When a glass panel will be seen or touched, its edgework really matters—for safety, durability and the final look. Below is a plain-English guide to the edge options most NZ jobs call for, plus corner finishes and typical bevel limits.
NZ context: Terms and limits below follow Viridian Glass NZ guidance where applicable.
Rough Arris (RA)
What it is: The sharp cut edge is lightly “eased off” (small chamfer) so it’s safe to handle. Minimum edge for safety glass in many cases.
Best for: Concealed edges, glazing that won’t be touched.
Shop standard: For 12–19 mm toughened, we require minimum Flat Polish for safety/fit and appearance.
Reference: Edgework overview + imagery.
Flat Grind (FG) / Flat Smooth
What it is: Machine-smoothed edge with a uniform, unpolished matte finish.
Best for: Silicone butt joints; edges that are nearby but not a design feature.
Flat Polish – Straight Line
What it is: Machine-ground then polished to a clear, glossy edge.
Best for: Any exposed edge—furniture glass, shelves, frameless panels.
Flat Polish – Shapes (CNC)
What it is: As above, but applied to shaped panels (templates/CNC).
Best for: Custom shapes with visible edges (reception counters, feature shelves).
Round Polish (a.k.a. Pencil Edge) – Straight Line
What it is: The edge is ground to a soft semicircular profile, then polished—think “rounded and shiny”.
Best for: Tabletops, shelves, areas people brush past.
Definition: “Grinding in the form of a semicircle and polishing of the cut edge.”
Mitre – Variable up to 45°
What it is: The edge is cut/polished on an angle (front or back) for tight, angled joints.
Best for: Angled silicone glazing, feature joins.
Notes: Common mitres are 15°, 22.5°, 45°.
Bevelled Edge
What it is: A decorative sloped band (bevel) around the perimeter; the outer face remains flat.
Best for: Mirrors and furniture where a classic profile is desired.
Typical max bevel widths by thickness (Viridian):
4 mm glass → up to 25 mm bevel
5 mm glass → up to 30 mm bevel
6–19 mm glass → up to 35 mm bevel
Cut-Off Corners
Small straight cuts to remove a sharp point; finish can be Rough Arris or Flat Polish to match the edge. Larger cut-offs may require polishing. Click here to learn more…
Radius Corners
Corners are rounded to a set radius (often ≥ glass thickness). Finish can be Rough Arris or Polished. Click here to learn more…
Straight-Edge Availability by Glass Thickness (shop capability)
Where edges are visible, we recommend Flat Polish. For concealed edges, Plain Cut/Rough Arris may be acceptable. Typical capability bands we support:
Up to 15 mm: Plain Cut / Flat Polish – straight edge
16–24 mm: Plain Cut / Flat Polish – straight edge
25–30 mm: Plain Cut / Flat Polish – straight edge
31–40 mm: Plain Cut / Flat Polish – straight edge
(We’ll confirm feasibility per piece size, tooling and safety standards; very thick glass may have handling limits.)
Why edge quality matters
Poor edges concentrate stress and raise the risk of thermal or handling breakage. NZ guidance emphasises smooth, damage-free edges, especially in thermally sensitive situations.
Need shapes or cut-outs?
See our companion post “Shapes of Glass” for typical shapes, holes, notches and template tips (we link that internally). For hole/cut-out distances, radii and countersinks, we follow NZ processor rules of thumb for safe toughening.
Contact us now to get your free quote today.
