How do you attach a glass table top to a nontraditional base?

Question

My husband and I have had the idea to create a dining table by using a large barrel with a glass table top. How would you attach the glass to the barrel?

Answer 1

There are some things to consider.
The table top should be tempered glass and thick enough to be safe.

It should be in proportion to the base of the barrel--if it is to wide it will tip easily when leaned on, etc. If you want something that will seat more than 4 people, you should consider 2 barrels and an oval cut piece of glass. You will need to be sure that it is tall enough for chairs to fit under also.

I don't think you would want to see Gorilla Glue through the top of your table

Try getting some good clear tubing that is about the same size as a garden hose--it will need to be the thick walled type. It should be about 1/2 inch shorter than the circumference of the top of the barrel.

Cut a continuous slit in the tubing and slide the tubing onto the top rim of the barrel. This will cause a non slip surface for the top to rest on.

Securing it at the floor level to keep the barrel from tipping
is also something to think about and can be done with wooden braces attached at compass points to the barrel.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

If the barrel is stable and level, and the glass is good and thick, I'd just put some kind of pads (foam or felt) on the top of the barrel, then place the glass on it. The weight should hold it there. I used to have a coffee table like that.

Answer 3

HI! When my husband and I bought our coffee table and end tables they were "scratch and dent" because they had no glass in the sections there were supposed to be glass. I called a glass and mirror company where we lived at the time and got a price. I gave them the measurements, just as you did and within I think 48 hours they had my inserts of glass, just the way I had specified. Just look in your phone book under "Glass-residential" and you should be able to find a company that will provide you with exactly what you need!

Answer 4

Some foam on the top of the barrel, and some gorilla glue on the glass & foam attached to the barrell. Note: there are different types of gorilla glue make sure it says for glass

Answer 5

You need to buy a very heavy glass with beveled edges. The weight of the table will pretty much hold it in place. You can place rubber tabs so that is doesn't slide easy. Good luck.