Furniture makers, kitchen fitters and gym installers need glass that is the right thickness, has the right edge finish and is safe for the way it is fixed. Ordering too thin a table top or a mirror without safety backing is a common source of callbacks and damaged silvering.
At The Glass Shop Online we supply cut-to-size toughened glass and mirrors for tabletops, splashbacks, furniture and gym installations. We process polished safety edges, rounded corners and safety-backed mirrors to the sizes you need.
Safe Thickness for Tabletops vs Splashbacks
Tabletops
- Fully supported on an existing wooden or rattan table — 6 mm is often adequate (size dependent)
- Glass acting as the table top, supported only at the legs — 10 mm minimum; some customers go up to 19 mm for appearance and weight
Splashbacks are almost always 6 mm — either toughened glass or 6 mm mirror. We also offer 6 mm toughened mirror if required for additional safety requirements.
When Safety Backing Is Essential for Mirrors
If the mirror is not fixed or adhered directly to a solid surface (wall, wardrobe door, etc.), it should be safety-backed. Plug-and-screw fixings in particular require safety backing so that if the glass breaks the pieces are held.
Preferred Edge Finishes
Polished safety edges are the minimum for furniture work. Bevelled edges are available on request for a more decorative finish. Rounded corners are often specified on tabletops where the edge height could be near a child’s head height — a simple safety detail that reduces injury risk.
Gym Mirror Fixings
The most common failure mode is using the wrong mirror adhesive. Incorrect adhesives can react with the silvering and cause damage over time. Always use a mirror-safe adhesive specified for the purpose. In practice we rarely see failures reported when the correct adhesive and fixing method are used.
Size Limits Worth Highlighting
- Over 3 m in one direction — do not offer 4 mm
- Over approximately 2.5 m² overall — check thickness carefully
- Tinted mirrors — maximum sheet size is typically 3200 × 2500 mm in 6 mm only (no other thicknesses available due to sheet size)
Always confirm size against application before ordering.
What We Supply for Furniture & Kitchen Trade
| Application | Typical Glass | Notes for Trade |
|---|---|---|
| Fully supported tabletop | 6 mm toughened (size dependent) | Sitting on existing surface. |
| Free-standing / leg-supported tabletop | 10 mm min (up to 19 mm) | Glass is the structural top. |
| Splashback | 6 mm toughened or 6 mm mirror | Standard for kitchens. We also offer 6 mm toughened mirror where additional safety is required. |
| Mirror (plug & screw) | Safety-backed mirror | Required if not fully adhered to solid surface. |
| Gym / wall mirrors | Safety-backed or toughened as specified | Use mirror-safe adhesive only. |
How We Support Furniture & Kitchen Trade
We cut toughened glass and mirrors to exact size with polished safety edges, optional bevels and rounded corners. Safety-backed mirrors are available for plug-and-screw installations. Send the application, sizes and edge requirements and we will confirm the correct specification.
Send us the application, sizes, edge finish and whether safety backing is required. We will confirm the correct specification and provide a trade quote.
Questions furniture and kitchen fitters still ask
Is 6 mm enough for a glass table top?
If the glass is fully supported on an existing surface, 6 mm is often fine (subject to size). If the glass itself is the table top and only supported at the legs, use 10 mm minimum.
Do all mirrors need safety backing?
No. If the mirror is fully adhered to a solid surface such as a wall or wardrobe door, safety backing is not always required. Plug-and-screw fixings should use safety-backed mirror.
What edge finish should I specify?
Polished safety edges as a minimum. Bevelled edges and rounded corners are available where the design or safety requires them.
What size limits apply to tinted mirrors?
Tinted mirrors are typically limited to 3200 × 2500 mm in 6 mm only, because of available sheet size. Always check before ordering large tinted panels.