When it comes to the purchase of a custom cut piece of glass, a precious material by nature, you should overlook no detail to achieve the perfect result.

To do so, an important choice needs to be made about one of the subtlest, unnoticeable parts of the glass anatomy, but paradoxically has a sizeable impact on its overall appearance.

The less you notice them, the better: pay great attention to the edges you pick when buying glass. Choosing between flat polished edges and seamed edges is not hard when you know the difference between these two edge finishing options, but is highly important, nevertheless.

Let’s start with defining the types of glass edge finishing before we get into their main applications: tabletops, shelves, railings and showers.

Defining Seamed Edges and Flat Polished Edges

Flat polished edges and seamed edges are quite easy to differentiate.

After this read, you will understand that one of the two types of glass edges is worth the extra dollar.

Seamed Edges

This choice is for safety as the glass edge is sanded down to remove ragged chips. Seamed edges are suited for framing due to their unfinished appearance, or any application where the edges are not visible.

Overall, seamed edges are still very clean and more economical, but only recommended if the edges will be completely covered or hidden. In some cases, the manufacturer will pay special attention throughout the sanding process to achieve a cleaner look with seamed edges if you really do not not want any bevel.

Flat Polished Edges (also called 1/8” Bevel Edges)

Flat polished edges, also known as 1/8” bevel edges, have a way better look.

For a decorative look, customers can select the 1/8” bevel edge option, that requires the glass edges to be lightly cut and polished to achieve an aesthetically appealing, even and glossy finish. Beveling width is very small and barely noticeable. Customers enjoy this choice as it matches any décor, augmenting the look and feel of a contemporary lifestyle.

In other words, the flat-edged glass is more popular. Flat polished edges are specifically suited to our customers who enjoy a minimalist look, but really are the standard anyway when in comes to frameless glass.

From here, let’s walk through the different applications for flat polished edges and seamed edges.

Flat Polished and Seamed Edge Finishing Applications

Glass Railings

Edge Finishing: 1/8” Bevel (Flat Polished)

Your glass railing panels will come with flat polished edges, regardless of where they are installed: around your pool, to fence your deck, along your interior mezzanine edge, etc.

By far, a frameless glass deck railing system gives the classiest look to your deck at home, combining modern luxury, design and safety. It has improved hundreds of interior living spaces into secure, chic, architecturally designed areas.

Glass Showers

Edge Finishing: 1/8” Bevel (Flat Polished)

Customers mostly purchase frameless glass shower to preserve a pristine and pure environment in their bathroom. It’s no surprise that flat polished edges will be found all around shower glass panels for a flawless enclosure. In some cases, the bottom edge of a shower door hidden by a sweep will be seamed.

Same goes with panels held by U-channels, but a 1/8” bevel is required when shower glass is installed with heavy duty glass clamps.

Getting custom cut frameless glass for your shower is the best move you can do to give your bathroom that Instagram-worthy, sleek look you have been wanting to achieve, all while preserving the uniqueness of your place of intimacy.

Glass Shelves

Edge Finishing: 1/8” Bevel (Flat Polished), or Seamed (In some cases)

In most cases, glass shelves are exposed and therefore require flat polishing to maintain a fashionable living room or bathroom décor.

You can save some costs if the edges are hidden in a custom frame or in a cabinet, for example.

Door Inserts

Edge Finishing: Seamed

Do not pay extra for flat polished edges when installing or replacing glass for a door insert. All the edges be covered by the door frame, thus invisible.

Glass Table Tops

Edge Finishing: 1/8” Bevel (Flat Polished) or Seamed

If your table edges are visible, a 1/8” bevel is the best way to demonstrate the thickness of the glass, and also provides a modern look – especially if the piece is unsupported, i.e. acting as the table itself. But go for flat polished edges even if the glass is simply a cover for your table.

A patio table often consists of framed glass. In that case, get seamed edges, as the aluminum or wooden frame will hide the edges.

You are now ready to customize your glass with the right edge finishing pick. Choose your product: