Blog: Glass Furniture Tops

       Patterns are required for ovals, and ornate edgework.  It is important to note whether your tables or shelves have a square edge or a round edge. Feeling confident and want to save money?

       You can take measurements yourself! If your square or rectangular tables are rounded at the corners, you can take a piece of paper and the side edge of a pencil to make an impression of the corner you need. Bring this impression in for us to duplicate along with your measurements and specifications.

       Glass tops and glass shelves come in varying thicknesses. Usually 1/4" is suitable when you are

covering a wood or metal table, desk, dresser, or night stand.  If you have a metal or wood base for which the glass is the only top, you may need to increase the thickness to 3/8" or 1/2" (depending on the size and purpose). 

       Most glass shelves and tops are made of regular, clear, annealed glass with polished edges. Heavier glass tops are also available with beveled edges, where the glass tapers down to an inch at the edges. To hold more weight, or in areas where safety is a concern, you may need to temper the glass (a heat treating process that results in the glass shattering into very small pieces, should it break). Depending on the type and shape of the

Blog: Glass Furniture Tops

       Patterns are required for ovals, and ornate edgework.  It is important to note whether your tables or shelves have a square edge or a round edge. Feeling confident and want to save money?

       You can take measurements yourself! If your square or rectangular tables are rounded at the corners, you can take a piece of paper and the side edge of a pencil to make an impression of the corner you need. Bring this impression in for us to duplicate along with your measurements and specifications.

       Glass tops and glass shelves come in varying thicknesses. Usually 1/4" is suitable when you are

covering a wood or metal table, desk, dresser, or night stand.  If you have a metal or wood base for which the glass is the only top, you may need to increase the thickness to 3/8" or 1/2" (depending on the size and purpose). 

       Most glass shelves and tops are made of regular, clear, annealed glass with polished edges. Heavier glass tops are also available with beveled edges, where the glass tapers down to an inch at the edges. To hold more weight, or in areas where safety is a concern, you may need to temper the glass (a heat treating process that results in the glass shattering into very small pieces, should it break). Depending on the type and shape of the

glass needed, typical lead time can be anywhere from a day to 2 weeks. 

Donna Braden 

President and Glass Specialist

Blog: Shower Doors vs. Shower Curtains

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Shower Curtains vs. Shower Doors, January 29, 2015

       The advantages and disadvantages of shower curtains or shower doors go beyond their outward appearance. While they contribute greatly to the overall look of your bathroom, they will also have an effect on the function. Some of the factors to take into consideration are your personal maintenance preferences, budget, and long term plans.

       If you want your bathroom to look neater when house guests visit, the shower curtain can be closed to hide the bath tub or left open to show off the brilliantly gleaming porcelain. Unfortunately, shower curtains need to be thoroughly maintained in order to prevent mold and mildew from breeding on their surface.

       When carelessly left outside of the bathtub, shower curtains can also drip on the floor and make a mess. They also aren’t considered to be as innovative or as fashionable in a modern bathroom as shower doors.       Studies also show that vinyl shower curtains that contain polyvinyl chloride (PVC) contain chemicals that are extremely detrimental towards human health and the environment. New vinyl curtains release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), DEHP (a suspected carcinogen), and organotins into the air. These toxins can cause headaches, nausea, respiratory problems, and damage to the kidneys, liver, and central        

nervous system. Developing young children are especially sensitive to these chemicals.

       While many major retailers have completely discontinued selling PVC curtains, some still stock them alongside non PVC alternatives. It is best to check the label or ask an employee before purchasing a shower curtain from any store.

       Non-PVC curtains can be made out of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) which is healthier, but still made out of polycarbonate based plastic and detrimental towards the environment. Fabric curtains are an even better material. They are machine washable, so maintenance is fairly easy. Hemp is an ideal material for fabric shower curtains, for it is naturally resistant to mold and mildew. Glass doors are also a good alternative to PVC curtains.

       There are many advantages associated with having a shower door. Only safety tempered or laminated glass is used in the manufacture allowing you many years of worry free durability with minimal maintenance.

       This makes up for the added expense of replacing shower curtains. Shower doors can be kept looking new for years to come by applying a protective coating to the glass making it easier to clean. It is also recommended that a squeegee be used after each use. Should they become soiled from hard water or scale buildup a bath sponge with warm soapy water can be used.Today there are more choices than ever before in selecting the right shower enclosure, with a wide spectrum of sizes, colors, glass options and details to match any style and décor.

       Because the bathroom is one of your home’s most intimate rooms every detail in it should be beautiful. The shower door

has become the focal point and an integral part of the bathroom. Shower doors have become one of the most prominent fixtures you see when entering the bath, it seems logical that the enclosure look elegant and beautiful. The trend that is growing in popularity is the frameless series. This adds to the open style of the design and creates a feeling of space. It can be costly when designing the showerdoor, but, in the long term the investment will add to the equity in your home and make even the most functional room a true showcase.

       Don’t underestimate the importance of upgrading the bathroom; this room, like the kitchen is one of the most frequently used rooms in your home and adds much to its resale value. Custom designed units can be made to fit any opening. Consider your needs for an enclosure, a bath adjacent to the master bedroom, or another in a hallway or a unit that can be specially angle cut for a sloped ceiling application. There are bi-fold doors that are perfect for those tight spaces; or you may want mirrored panels for smaller baths to make the room appear larger.

       Framed or Frameless the shower enclosure gives a finished look to any bathroom and more often than not sets the tone for your decorating scheme. Your local distributor will work with you to enhance your own ideas. Start by measuring the space you have available. For the Do It Yourselfer illustrated step by step instructions are available that make installs easy to do, or the dealer can refer you to a professional installer.

       Whatever your decision, adding a shower or tub enclosure will add dramatic results…and create a truly personalized bathroom.

Century Bathworks