Custom glass is one of the most versatile products a glazier offers. From glass table tops and shelves to cabinet inserts, room dividers, and decorative panels, glass cut to size opens up a wide range of home and commercial applications. Here is what to know before ordering custom glass in Tauranga.
Glass Table Tops
A glass table top is one of the most common custom glass requests we receive. Glass table tops are used for:
- Protecting timber or decorative table surfaces, a clear glass panel sits on top and protects the surface underneath from scratches, heat, and moisture.
- As the primary table surface, frameless glass on trestle legs or a metal base for a modern, minimal look.
- Replacement tops for existing table frames where the original top has been damaged.
Standard glass table tops use clear toughened safety glass. When toughened glass breaks it shatters into small blunt pieces rather than large sharp shards, significantly safer than standard float glass in a household setting.
What Thickness of Glass Do I Need?
Glass thickness for table tops depends on the size of the panel and whether it is supported around the edges or spanning a gap:
- Up to 600mm x 600mm: 6mm toughened glass is typically sufficient for a fully supported surface.
- 600mm to 1200mm: 8mm or 10mm toughened glass is recommended for larger panels.
- Over 1200mm or spanning an unsupported gap: 10mm or 12mm toughened glass. For very large panels a structural calculation may be required.
- Shelf glass: 6mm for short spans, 8mm to 10mm for longer spans depending on load.
We will advise on the correct thickness at the quote stage based on your specific application.
Edge Finishes
The edge finish on custom glass significantly affects the finished look. Options include:
- Flat polish, the most common finish. The cut edge is ground flat and polished smooth. Clean, contemporary, and safe to handle.
- Bevelled edge, the edge is ground at an angle creating a decorative chamfer. Traditional and decorative. Popular on mirrors and display shelving.
- Pencil polish, a slightly rounded edge profile. Softer look than flat polish.
- Raw cut, unfinished edge. Only appropriate where the edge will be concealed in a frame or channel. Not safe for exposed applications.
Can I Get Tinted or Patterned Glass?
Yes. Custom glass is available in a range of tints and finishes:
- Clear, standard option. Maximum light transmission.
- Grey or bronze tint, reduces light transmission and glare. Popular for office partitions and large windows.
- Frosted, sandblasted or acid-etched finish for privacy. Available in full panel or partial patterns.
- Low-iron glass, standard glass has a slight green tint visible on the edges. Low-iron glass is optically clear with no green cast. Used for high-end applications where colour accuracy matters.
What Other Custom Glass Products Are Available?
Beyond table tops and shelves, custom glass cutting and fabrication, custom glass, covers:
- Cabinet glass, replacement or new glass panels for display cabinets, kitchen cabinet doors, and furniture inserts.
- Room dividers, frameless or framed glass panels used to divide open-plan living spaces without blocking light.
- Glass splashbacks, cut to the exact dimensions of your kitchen or bathroom.
- Decorative panels, glass cut to custom shapes for architectural and decorative applications.
- Reptile enclosure glass, we supply glass panels cut to size for custom reptile and vivarium enclosures.
What Does Custom Glass Cost in Tauranga?
Custom glass is priced by size and specification. As a general guide:
- Standard toughened glass table top (up to 1200mm x 800mm): from $150 to $400 depending on thickness and edge finish.
- Large format panels (over 1200mm): priced individually.
- Flat polish edge finish: included in standard pricing.
- Bevelled or decorative edge: add $20 to $50 per linear metre.
Delivery and installation available across Tauranga and surrounding areas, or collect from our workshop.
