Frequently asked questions.
Frequently asked questions.
Discover expert insights from NY Glass in New York!
Learn about our custom glass services, the types of glass installations we offer, warranty options, and tips for scheduling your project efficiently.
What should I know before ordering custom glass table tops from NY Glass?
Ordering a custom glass table top from NY Glass is an excellent way to protect your furniture, modernize your interior, and add a clean, elegant surface that is easy to maintain. But to get the best result, it’s important to understand the options you have in terms of glass type, thickness, edge finishes, shape, safety, and installation. Below is a detailed guide to everything you should consider before placing your order with NY Glass.
Quick navigation
- Why choose a glass table top in the first place?
- How to measure your table for a custom glass top
- Choosing the right glass type and thickness
- Edge finishes and why they matter
- Shapes, cutouts, and special designs
- Safety considerations for glass table tops
- The ordering process with NY Glass
- Care and maintenance tips
- Where to see more and request a quote
Why choose a glass table top in the first place?
A glass table top is more than just a decorative choice. It provides several practical and aesthetic benefits:
- Protection for your furniture: A properly sized glass top shields wood, stone, or other surfaces from scratches, water rings, heat marks, and everyday wear.
- Visual lightness: Glass makes a room feel more open and airy, especially on larger dining tables, coffee tables, or desks where solid surfaces might appear too heavy.
- Easy cleaning: Spills, fingerprints, and dust can be quickly wiped away, making glass ideal for busy households or commercial spaces.
- Versatile style: Whether your furniture is modern, classic, or industrial, glass can blend in and highlight the design rather than compete with it.
Working with NY Glass allows you to turn these advantages into a tailored solution: you get a glass table top that fits your piece perfectly, looks intentional, and is built for long-term durability.
How to measure your table for a custom glass top
Accurate measurements are the foundation of a successful glass table top order. Before NY Glass fabricates anything, you’ll need to provide precise dimensions or schedule a professional measurement.
For most tables, you should measure:
- Length and width (for rectangular or square tables).
- Diameter (for round tables).
- Depth and overall profile if the table has irregular or organic shapes.
You also need to decide whether you want the glass to:
- Match the exact size of the tabletop.
- Overhang slightly (a common choice for dining tables, usually 1/2″–1″ beyond the edge, depending on design and safety preferences).
- Sit inside a frame or recessed area (here, clearance is important so the glass can be placed and removed without force).
If your table has curves or a custom shape, NY Glass can work from a paper or cardboard template. This is especially helpful for vintage furniture, irregular stone tops, or unique designer pieces where straight-line measurements alone are not enough.
Choosing the right glass type and thickness
Selecting the right glass type and thickness is crucial for both safety and aesthetics. NY Glass commonly recommends:
- 1/4″ (6 mm) glass for small side tables, nightstands, or surfaces that are mostly decorative and not heavily loaded.
- 3/8″ (10 mm) glass for standard coffee tables, desks, and everyday surfaces where strength and a more substantial look are important.
- 1/2″ (12 mm) glass for large dining tables or tops that will span wider areas without support and may carry heavier loads.
In terms of glass type, you can choose:
- Clear annealed glass for general use where safety regulations don’t require tempering.
- Tempered safety glass where higher impact resistance and safety are priorities (for example, in busy households, commercial spaces, or where the top is fully exposed and not resting on a solid base).
- Low-iron (ultra-clear) glass when you want to reduce the slight green tint of standard glass and emphasize the true color of the table beneath.
- Tinted glass (gray, bronze, etc.) if you want a more dramatic, design-forward appearance.
NY Glass can help you match glass thickness and type to the size of your table, how it will be used, and what visual effect you want to achieve.
Edge finishes and why they matter
The edge finish of a glass table top has a major impact on both safety and style. Common options include:
- Flat polished edge: The edge is ground and polished flat, resulting in a clean, modern look. This is one of the most popular choices for contemporary furniture.
- Pencil polished edge: The edge is slightly rounded and polished, providing a softer profile that feels comfortable to the touch and looks sleek.
- Beveled edge: The edge slopes inward at an angle, creating a decorative border. Beveled edges are often chosen for more traditional interiors or formal dining tables.
- Seamed edge: The sharpness is removed, but the edge is not fully polished. This is usually used for glass that is hidden inside a frame or not exposed, rather than for visible table tops.
A properly finished edge makes the glass safer to handle, prevents small chips from everyday contact, and enhances the overall appearance of the table. NY Glass can advise which edge profile fits your furniture style and how you plan to use the piece.
Shapes, cutouts, and special designs
Custom glass table tops are not limited to simple rectangles or circles. NY Glass can produce a variety of shapes and special details, such as:
- Rounded corners to reduce sharp points and make the table safer, especially in homes with children or tight walkways.
- Ovals, racetracks, and other soft shapes that echo the design of the underlying table.
- Cutouts for umbrella holes, cable management, or built-in hardware.
- Templates for complex or organic shapes, where the glass must follow an existing contour exactly.
These details allow you to match the character of unique furniture pieces while ensuring that the glass top looks like it belongs, not like an afterthought.
Safety considerations for glass table tops
Glass can be both beautiful and safe when specified correctly. When you order from NY Glass, safety is always part of the conversation. Important considerations include:
- Support and contact points: The glass should rest on a stable, level surface, using pads or bumpers where appropriate to avoid direct glass-to-wood or glass-to-metal contact.
- Overhang limits: Excessive overhang without proper support can create leverage points where the glass is more vulnerable to stress; NY Glass helps you keep overhang within safe limits.
- Tempering: In higher-risk environments or for larger tops with more exposure, tempered safety glass is recommended because it is stronger and designed to break into small, less dangerous pieces.
- Corner and edge design: Rounded corners or softer edge profiles are safer in tight spaces and around children or pets.
By addressing these aspects during the design phase, you end up with a glass table top that not only looks elegant but also works safely in everyday life.
The ordering process with NY Glass
The typical ordering process for glass table tops with NY Glass involves a few clear steps:
- Initial inquiry: You provide basic information about your table, including approximate size, shape, and how you intend to use the surface.
- Measurement/template: You supply accurate measurements or a physical template, or you schedule a professional measurement if needed.
- Specification selection: Together with a specialist, you choose glass thickness, type, edge finish, corner style, and any special cutouts.
- Quotation and approval: NY Glass prepares a personalized quote that reflects all details. Once approved, your table top goes into production.
- Fabrication and inspection: The glass is cut, finished, and inspected for quality before being made ready for pickup, delivery, or installation.
- Delivery/installation: Depending on the scope, you either receive the glass for self-placement or arrange for professional installation and positioning.
Clear communication at each step ensures your custom glass top fits perfectly and matches your expectations.
Care and maintenance tips
Maintaining a glass table top is straightforward, but a few habits will keep it looking pristine:
- Use a soft microfiber cloth with a non-abrasive glass cleaner to remove smudges and dust regularly.
- Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive pads that can scratch the surface or dull polished edges.
- Use coasters and placemats to minimize scratches from plates, metal objects, or gritty particles.
- If the glass is placed on wood or metal, use clear bumpers or pads underneath to prevent movement and cushion contact.
With basic care, a high-quality glass top from NY Glass will stay clear and attractive for many years.
Where to see more and request a quote
If you’re ready to protect your furniture, refresh your interior, or create a new custom piece using glass table tops, NY Glass offers full support from measurement to fabrication and delivery. To explore more details, see examples, and request a personalized quote, visit the dedicated service page:
NY Glass – Glass Table Tops.
This page helps both potential clients and search engines understand that your table top solution comes from specialists in high-quality custom glass.




