will be about 18 inches tall.

As a coffee table, there will not be huge amounts of weight placed upon it. However, it will hold drinks, occasional books, and dinners.

What kind of glass do I buy? I have been told varrying thickness measurements with a commong consesus around 1/4 inch. Do I need to get tempered glass?

Thanks for the reponses.


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***Moderator's note: Duplicate thread created in the Furniture, Furnishings, Upholstery and Fabrics topic has been deleted***

What type of glass and thickness did you have before and how did it break?
With a 16" overhang, the glass has a good chance of tipping if someone leaned on it. 1/4" glass is out of the question. 3/8" or 1/2" will be a bit more stable but still a problem with that much over hang. Tempered is not required but if you are going to do it, go with tempered to avoid a serious accident.

Thanks for the response.

I inherited the table stand, so I am unsure as to the previous thickness of glass.

I just wanted to point out, it is a coffee table adn sits quite low to the ground, so I am not worried about someone leaning on it that much.

I would like to try and avoid tempered if possible, because of the cost it adds.

Glass costs more than many people realize. Consider hunting up a used tabletop - it will likely cost far less than new glass.

The corners should be radiused. This adds to cost.

The edges should be beveled or sanded, then polished. Additional cost.

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The top must have enough mass it won't upset just from someone placing a stack of books on one end. It should be thick enough not to break if someone falls on it or bumps it off the pedestal. 1/2", I think. This kind of glass table is prone to accidents.

I have found over the years that if a glass table breaks it is easier to buy a new one as the replacement glass is usaully more than the new table

I broke a large piece of glass that was *inset* into my coffee table. The 1/4" beveled replacement was cut to order and didn't cost too much - $30 or $40 as I recall.

Your situation is a bit different - since the edge of the glass is exposed, then order something thicker. If you have kids around, you might want to consider tempered glass because it withstands a lot more abuse and shouldn't injure anyone if it breaks. The extra cost would be worth it.

I recently replaced an 80" high sidelight with a custom-made tempered double-pane and it cost just over a hundred bucks. I wouldn't think a coffee table top would be very expensive, but I'm no glass expert. :)

Good luck!

Hello, I am also trying to get a piece of replacement glass. Where do you go/call to get your custom piece made?

Go to the Yellow Pages and look under "Glass-Automobile, Plate & Window".

Thank you for the search tip. I found a great place today to get the glass custom cut for my coffee table. The total cost was $41.00 and I pick it up tomorrow.

Hi

Could you let me know the place you got the glass from. I am looking for a table top as well. Am located in NYC.

Thanks

Anuraag

3/8 would be better don,t waste your money on tempered but isn,t that thing going to tip over with that base?