Glass-top patio dining tables are rising in popularity due to their elegant look and variety of designs. They work quite well with different types of outdoor furniture materials like wicker. However, like any other material, glass tops also come with some drawbacks. In this article, you will learn everything from benefits and drawbacks to maintenance and replacement of the glass tops.
Benefits of Glass Top Patio Dining Table
Luxurious Appearance
Glass tops are quite famous for their contemporary and elegant look. It fits perfectly with any kind of modern outdoor furniture. Even if your outdoors is surrounded by greenery, the glass top elevates the overall beauty with its elegance and style.
Luminescence
The luminescence of the glass is one of the major reasons why you need to put it on your outdoor table. The way glass distributes light and makes the whole area look more spacious can’t be experienced in any other material. Moreover, its ability to let light pass through also elevates the overall brightness of the atmosphere, making it perfect for partying outdoors.
It Can Be Combined with Various Materials
Glass patio dining table can be combined with many other materials to form a wide variety of designs. Whether it be wood, leather, chrome, high gloss, or any other material, the combination with glass would always look modern and attractive.
Works as a Protective Cover
In most glass top designs, the glass acts as a protective cover above the wood, which serves the purpose of elevating the visual appearance. A high-quality wood frame can be extremely costly to maintain, so placing a glass on top would add an additional layer of cover. In addition, food stains can more easily be removed from glass than wood, which is another reason why you need to put one on top of your wooden frame.
Versatility
Patio dining set with a glass top is as versatile as any other material in the market. You can find tinted glasses of various shapes and sizes to fit your furniture requirements. Their ability to be cut into any shape or form allows you to place them in traditional and vintage patio designs as well.
Durability
Glass might seem far less durable than materials such as wood or metal, but that is not true. All you need to do is to choose the right glass type according to your durability requirements. For instance, a tempered glass top is ideal for those who want to protect their table from harsh outdoor conditions. Tempered glass is manufactured at extremely high temperatures and then cooled to increase its durability while making it resistant to scratches and breakage.
Easy Maintenance
To clean the glass, just wipe it with a damp cloth regularly. A simple wipe will keep the dirt and food stains away. Moreover, you don’t need to worry about using cleaning products because the glass never tarnishes or fades over time.
Environment Friendly
Glass can be easily recycled, so if you break one, you don’t need to worry about it being treated with chemicals or anything else that is harmful to the environment.
Drawbacks of Glass Top Patio Dining Table
Needs Regular Maintenance
Although the glass top is quite easy to maintain, its regular maintenance is still a nuisance. Glass is prone to dust, and due to its luminescence, the dust can be pretty easily spotted. So, cleaning it regularly is not an option but a requirement. Moreover, make sure to clean it every time you dine to keep the shine of the glass intact.
Safety Issues
Glass is safe to use regardless of the place you are using it. However, it can be dangerous in a place where there are kids and pets roaming all day. The shattering of the glass and its sharp edges can be harmful to the soft skin. To tackle these issues, there is no option but to go for a tempered glass for additional safety.
Not Budget Friendly
One major reason why glass tops are not commonly seen in indoor and outdoor furniture is their affordability. Glass tops can be extremely expensive to get in the first place. If you are going for a more durable one, then its cost will be much higher.
Demands Equally Beautiful Flooring
When you place a glass top over your metal or wood dining table frame, the underside of the table becomes visible. So, you need to make sure that your floor is well-maintained to keep the design attractive.
The Patio Dining Table Glass Top Replacement
The glass top of a patio dining table can be easily replaced with another type of glass or a completely different material. In this section, you will learn about some great glass materials you can replace your current tabletop with.
Plexiglass
Plexiglass is 17 times stronger than regular glass, which makes it an ideal replacement if your current one is shattered. This type of glass can withstand shear force and resist harsh environmental conditions outdoors.
Frosted glass
To make your patio table look more exquisite, frosted glass is a great option. Not only does it replace your old glass, but it also elevates the overall beauty with its frosted texture.
Tempered glass
For safety and durability, tempered glass is the best replacement option for the patio. The best part of having it outdoors is that it doesn’t spread into sharp shards on breakage.
The installation process of the patio dining set with glass top depends on the type of frame you are using as a base. For aluminum frames, you can use nylon clips to keep the glass in place. You can also reuse your existing nylon clips if they are not damaged. Pick the right-sized clips to keep a tight grip on the glass with the frame. On the other hand, if you are placing the glass on an existing top, you can use silicone adhesive to keep it in place.
Maintaining a Glass-Top Patio Dining Table
As discussed earlier, glasses are extremely easy to maintain. Here are some of the tips that you can use to protect your glass-top patio dining table from environmental hazards
- Make sure to remove the umbrella in stormy conditions, as it increases the pressure on the glass.
- Use placemats to protect the glass from scratches
- Wipe the glass with a cloth daily.
