Fall Sale 50% off Now Thru Tuesday, March 15th
Skip to content

Help & Support

Frequently Asked Questions About Glass Table Tops

Buying custom glass isn't something most people do every day, so it's natural to have questions before placing an order. We've gathered answers to many of the topics our customers ask about most often, from measuring and selecting the right glass to shipping, fabrication options, and caring for your finished product. If you need additional assistance, our customer service team is always happy to help.

Ordering & Our In-Stock Glass Selection

What makes the Glass Tops Direct stock program different?

Glass Tops Direct offers an exceptionally broad stock program, with glass products available in a wide range of sizes, shapes, thicknesses, and edge styles. Our selection ranges from compact corner shelves and furniture protectors to large dining room and conference table tops. Because these products are stocked and ready to ship, customers can often get the glass they need without waiting for made-to-order fabrication.

Are the products shown on the website actually in stock?

Yes. Our stock program is one of our biggest strengths. Items listed as available are stocked for quick fulfillment and typically ship within 24–48 hours after an order is placed.

What shapes are available?

Our in-stock selection includes many of the most popular shapes for furniture and tabletop applications, including:

  • Round
  • Square
  • Rectangle
  • Oval
  • Boat Shape

Availability varies by size, thickness, and edge style, so customers can browse the website to find the combination that best fits their project.

Can I order replacement glass for my existing table?

Yes, provided the size and shape you need are available in our stock program. Measure your existing piece carefully and compare those dimensions with the sizes listed on our website. Our customer service team can also help you identify an appropriate in-stock option.

Do you offer custom glass?

Glass Tops Direct is primarily focused on our extensive in-stock glass program and does not offer one-off custom glass fabrication. Custom sizes, shapes, holes, cutouts, or other fabrication may be available for larger-quantity orders of 25 pieces or more. Please contact our sales team to discuss specifications, quantities, pricing, and lead times.

Measuring Your Glass

How do I measure for a replacement glass table top?

If you're replacing an existing piece, measure its length and width, or its diameter if the top is round. Then compare those measurements with the in-stock sizes offered on our website.

If you're ordering a protective glass cover for furniture, measure the outside dimensions of the surface you'd like to protect. Double-check all measurements before placing your order so you can select the closest appropriate stock size.

Should my glass cover be exactly the same size as my table?

In most cases, yes. A glass furniture protector generally looks and performs best when it closely matches the dimensions of the tabletop. Before ordering, compare your measurements carefully with the sizes available in our stock selection.

Choosing the Right Glass

What glass thickness should I choose?

The ideal thickness depends on how the glass will be used. General recommendations include:

  • 1/4" glass — furniture protectors and table covers
  • 3/8" glass — standalone table tops and larger furniture
  • 1/2" glass — dining tables, conference tables, and heavy-use applications
  • 3/4" glass — large designer tables and substantial pedestal bases

If you're uncertain which thickness is appropriate, our customer service team can help you choose from the available stock options.

Do I need tempered glass?

All glass items supplied by Glass Tops Direct are made of tempered glass for superior strength and safety. Tempered glass is significantly stronger than standard annealed glass and, if broken, is designed to fragment into small pieces rather than large, sharp shards.

Why does clear glass sometimes look slightly green?

Standard clear glass naturally has a subtle green tint because of the minerals used during manufacturing. This is normal throughout the glass industry.

Which edge finish should I choose?

Edge styles affect the appearance of the finished glass and allow you to coordinate the top with different furniture and design preferences. Depending on the product, Glass Tops Direct offers options such as:

  • Flat polished edge
  • Pencil polished edge
  • Beveled edge

Each provides a smooth, finished edge while creating a different visual effect. Check the individual product listing to see which edge styles are available for the size and shape you need.

Using Glass Table Tops

What's the difference between a glass table top and a glass table cover?

A glass table top serves as the primary tabletop and is supported by a base or frame. A glass table cover rests on top of an existing wood, stone, or metal surface to help protect it from scratches, spills, and everyday wear.

Can I place glass directly on a wood table?

Yes. Glass is commonly used to protect wood furniture while allowing the natural surface beneath it to remain visible. For additional protection and improved airflow, small clear bumpers can be placed between the glass and the furniture surface.

Can glass be used outdoors?

Yes. Tempered glass performs well on many patio and outdoor dining tables. Keeping the surface clean and protecting it from severe impacts will help maximize its lifespan.

Can I place hot dishes directly on a glass table?

Tempered glass tolerates everyday use well, but we recommend using trivets or hot pads beneath extremely hot cookware to help protect both the glass and any furniture beneath it.

Shipping & Delivery

How quickly will my order ship?

Items listed as available are truly in stock and typically ship within 24–48 hours after the order is placed. This fast turnaround is one of the major advantages of the Glass Tops Direct stock program.

Where does Glass Tops Direct deliver?

We ship nationwide throughout the contiguous United States, with free shipping on our glass products. Our broad stock selection makes it easy for customers across the country to order glass online and have it delivered directly.

How is glass protected during shipping?

Glass Tops Direct uses specialized protective packaging designed for shipping glass safely. Depending on the product, packaging may include protective materials, secure handling methods, and crating when necessary. Our goal is to ensure your glass arrives safely and securely.

What happens if an item is temporarily out of stock?

Our stock program is designed to keep a broad selection ready for shipment, but availability can occasionally change. If an item becomes unavailable, our team will provide updated availability information and can help you identify another in-stock option when appropriate.

Is it safe to order glass online?

Yes. Glass Tops Direct has extensive experience shipping tempered glass products nationwide. Each order is carefully packed using methods designed to protect the glass during transit.

Quality & Value

How do I know I'm receiving quality glass?

Glass Tops Direct supplies high-quality tempered glass designed for strength, safety, finish, and clarity. Our products are used by homeowners as well as furniture manufacturers, hospitality businesses, restaurants, designers, and other commercial customers.

Why are your prices so competitive?

Our large stock program and high-volume purchasing allow Glass Tops Direct to offer strong value without sacrificing quality. By stocking a broad selection of popular sizes and configurations, we can serve both individual consumers and commercial buyers efficiently.

Do you offer volume discounts?

Yes. Contractors, furniture manufacturers, retailers, designers, and other customers placing larger orders are encouraged to contact our sales team for quantity pricing and freight options. Orders requiring custom fabrication may also be considered when quantities are 25 pieces or more.

Still Have Questions?

We're here to help you find the right glass.

Our knowledgeable customer service team is happy to help you choose the right in-stock glass product, including the appropriate size, thickness, shape, and edge style. With a broad stock selection, fast 24–48 hour shipping, free delivery throughout the contiguous United States, and tempered glass across the product line, Glass Tops Direct makes it simple to find and order the glass you need. For larger-quantity custom requirements of 25 pieces or more, contact our sales team to discuss your project.