Glass table tops are one of the simplest ways to refresh your furniture, protect a timber or stone table, or replace a damaged piece entirely. Whether you’re updating a dining table in your home or outfitting a café in the Illawarra, the right glass makes all the difference in terms of safety, durability, and style.

In this guide, we will walk you through the different glass types, thicknesses, edge finishes, prices and ordering steps, all tailored for Wollongong and the broader Illawarra region.

If you need a custom-cut glass tabletop, we supply, cut, and install it across Wollongong, Shellharbour, and Kiama with fast turnaround times.

What Are Glass Table Tops?

Glass table tops are custom-cut panels of glass designed to either sit on top of an existing table or act as the table’s main surface. Homeowners and businesses across Wollongong use them to protect timber, stone, and marble furniture, refresh older pieces, or replace a damaged table top entirely.

When used as a protective layer, the glass sits on top of your existing table and shields it from scratches, heat marks, spills, stains and everyday wear.

When used as the actual table top, the glass becomes the structural surface itself. This is common for outdoor furniture, modern dining settings, commercial tables and café fit-outs throughout the Illawarra.

Glass table tops come in different thicknesses, strengths and edge finishes, all chosen based on how the table will be used, how much weight it will carry, and the style you want to achieve. Whether you’re looking for a sleek, modern feel or a simple protective layer, custom-cut glass offers a durable, easy-to-clean and visually striking solution for almost any table.

Why Choose a Glass Table Top?

People across Wollongong use glass table tops for three common reasons.

Protection

A glass top protects timber, marble or stone furniture from scratches, heat marks, spills and general wear.

Replacement

If a tabletop cracks, chips, or becomes unsafe, custom glass provides a modern and durable replacement.

Style

Glass suits every home style in the Illawarra, from coastal to contemporary. Low-iron options keep colours bright and clear, especially over light timbers and stone.

If you’re unsure which option is right for you, we help homeowners choose the ideal thickness and finish for their table.

What Type of Glass Do You Need?

Your choice depends on whether the glass is taking weight or simply protecting an existing surface.

Glass that is used for table tops depends on a couple of factors;

1.   Is the glass the table top, the top itself and thus supporting weight?

2.   Is the glass for protection purposes and not supporting weight?

1. Glass That Serves as the Actual Table Top

If the glass is the structural top (like outdoor settings or café tables), it must be toughened glass.

Toughened glass is 4–5 times stronger than standard glass. It is heat-treated, impact-resistant and complies with Australian safety standards. If it breaks, it crumbles into small, safe pieces rather than sharp shards.

If the glass is the table top (such as those in outdoor table settings) and supports weight, it is required to be toughened glass for safety reasons. If it is toughened it is approximately 4-5 times stronger than regular float (annealed) glass. This will make it more suitable to hold weight on top of it. Additionally, toughened glass will shatter upon impact, making it much safer than float glass as it breaks into tiny cubes. That way it is less likely to cause significant injury. The minimum thickness glass which can be toughened is 4mm. Depending on the frame and manufacture of the original table, any thickness glass 4mm and above can be used.

Minimum thickness: 4 mm

Most popular thicknesses: 6 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm, depending on the frame size

We’ll guide you based on the size of the table, its weight capacity, and whether it will be used indoors or outdoors.

2. Glass Used to Protect an Existing Table

If the glass is sitting on top of a table to protect the surface, float (annealed) glass is usually a safe and cost-effective option.

We recommend a minimum of 6 mm for a stable, premium feel. Thicker options, such as 8 mm or 10 mm, are available for a more luxurious look.

If the glass for the table top is to protect an existing surface of a table, regular float (annealed) glass can be used. When fully supported underneath, it is fine to use float glass.

We at Haines Glass recommend using 6mm glass as a minimum thickness for this purpose. Any thicker glass can be purchased upon customer requests and aesthetic desires.

What type of glass is used for table tops?

Clear vs Low-Iron Glass

Standard glass has a slight green tint. For most tables, this is perfectly fine.

But if you’re placing the glass over:

• light timber
• white or pale stone
• artwork or decorative surfaces

… you’ll want low-iron (ultra-clear) glass. It has minimal tint and keeps the table’s colour visible and crisp. Homeowners in Wollongong often opt for low-iron glass to complement their coastal-style décor.

Edges of the glass table tops

Clean cut glass is not ideal for your glass table top. You have a few options to finish off the edging, which include but are not limited to:

Arrised edging – simply takes the sharp edge off the glass. It is not consistent all the way around the edges. It is usually used to take the edges of for glass installation (rather than for table tops).

Polished – or flat polished is usually completed with a machine and provides a 1-2mm 45 degree angle or bevel that is smooth and simply finishes off the edges.

Bevelled – is a polish or chamfer which provides a minimum 45 degree angle and can vary in angle based on the length and thickness required.

Circular Glass Table Tops

Circular tops follow the same rules as rectangular ones, but they require more precision to cut and polish; because of this, circular and oval pieces often cost slightly more.

We produce:

• circular
• oval
• rounded-corner square
• custom-shaped designs

Perfect for coastal kitchens, café settings and modern living rooms.

Can Glass Table Tops Be Cut Down?

It depends on the type of glass.

• Toughened glass: Cannot be cut, drilled or trimmed once manufactured. Attempting to alter it will cause it to shatter.
• Float (annealed) glass: It can usually be trimmed or cut down, provided it is fully supported. This option is common when homeowners need to resize a protective top.

If you’re unsure which you have, we can identify it for you.

Recycling Glass Table Tops in Wollongong

Both toughened and float glass can be recycled. Local recyclers may charge a small fee, and each council has different rules. Check Wollongong City Council’s recycling guidelines or ask us for advice.

How to Order a Custom Glass Table Top in Wollongong

We make the process simple.

Step 1: Send measurements

A photo and rough measurements are enough to start. We’ll confirm thickness and options.

Step 2: Receive a fast quote

Quotes are based on size, thickness, glass type and edge finish.

Step 3: We cut your glass locally

We work with precision cutting and toughening for maximum safety.

Step 4: Delivery or installation

We service Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and surrounding suburbs.

If you prefer pickup, that’s fine too.

How Much Does a Glass Table Top Cost?

Pricing varies, but here are typical ranges in the Illawarra:

• Float glass protective tops: usually the most economical
• Toughened glass: costs more due to heat-treating and safety compliance
• Low-iron glass: approximately 20–30 per cent higher than clear float
• Circular or bevelled options: slightly higher due to the labour-intensive cutting and polishing

If this is for a dining table, outdoor table or commercial setting, we can recommend the right thickness and provide an exact quote.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you deliver glass table tops in Wollongong?

Yes. We deliver and install across the Illawarra.

How long does it take to make a toughened glass top?

Typically, it takes a few business days, depending on the project’s size and complexity.

Can you cut glass to size for outdoor tables?

Yes. We supply toughened glass suitable for outdoor conditions and coastal climates.

Do you install on-site?

Yes. We can safely fit the glass to your table frame.

Can you match an existing broken table top?

Absolutely. A photo and the remaining fragments are usually enough.

Ready to order your glass table top in Wollongong?

If you want a custom-cut glass tabletop for your home, business, or café, we supply, cut, and install throughout Wollongong and the Illawarra.

Whether you need toughened glass, low-iron glass, a circular design or a protective layer for a timber table, we can help.

Get a fast quote anytime – send your measurements or a quick photo.