Replacing Broken Coffee Table Glass: What You Need to Know
Accidents can happen, and when they do, especially in a home setting, itrsquo;s crucial to understand how to properly replace broken glass. If you need to order replacement glass for your coffee table that shattered, you might wonder if itrsquo;s the same type of glass used for shower doors. While the type of broken glass can be a factor, there are critical details to know before making any order.
What Kind of Glass is Your Coffee Table Made Of?
If your coffee table shattered like a pane of plate glass, it was made of a weaker material that is more likely to break into jagged pieces. However, if the glass looked like it was intentionally designed to be safer and less likely to cause injury, itrsquo;s probably tempered glass. Tempered glass is the same type of glass used for shower doors and sliding glass doors.
Tempered Glass: A Safer Choice
Tempered glass is designed to be shattered into small, safe 'pebble-like' shards rather than large, sharp pieces. This makes it much safer for use in areas where there is a risk of injury, such as shower doors and coffee tables. If you are replacing a coffee table top that shattered, it was likely tempered glass.
Where Should You Order the Glass From?
When you need to order a new piece of glass, it's best to directly contact a glass company rather than a shower door company. A glass company will be better equipped to handle the specific requirements of your situation, such as providing tempered glass of the correct thickness with customized bevels or edges. If you bring the broken piece to the glass company, they can measure and fit the new glass to your exact specifications.
Additionally, important considerations include the source of the glass. Tempered glass cannot be cut with normal tools, meaning it must be factory ordered to size. Furniture companies and shower door retailers typically order glass in bulk and sell it at lower prices. However, as a single-unit purchaser, you will likely pay a higher price when ordering a custom sheet of glass, but a reputable glass company can provide these services efficiently.
Options for Replacement Glass
While tempered glass is a safer and more durable option, another consideration is laminated glass. Commonly used in automotive windshields, laminated glass is even stronger than both plate and tempered glass. When it breaks, it stays in one piece, reducing the risk of injury and making cleanup much easier. However, it may be more expensive than standard tempered glass.
Summary
In summary, if you need to replace the glass on your coffee table, itrsquo;s important to know whether you are working with tempered or plate glass. For custom orders, itrsquo;s best to contact a full-service glass company that can provide the exact type of glass and custom fit you need. Whether you go with tempered glass or laminated glass, a glass company will be the most reliable source for your needs. Remember, safety should be your primary concern when dealing with glass replacement in your home.