Everything You Need To Know Before You Start a Summer Outdoor Glass Project
Are you planning a warm-weather backyard upgrade? Whether you'll add a deck, renovate an existing patio, or create an entirely new indoor-outdoor entertaining space, take a look at the ways that you can include glass into your summer-time building project.
Can You Add Glass to an Outdoor Living Space?
Like most people, you probably view glass as fragile, delicate, and easily breakable. But the truth is, many glass products are highly durable, sturdy, and can stand up to the outdoor elements; with the right type of care.
All glass is not the same. The paper-thin vase in your living room isn't made from the same type of glass as an outdoor patio tabletop or wall shelf. Glass furniture, such as tables, are made from tempered products. This type of glass is heated to a high degree and cooled under high pressures. The result is a stronger glass material that has some significant safety benefits.
Tempered products are nearly four times as strong as non-tempered (also known as annealed or plain) glass, according to a Scientific American article. Not only is tempered glass stronger than other types of glass, it shatters into pellets instead of sharp shards. This can reduce the risk of injury during use.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) notes that voluntary American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards require manufacturers to use tempered glass to create horizontal surfaces for outdoor tables, indoor tables, desks, and other similar types of furniture. Along with a tempered tabletop, you can also choose this type of glass for other outdoor furniture or shelving projects.
Why Use Glass Outdoors?
Indoor glass projects can help to add light and the visual illusion of space to a dim or cramped room. You won't have this issue outdoors. Your backyard is filled with all the natural light you could need and there is plenty of space. With this in mind, why would you choose glass for exterior furniture and other home improvement projects?
Even though you might not need glass to help you create a lighter, airier space, you may want to include it in your exterior design plan. Glass provides a sleek, fresh, modern look that can easily complement your home's outdoor aesthetic.
Glass products are also versatile and can blend seamlessly into many different types of outdoor decor plans. This makes it possible to use or reuse glass furniture in the future with new or different types of decor. If you change your home's exterior paint color, add siding, switch from concrete to brick pavers, or design a new deck, you can still use the same glass table or accent pieces.
Where Can You Get Outdoor Glass Furniture and Products?
There are two primary types of glass furniture/products—stock and custom created. Stock glass pieces are the products that you would buy directly from a store. These are standard products that are sold to the masses. While these products are often affordable and can fit many decor plans, they may not meet your outdoor upgrade project's needs.
A custom-cut creation is an ideal option if you need a tabletop that isn't a standard size, an unconventional shape, floating shelves, or a personalized outdoor accent. Instead of choosing exterior glass pieces off the shelves of a store, you will need to consult with a custom glass contractor. The glass professional should have the knowledge, skills, and experience to turn your vision into a reality.
Before you select a glass contractor to work with, ask the professional for a portfolio or photos of their work. This can help you to get a better idea of what to expect. Discuss your exterior project needs and help them to understand what you want or the look you need. The contractor can design the table, shelves, or other items, guide you through the creation process, and install the pieces for you.
Do you want to learn more about custom glass options for your summer backyard project? Contact the glass contractors at Palmetto Glass and Mirror Inc. for more information.
