Toughened Glass & Mirrors for Furniture & Kitchens
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. The short answer for trade: Fully supported tabletops (sitting on an existing surface) are often fine in 6 mm subject to size. Where the glass is the table top and only supported at the legs, 10 mm is the practical minimum (some go to 19 mm for appearance and weight). Splashbacks are almost always 6 mm toughened or 6 mm mirror — we also offer 6 mm toughened mirror where additional safety is required. Mirrors that are plug-and-screwed rather than fully adhered to a solid surface should be safety-backed. Polished safety edges are the minimum edge finish; rounded corners are useful where edges are at child height. 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. Related Reading Cut-to-Size Mirrors Glass for Shop Fitters & Glaziers Need cut-to-size glass or mirrors for furniture or kitchens? Send us the application, sizes, edge finish and whether safety backing is required. We will confirm the correct specification and provide a trade quote. Open a Trade Account or Order Cut-to-Size