13 Main Recycled Glass Countertops Pros and Cons | Recycled Glass Countertops Cost Per Square Ft
Recycled Glass Countertops Pros and Cons | Recycled Glass Countertops Cost Per Square Foot | | Recycled Glass Countertops Maintenance
Recycled Glass Countertops
Recycled glass countertops are made from recycled post-consumer glass. The glass countertop is made from recycled glass mixed with a binder to make a strong durable top that can withstand everyday wear and tear that is caused by high use of the kitchen and bathrooms.
This includes stain and scratch and easy cleaning, and antimicrobial properties.
The glass countertop is usually made from recycled glass from bottles of wine, beer, soda pop, margaritas, fruit drinks, water bottles and all different kinds.
Some manufacturers of recycled glass countertops will combine colored with clear recycled post-consumer glass for a two-tone look of the waste product of commercial areas such as bars or restaurants.
The most notable benefit of using recycled glass countertops is the impact on the environment. Being made of recycled materials these recycled glass countertops are 100% eco-friendly.
These countertops will not contaminate the environment, as is the case with most countertops that are made of stone or marble.
The recycled glass countertops are also more affordable than other countertop materials. Mainly because there is no need to apply a protective layer, as you would have to do with stone countertops.
Being made from recycled glass the recycled glass countertop has a smooth finish that you can polish to any luster desired.
Recycled glass countertops don’t have the same limitations as other materials like stone and marble.
Typically recycled glass countertops come in several different shapes and sizes and can be used for custom installations or standard kitchen and bathroom installations.
Tips for using recycled glass countertops in the kitchen
a) Use silicone sealant on all seams and edges to prevent water from getting underneath the countertop and causing it to chip away over time
b) Apply sealer every six months
c) Avoid placing hot pans directly onto the surface of the countertop
d) Store heavy objects like pots and pans off the surface of the countertop
e) Do not cut food directly on top of your recycled glass counters – instead, use cutting boards
f) Keep knives stored in knife blocks rather than laying them down near your counters
g) Consider adding protective pads under appliances that will sit on top of your counters (e.g., dishwasher, stove, oven). These pads will help protect against scratches when you slide appliances across them
h) If you have kids at home who are prone to spilling things, consider installing an outlet with an electric mat beneath it so that spills don’t ruin
Recycled Glass Countertops Pros and Cons
Recycled Glass Countertops Pros
1. Durable:
Recycled glass countertops are durable to the point that they can withstand rough use. Recycled glass countertops are not particularly long-lasting when compared with stone countertops. They chip and break considerably more easily than other types of countertops.
2. Stains:
Recycled glass countertops are stain-resistant, so they will not cause discoloration or stains. And finally, the recycled glass countertops are antimicrobial, so they will not harbor bacteria.
3. Environmentally Friendly:
Recycled glass countertops are made of recycled glass and other materials that can be used again.
4. No Protective Layer:
Glass is non-Porous. Unlike stone and marble, there is no need for a protective coating on the countertop as such as with granite and quartz.
This allows the glass to be much lighter and more durable than those other materials.
5. Customizable:
Recycled glass countertops can be brought to any color, design, and pattern that you like, as long as it is within your budget.
6. Energy Efficient:
Recycled glass countertops do not have a protective layer, so they are very energy efficient. This makes them a great choice for those looking to reduce energy expenses.
7. No Surface Polishing:
Unlike granite and quartz, there is no need for surface polishing as such as with stone and marble making them lighter weight and therefore more durable than those other materials.
8. Easy Cleaning and Maintenance:
Recycled glass countertops can be quickly and easily cleaned and maintained with a mild soap and water solution.
9. Easy to Install:
Recycled glass countertops are much easier to install than other materials such as granite, marble, and quartz. This makes them great choices for DIYers.
10. Low Maintenance:
Compared to other materials, recycled glass countertops require less maintenance, making them a great choice for those seeking a low-maintenance kitchen.
11. Versatile:
Recycled glass countertops are readily available in a variety of colors, designs, and patterns. This means that your recycled glass countertops can be as unique as your kitchen design.
