Care Guide: Glass Table TopsUpdated 2 hours ago

Caring for your glass table top

Glass table tops bring a clean, elegant look to outdoor dining and occasional tables. Outdoor glass is toughened safety glass, making it significantly stronger than standard glass, but it does benefit from regular cleaning and careful handling to keep it looking its best and to ensure it remains safe in use.

Understanding toughened safety glass

All our outdoor glass table tops are made from toughened safety glass. This type of glass is heat-treated during manufacture to make it several times stronger than ordinary glass and much more resistant to thermal shock and everyday impacts. In the rare event that toughened glass does break, it shatters into small, relatively blunt fragments rather than large sharp shards — significantly reducing the risk of injury.

Despite its strength, toughened glass can still be broken by a sharp, concentrated impact — particularly at the edges, which are the most vulnerable point. It can also shatter spontaneously in rare circumstances due to nickel sulphide inclusions — tiny impurities that can occur naturally in the glass manufacturing process. This is extremely rare but is an inherent characteristic of toughened glass and is not a product defect.

Please note: Spontaneous breakage due to nickel sulphide inclusions is an inherent characteristic of toughened safety glass and is not covered under guarantee. We recommend removing glass tops and storing them safely during winter months to minimise the risk of breakage from frost, ice, or wind-blown debris.

Routine cleaning

Clean glass table tops regularly with warm soapy water and a soft cloth or sponge. Follow with a clean, lint-free glass polishing cloth to buff to a streak-free finish. For best results, use circular motions with the polishing cloth and finish with straight strokes in one direction.

For particularly stubborn water marks, limescale deposits, or dried-on residue, a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water is highly effective. Apply with a soft cloth, leave for a minute or two, then buff clean with a dry lint-free cloth.

Important: Do not use abrasive cloths, scourers, or abrasive cleaning products on glass surfaces. These will leave fine scratches that dull the surface and become more visible over time. Do not use bleach-based or solvent-based cleaners.

Pollen, algae, and weather build-up

Glass left outdoors will accumulate dust, pollen, algae, and mineral deposits from rainwater over time, particularly during spring and summer. Regular cleaning prevents this from becoming a stubborn problem. If algae or limescale has built up over winter, a specialist outdoor glass cleaner or a white vinegar solution will usually restore clarity without the need for abrasive products.

Using placemats and coasters

Always use placemats and coasters on glass table tops. Although toughened glass is heat-resistant to a degree, direct contact with very hot dishes or cookware can cause thermal stress. Coasters protect against heat marks, condensation rings, and scratches from the bases of ceramics and glassware. Remove placemats and coasters when the table is not in use — leaving them in place for extended periods in damp conditions can cause mould or marks on the glass surface underneath.

Safety — handling and use

Glass table tops should always be handled with care. When cleaning or repositioning the glass, use both hands and keep the glass as flat as possible. Never apply pressure to the centre of the glass from underneath. Avoid dragging hard or sharp objects across the surface, and do not place extremely heavy concentrated loads on the glass.

The edges of toughened glass table tops are polished but should still be treated with care. Avoid knocking the edges against hard surfaces when lifting or repositioning — edge impacts are the most common cause of glass breakage.

Important: If a glass table top becomes chipped or cracked, stop using it immediately. A chipped or cracked glass top is significantly weaker and can shatter unexpectedly. Contact our customer care team for replacement glass options for your specific table.

Transporting and storing glass

When moving a glass table top, always carry it vertically — upright on its edge — rather than horizontally flat. Carrying glass flat places stress across the entire panel and significantly increases the risk of breakage. Use both hands and keep your grip away from the edges where possible.

When storing glass, place it flat on a soft, padded surface — never directly on a hard floor. If storing multiple glass panels together, separate them with a soft cloth or foam sheet to prevent surface scratching. Store in a dry, sheltered location away from risk of items falling onto the glass.

What to avoid

✕Don't use abrasive cloths, scourers, or abrasive cleaners on the surface

✕Don't knock or impact the edges — the most vulnerable point of toughened glass

✕Don't drag sharp or hard objects across the surface

✕Don't carry glass flat — always transport vertically on its edge

✕Don't continue using a chipped or cracked glass top — replace immediately

✕Don't leave glass outdoors over winter without protection

Seasonal maintenance checklist

Work through this at the start of each season to keep your glass table top in top condition.

Clean with warm soapy water and buff to a streak-free finish with a lint-free cloth
Treat any limescale, algae, or mineral deposits with a white vinegar solution
Inspect the glass carefully for any chips, cracks, or edge damage — replace if any are found
Check that the glass sits securely on its frame supports with no movement or rocking
Check placemats and coasters are available and in good condition for the season ahead

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