4 Tips to Prevent Damage to a Glass Tabletop

1. Think Carefully About Placement

Choosing the right location for your glass table can be the difference between an attractive piece of furniture and a shattered mess. Damage to glass tabletops often occurs when guests or children bump the table as they go by, so place your tables in low-traffic areas of your home. Glass tables in tucked-away corners or near windows create a sense of openness in the room without getting in the way.



When you place a glass table, don't forget to assess the area above the table. Heavy objects like potted plants, large books, or dishes can shatter a glass tabletop if they fall onto the table. Avoid placing the table under open shelving or near heavy wall-hanging decorations.

2. Don't Use the Wrong Cleaners

Fingerprints and dust have a tendency to stand out on glass tabletops, so you will likely find yourself cleaning the glass often. To keep your table looking like new, you will need to be sure you are cleaning it correctly.

Window cleaner is acceptable for cleaning glass countertops, although many homeowners prefer to use diluted vinegar as a simple and cheap alternative. Only use purified water, as tap water contains minerals that can cause scratches and streaking. A lint-free cloth is preferable for cleaning glass tabletops because paper towels and cotton cloths can cause streaks and scratches as well.

3. Add Bumpers to Prevent Sliding

Most glass tabletops simply rest on top of the table frame. Some glass tabletops have rubber bumpers or feet on the bottom to hold the glass to the frame more securely. If your glass tabletop doesn't have these bumpers on the bottom, you can resolve this problem by adding them yourself.

Most rubber table bumpers have an adhesive on the bottom to allow them to stick to the glass tabletop. Before you apply the bumpers, clean the bottom of the glass to remove dust and other small particles that may prevent the bumpers from sticking. Line the glass up against the frame and place several bumpers along the edges where the frame meets the glass.

4. Be Careful With Hot Dishes

Everyone enjoys piping hot food coming to their table, but getting in a hurry by placing hot dishes on your glass table can have dire consequences. The sudden temperature change from hot plates, pots, and pans can cause your tabletop to crack or shatter, even if it is made from tempered glass.

High heat is so dangerous for glass tabletops because glass is a poor conductor. The glass near the hot dish will heat and expand rapidly, but the rest of the glass will resist heat transfer and won't expand as quickly. This difference in expansion rates creates stress inside the glass that builds until it cracks or shatters.

Tables with glass tops have a unique elegance, but they are also more fragile than those made from other materials. Whether you are looking to better protect your current table or you are on the market for a new glass table, these tips will help you keep your table in new condition for years to come.

Call or visit us today at Palmetto Glass & Mirror for more useful info on glass tables and for all of your residential glass needs.