12. Durable:
Recycled glass countertops are durable to the point that they can withstand rough use.
Recycled glass countertops are not particularly long-lasting when compared with stone countertops. They chip and break considerably more easily than other types of counters.
Recycled Glass Countertops Cons
1. Durability Issues:
Compared to granite and quartz, recycled glass countertops are not as durable.
2. Supply:
Recycled glass countertops are being made from a dwindling resource, so it can be difficult to find a supplier that sells this type of countertop in the colors you want.
3. Not Completely Earth Friendly:
Although recycled glass countertops are made of recycled materials, the manufacturing process still requires energy and powered machinery to create these countertops.
4. Expensive Material:
The price of recycled glass countertops is high. The materials alone will cost between $50 and $80 per square foot.
Custom colors and designs, as well as more sophisticated installations, will raise the price even further.
Repairing recycled glass countertops is also an expensive endeavor. If you severely damage the surface, you may need to replace it entirely.
Recycled Glass Countertops FAQs
Is recycled glass countertops cheaper than granite?
It is cheaper because it is made of recycled materials and there is no need for surface polishing, which will cost extra.
Crushed glass countertops are not cheap, ranging between $40 and $100 per square foot, but most are less expensive than granite, quartz, concrete, slate, marble, or a few other high-end choices.
All you need to do with recycled glass countertops is clean them with soap and water, and then occasionally apply a sealant finish.
What are the sizes of recycled glass countertops?
Recycled glass countertops typically come in standard sizes, but can sometimes be customized to your specifications.
What are some recycled glass countertop’s pros and cons?
Pros- It is a more affordable option than granite or quartz
– The color can be custom made to match your kitchen’s design
Cons- Countertops are not as durable as other materials, so they may need to be replaced after a few years of use
Are recycled glass countertops durable?
Recycled glass countertops are durable to the point that they can withstand rough use. Recycled glass countertops are not particularly long-lasting when compared with stone countertops. T
hey chip and break considerably more easily than other types of countertops.
They are also stain-resistant, so they will not cause discoloration or stains.
And finally, the recycled glass countertops are antimicrobial, so they will not harbor bacteria.
Note that, they are not as durable as other materials, so it is recommended to replace them after a few years of use.
How good are recycled glass countertops?
Recycled glass countertops are good for those looking to avoid the environmental impact that comes with other types of materials.
The recycled glass countertops are also easier to install than other types of materials, making them great choices for DIYers.
Recycled glass countertops withstand heat and scratches, making them a more resilient alternative for regular usage, although they are not as durable as other materials.
If large things are slammed on the glass or sharp objects, such as knives, are scraped on the surface, the glass may chip.
Do glass countertops scratch?
The most significant disadvantage of glass countertops is that, while they are visually attractive and bright, they are frequently more prone to scratches than other countertop surfaces.
As a result, never clean your tabletop surface using abrasive cleansers and/or abrasive brushes or sponges such as steel wool.
What are the differences between recycled glass and quartz countertops?
Recycled glass countertops are made from recycled glass bottles and have a natural, non-glossy finish. Quartz is a man-made material that has a glossy shine to it.
The cost of the two materials varies depending on the size of your kitchen – for example, recycled glass will be cheaper than quartz in most cases.
Quartz is more resistant to scratches and stains due to its hardness while recycled glass can scratch easier because it’s softer.
Recycled glass countertops are not as durable as quartz but they’re eco-friendly and sustainable.
The installation process for both materials is pretty much the same with minor differences – you’ll need about 2 days for installation time if you use recycled glass counters versus 1 day if you use quartz counters.
You should know that there are some risks associated with using either type of material since both types can crack or break over time; however, this risk also depends on how careful you are when installing them
If price isn’t an issue, then I would recommend going with quartz because more people prefer this type of material
What are some recycled glass countertops pros and cons?
- Pros
– It is a more affordable option than granite or quartz
– The color can be custom made to match your kitchen’s design
- Cons
– Countertops are not as durable as other materials, so they may need to be replaced after a few years of use.