Guide · Glass table tops
Glass table top thickness: 6mm, 8mm, 10mm or 12mm?
How to choose the thickness of a glass table top or table protector, depending on whether the glass protects a table or is the table.
The one question that decides the thickness: is the glass protecting a table, or is the glass the table?
Protecting a table: 6mm
If the glass lies flat on an existing timber or stone top, the table underneath carries the weight. The glass only needs to resist knocks and heat, and 6mm toughened glass does that while keeping the weight down. Use small clear bumpers under the glass so it does not slide and moisture does not get trapped.
Small tables on a frame: 8mm
Coffee tables, side tables and glass inserts where the glass is supported around its edges or across a solid frame. 8mm is stiff enough for a small span and lighter to lift than 10mm.
The glass is the table: 10mm
A dining table on a pedestal or trestle base, or a desk on four legs, where the glass spans open space between supports. 10mm is the usual choice. It sits securely on bumpers and does not flex noticeably over a normal base.
Big tables and wide bases: 12mm
Large dining and meeting tables, and bases where the supports are far apart or the glass overhangs a long way. 12mm also looks heavier and more substantial at the edge.
Weight to plan for
| Thickness | Per m² | 1800 × 900mm top | 1200mm round |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6mm | 15kg | about 24kg | about 17kg |
| 8mm | 20kg | about 32kg | about 23kg |
| 10mm | 25kg | about 41kg | about 28kg |
| 12mm | 30kg | about 49kg | about 34kg |
Anything over about 25kg is a two-person lift. Plan the route into the house before delivery day.
Why toughening is selected by default
Toughened glass is several times stronger than ordinary glass and handles heat better. If it does break, it breaks into small, blunt pieces instead of long sharp shards. For a surface people eat at and lean on, we strongly recommend it, so it is ticked by default.
Clear, low iron or grey?
Clear glass has a green tint that shows at the edge and gets stronger as the glass gets thicker. Over white or pale timber, low iron glass keeps the colour underneath true. Grey tinted glass softens what is underneath and suits black and metal bases.