Glass tabletops are an elegant addition to a room, effortlessly creating a sleek, contemporary look. 

What’s more, even though they’re made of glass, they are also surprisingly robust! 

Glass tabletops have very little risk of breaking. In fact, they are actually precisely engineered to be supremely strong and safe; designed to resist impacts and, if broken, shatter into small granular pieces rather than dangerous shards.

As a result, they’re an extremely popular feature piece in modern homes. 

So, if you’re considering investing in a new glass tabletop, but are concerned about the risk of them breaking or scratching, keep reading. 

Below, Abbey Glass’s expert glaziers have shared their guide to glass tabletops and their risks of damage or scratching. 

Are glass tabletops prone to scratching?

If you invest in a good quality glass tabletop, scratching is manageable with proper care, but it’s important to understand how toughened glass behaves.

Glass tabletops use toughened glass (also known as tempered glass), which is precisely engineered for safety and impact resistance. If it does break, it shatters into small, relatively harmless pieces rather than dangerous shards.

However, toughened glass has a softer surface than regular float glass, which means it’s actually more susceptible to scratching. While it won’t break easily, sharp or abrasive objects dragged across the surface can leave visible marks more readily than on untreated glass.

With careful everyday use and basic protective measures, you can keep your glass tabletop looking pristine for years.

The practical benefits of glass tabletops

Glass tabletops are a fantastic aesthetic choice, offering a modern style, being compatible with almost any interior design style, and effectively reflecting light (helping to make the room feel larger, and more open). 

Plus, in terms of their durability benefits, glass table tops are: 

• Generally low maintenance 
• Have a long predicted lifespan 
• Are able to withstand almost all daily activities
• Low risk of scratching, marking or scuffing (with low-moderate wear) 
• Quick and easy to clean 
• Doesn’t absorb spills, stain or discolour (unlike wooden furniture) 
• Complete resistance to moisture damage 
• Doesn’t fade or warp (unlike other materials) 

How to protect a glass tabletop

Although scratches aren’t common if you use your table carefully, there are some additional precautions that you take to further minimise the risks of damage. 

These include: 

• Using coasters and placemats for crockery 
• Avoiding dragging or sliding objects across the table’s surface
• Regularly cleaning the table (particularly ensuring dust and debris are removed promptly) 
• Adding protective felt pads to the bottom of any objects that are kept on the table long-term 

Can scratches on glass tabletops be repaired?

Depending on their depth, scratches can often be improved – or even removed altogether – with some targeted methods. 

If you spot a light scratch on your tabletop, try the following methods: 

• Polishing the surface, using a specialist glass polishing compound
• Applying a non-abrasive toothpaste to the scratch, and rubbing it in a circular motion (using a microfibre cloth) 

Or, for a deeper scratch, you could invest in either professional polishing or specialist repair services. The specialists will then be able to advise you on whether the scratch can be fixed, or whether the scratch can’t be fixed without replacing the panel. 

At Abbey Glass, we are leading glaziers, with over 50 years’ experience in the industry. 

We offer a huge variety of products and services, including premium quality glass table tops. To find out more about our extensive product range, or to speak to one of our experts, don’t hesitate to get in touch.