Recycled Glass Countertop Has an Intelligent Design

February 19, 2009

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A Recycled Glass Countertop is made from recycled glass and cast concrete.  The glass that is used has either come from a consumer or from the industry.  The surfaces are polished and the Recycled Glass Countertop is then mainly a post-consumer recycled content.

Environment and Health

A Recycled Glass Countertop is environment friendly because both the cement and the glass used in the product has been recycled.  Such countertops are also the end products for hard to recycle types of glass. It is not only environment friendly but also healthy for people who like to avoid glues which are generally used to join conventional countertops like the plastic laminate. 

Characteristics

A wide variety of colors is available for Recycled Glass Countertops.  You can get a single color or even mixed colors for the glass.  The cement in which the glass is embedded has several color choices as well.  The size of the glass pieces can also be according to your choice.

The installation of the Recycled Glass Countertop has to be done by a professional representative of the company which manufactures the countertop.  Maintenance is easy, as a simple all-purpose cleaner can help to clean the countertop. Just soap and water is good enough, harsh abrasives should not be used. Taking special care of it would mean buffing it with a wax a few times a year and resealing it once every year or two.

Performance

The performance and durability of the Recycled Glass Countertop can be compared to granite.  It is heat resistant, so it can be placed next to a stove. You can put a hot pot on it, but like any other sealed surface, if the heat is prolonged and excessive, the sealant may give way. Hence make sure that you reseal periodically.

 Don’t try and cut on it, because it will dull your knife.  It is also comparable in price to granite and also marble, but it is less porous than marble. However, if acids like red wine, lemon juice or vinegar spill on it, the concrete area in between the glass will be stained, if not cleaned immediately.  Even tea and coffee should not be allowed to remain on the surface to prevent stains.

Hence the Recycled Glass Countertops are especially popular because they are made of concrete and recycled glass and offer an environmental friendly alternative to natural stone and solid surface materials.  Due to their non-porous, durable and heat-resistant qualities, they are extremely suitable for kitchens and bathrooms as well.  Besides, the material can be shaped, cut, inlaid or mounted.  That is why it can be used for applications from countertops to flooring. 

 

Tags: Recycled Glass Countertop, Glass Countertop

A Look at Glass Countertops

December 30, 2008

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Many people are surprised to know that glass is growing in popularity as a material used for making countertops. Most people think of Formica, laminates, or stone when they consider countertop materials. Glass countertops provide a unique and beautiful look that will compliment any room in your home.

Unique Design

Glass countertops provide a wide range of possibilities when you are designing or trying to match an existing design. Glass can be shaped and formed into just about anything, and it can also be colored to match any design.

One way to create an interesting look is to lay the glass countertop over some other type of material or design. This is an opportunity for you to let your imagination run wild. Whatever matches your décor or personal taste can be used for this purpose. Colored glass is also a popular choice. This allows you to match almost any design or create a modern looking design of your own.

Glass countertops are also available in a number of different surface finishes. This can be done by a number of techniques, including sandblasting, melting, and shattering. All of these create an even more unique look.

Functionality

In addition to the beauty that glass countertops provide, they are also quite functional. Glass is non-porous, so it is very resistant to staining. It’s also extremely easy to clean. Spills and messes are easily wiped up with a wet cloth. Glass countertops are also able to withstand high amounts of heat.

Hot items can be placed on glass without the risk of burning or scorching. The only thing you have to be careful of is scratching. Glass will scratch easily in some cases. Because the glass used for countertops is quite thick, it can withstand much weight without breaking. However, if the surface is hit, or if something heavy is dropped on it, it may chip or even shatter.

Check out your local home improvement store to find out if they offer glass countertops. If they don’t, maybe they can point you in the direction of someone who does. These types of countertops should only be installed by professionals, for obvious reasons.

The last thing you want to do is pay all that money for your new countertop, only to get it home and chip or break it while you’re trying to install it. It’s well worth the extra money you will spend to have someone who knows what they are doing install it.

 

Tags: glass countertop, countertop, glass, home, countertop materials