Choosing the Right Glass Thickness for Your Table Top
Choosing the Right Glass Thickness for Your Table Top (2025 Guide)
Updated · Expert Tips by Glass Helper UK
Picking the correct glass thickness for your table top is one of the most important safety and design choices.
Too thin, and the panel may flex under weight; too thick, and the look feels bulky or heavy.
This 2025 guide explains how to choose the right thickness for custom glass table tops that balance beauty, strength, and practicality.
1) Why Glass Thickness Matters
Thickness directly affects durability, weight capacity, and edge clarity. Thicker glass offers better rigidity and a deeper edge shine, while thinner glass looks lighter but requires proper support.
According to Pilkington UK, even minor thickness differences can change structural behaviour in furniture applications.
2) Recommended Thickness by Table Type
The table below shows the most common choices used by UK glass fabricators in 2025:
| Table Type | Recommended Glass Thickness | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee Table Top | 6 mm – 8 mm Toughened Glass | Lightweight yet strong for small spans. |
| Dining Table Top | 10 mm – 12 mm Toughened Glass | Resists impacts and heat from serving dishes. |
| Office Desk or Work Table | 10 mm Tempered or Laminated Glass | Ensures stiffness and scratch resistance. |
| Glass Overlay (Protective Top) | 4 mm – 6 mm Toughened Glass | Ideal for protecting wooden surfaces. |
Source: ToughGlaze UK ·
Guardian Glass Europe
3) Always Use Tempered or Laminated Safety Glass
For any glass table thicker than 6 mm, UK regulations recommend toughened (tempered) safety glass certified to
BS EN 12150 standard.
Laminated glass (BS EN 14449) is used where extra safety or sound control is needed.
4) Size, Support & Edge Design Factors
- Span Width: Wider spans need thicker glass for stiffness.
- Support Points: Tables with central bases require heavier glass to reduce flexing.
- Edge Finish: Polished or bevelled edges reduce chipping risk and improve safety.
Learn more about edge styles in Glass Genius’s Edge Finish Guide.
5) Aesthetic and Weight Balance
Thicker glass (10 mm–12 mm) produces a premium, crystal-clear look and solid feel.
However, ultra-thick sheets add significant weight; ensure your table frame or base is rated for that load.
Glass Helper’s Custom Table Top Builder allows you to preview thickness and edge combinations before ordering.
It provides the ideal balance of strength, clarity, and design elegance.