Cabinet tops - glass or acrylic?

[cdbe]

I want a top for these cheap IKEA cabinets there will be 4, 220mm x 2400mm in total. Glass is double the price of polycarbonate but would the polycarbonate do the job? It's not a "trafficked" area - just a few picture frames and nik-naks. IKEA don't do them.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Any perspex or clear plastic type will do fine but anything will get scratched eventually but not much if you're only placing objects on top. That said, of the plastics available acrylic is clearer and more scratch resistant and less prone to UV damage but for your purposes I would just buy whatever's cheapest.

Edited

 

[foxhole]

Have used plastic on some bedside tables , has been fine .

 

[SFK]

Freddie,
I think a typo, you said
That said acrylic is clearer and more scratch resistant and less prone to UV damage
shouldn't that be
That said glass is clearer and more scratch resistant and less prone to UV damage

SFK

 

[ronniecabers]

Looking at the picture, im guessing 2 more cabinets in the middle, hence a one size of 220 x 1400. Plate Polycarbonate or Acrylic would do it and both are stronger than glass. I am surprised they are cheaper than glass though ( you only need 4mm thick). Im guessing you've been quoted for a 'polished edge ' on the glass, which gives a lovely finish but costs a lot more then the actual glass on its on.
Tough glass is quite prone to scratches as the first micro mm is a lot softer due to the toughening process. Glass you have the risk of it breaking, plate polycarbonate or acrylic not so easy
.

 

[cdbe]

They're 600 x 200mm cabs x 4 when the middle 2 go on, so a single piece 220mm x 2400mm.

I've been quoted:

£73 for 6mm toughened (thinnest they do), polished edges, 1mm radius corners.

£33 for 3mm polycarbonate, says "sawn edges"?,

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

You'll want polished edges or the sawn edges will have the cut marks and will look opaque.

 

[ronniecabers]

Yeah your paying for those polished edges and corners. 4mm tough glass will be fine , cost approx £30 + vat but no polished edge, ( which would easily double it , if not more ) , but toughened glass should.come with a non sharp edge, that would be very similar to a sawn edge of the 3mm polycarbonate. 3mm polycarbonate i think would run the risk of cracking if bent too much.
Who quoted you thinnest of 6mm glass , because any ' glass shop 'should be able to do 4mm Tough

 

[ronniecabers]

Personally a non polished edge on toughened looks better than a sawn edge on plate polycarb, obviously a polished edge would make it nice and shiny

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Freddie,
I think a typo, you said
That said acrylic is clearer and more scratch resistant and less prone to UV damage
shouldn't that be
That said glass is clearer and more scratch resistant and less prone to UV damage

SFK

I've edited my post to make it clearer.