Recycled Glass Countertops

One of the most popular trends we get to see these days is to use recycled materials. The hottest new trend in recycled and eco-friendly materials is the glass countertop. Recycled glass countertops comprise of 100% recycled glass in cement or petroleum based binder. Usually, a finished glass countertop contains 70 to 85 percent recycled content. Glass recycling is a great alternative to non-renewable virgin granite. Available in a variety of beautiful colors, textures and designs, the recycled glass countertop is becoming popular day by day and gaining edge over marble and granite countertops, which are not that environment friendly. The recycled glass countertop is solid enough, stain resistant, non-porous, non-toxic and of course, great on looks. The countertops prove to be cost effective when compared to granite, marble or Corian.

Uses and Attributes

Gone are the days when polished granite was used for the kitchen and bath. The recycled glass countertops have overtaken them.
The recycled glass countertop can be used as kitchen backsplashes, counter tops, bathroom counters, fireplace surrounds, shower bases or any other flat surface, like coffee-table top.
They are the perfect option for all those who don’t want to stick to traditional countertops like plastic laminate and avoid the use of glue as much as possible.
They have a low impact on the environment since the cement and the glass used in this comprises of recycled content.
They are also helpful in creating end uses for those types of glass that are a bit difficult to recycle.
Recycled glass can also be used in bathroom vanities, shower and tub surrounds, wall paneling, fireplace mantles, tables and outdoor kitchens.

Features and Functionality

The recycled glass countertops are available in a variety of colors, be it single or mixed.
They look absolutely beautiful and can spruce up the entire look of the place where it is used.
The best part about recycled glass countertops is that once installed, they require minimal maintenance. All you need is a soft cloth and a non-toxic all purpose cleaner.
They are less porous than marble and as durable as granite.
Since they are heat resistant, they make an excellent choice to be kept in the kitchen, next to the stove.
The glass can be combined up with porcelain to form small planks to use them as floor tiles.
The size and color of the glass pieces can be chosen by you and there are several options for the color of the cement you want them to be embedded in.
The blacks, browns, greens and blues, the sparkling shards of broken glass have them all.
Recycled glass countertops can be chosen in a variety of materials – tiles, concrete, and resin.
Recycled glass tiles are available in different colors, including red and blue. They make durable countertops, but one should be extra careful after installing to prevent it from chipping.
For an unusual colored recycled countertop, concrete is the best option. Available in slabs, they contain small pieces of broken glass. However, before binding concrete with glass, it is stained in assorted shades to suit the desired color of the place where it will be installed. Concrete recycled glass countertops usually turn out to be expensive.
For a less pricey, yet attractive, recycled glass countertop, one can go for resin. Featuring large pieces of glass compared to concrete recycled glass countertops, resin recycled glass countertops are usually found in greens, blues, and browns.

Depending upon the need of the room or place where they will be installed, recycled glass countertops make for a handy and environmental-friendly alternative, saving a large bundle of cash as well.

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