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How to Replace a Glass Tabletop

Contributor
By Heather Lindsay
eHow Contributing Writer
(0 Ratings)

Glass tabletops are made out of tempered glass. Though they are difficult to break, it does happen occasionally. It is important to get a replacement made out of tempered glass, since regular glass breaks into dangerous shards rather than little pebble-like pieces. Tempered glass needs to be cut to the pattern before it is tempered. This means that your glass table top will need to be made to order, unless the glass is already cut to your specifications.

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

    Glass Replacement

  1. Step 1

    Start with the shape that the replacement glass needs to be to fit in the frame of the table top. Rectangular, square, octagon, round and oval are common. The table frame also may have rounded corners, which you will need to specify when you order the replacement. If it has an odd shape, you will need to trace the exact shape and size of the pattern on a large sheet of heavy-duty paper.

  2. Step 2

    Decide on the kind of edge you would like. Some options are pencil edge, flat edge, beveled edge or waved edge. The edge can be left plain or finished with a texture such as glossy, polished or satin. The plain edge, or seamed edge, is less expensive and useful if the edges will be hidden in a frame. The seamed edge is sanded so that it is safer to handle.

  3. Step 3

    Use the measuring tape and make note of the exact dimensions of the area where the glass will rest. If there needs to be a hole in the glass, make note of where in the glass that hole should be cut.

  4. Step 4

    Make note of the thickness of the glass needed. Typically, the thickness is an inch or less.

  5. Step 5

    Glass is also available tinted in different shades, such as gray or bronze. Tinting increases the cost of the final piece.

  6. Step 6

    Contact a glass company and request a quote for a piece of tempered glass with the pattern and specifications for your tabletop.

Tips & Warnings
  • A 2009 quote for a rectangular tabletop of 1/4-inch clear glass with a seamed edge, 16 inches by 20 inches, with no holes drilled in it, is around $20 from an online glass company, not including shipping. The same glass tabletop with a pencil polish gloss edge could cost around $40, and with rounded corners it is around $50.
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