Choosing the thickness of a glass table top is not an aesthetic matter: insufficient thickness for the size and expected use can cause the piece to flex or even break in normal use.
Indicative thickness by size
As a general reference, small tops supported over their whole surface (side table, desk protector) may need only 6-8 mm. For medium-sized dining tables with perimeter support, 10-12 mm is recommended. For large pieces, supported only at certain points (central legs, point supports) instead of continuous support, it is wise to go up to 12-15 mm or more, and always in tempered glass.
Tempered: mandatory for furniture
Tempered glass is more impact-resistant than standard annealed glass, and if it does break it does so into small fragments without sharp edges, much safer for everyday domestic furniture. Non-tempered glass should not be quoted for table tops, even if it is cheaper.
Supports: suction cups, pads or perimeter frame
The support system also determines the thickness needed: simple point-support pads demand more thickness than a continuous perimeter frame that spreads the weight evenly along the whole edge of the piece.
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