Recycled glass kitchen countertops appear to be coming into their own as more and more homeowners and consumers in general are looking for less conventional types of kitchen countertop surface choices, such as granite, marble, quartz and laminates. So, if you want something uncommon yet distinctive at the same time, think about what recycled glass could do for the appearance of your kitchen.
There are always going to be positives and negatives with any countertop choice, and it’s worthwhile to weigh the differences as to the recycled glass countertops pros and cons and what they are going to mean with any countertop selection. Here are a few comparisons with those aspects.
Recycled Glass Countertops Pros and Cons
Pros
Durability
The glass used in countertops is extremely durable. It will not lose its color or break easily, plus it is resistant to heat. It is safe to place almost any hot utensil, bake ware, or other hot items on it.
Environmentally Friendly
Anyone interested in promoting a safe environment or living a green lifestyle will like the fact that the glass in their countertops has likely been recycled from everyday glassware, or all glass. Glass can be an earth friendly choice.
Easy Cleaning and Maintenance
All you need is a little soap and water to clean glass countertops. With the non-porous nature of glass, water use will not cause problems with fungal or bacteria growth.
Versatility
Glass is versatile and is easily shaped into most any configuration. Style, size, color and textural aspects are all part of the positive options that glass provides. Examples of unique color and jewel-like surfaces are found in geos recycled glass countertops. They are extremely strong yet beautifully fashioned and have the added advantages of affordability, environmentally safe binders and fabrication from both consumer and industrial glass. In addition, most any glass countertops go well with other materials that are used in a kitchen, which brings an immediate appeal and feeling of style to a new or remodeled kitchen area.
Cons
Damage Control
Glass can be a beautiful asset but it is susceptible to damage and can be costly to repair. If anything sharp or heavy is dropped on it, chips, cracks and dents can occur. Caution is advised as the repair process can be an expensive one.
Harmful Substances
There are substances that are damaging to glass. Anything related to acid and acidic food or drink will create problems with glass. Also, if glass countertops are not cleaned and wiped down on a regular basis, water marks will dull the glass surface and spoil its appearance.
Expensive Proposition
Glass pieces, especially top-of-the-line varieties, are going to be expensive in relation to other countertop materials, like wood and granite. Budgeting for glass countertops can require setting aside quite a bit extra for their purchase and if a glass countertops are customized, they will be even more costly.
Not Completely Earth Friendly
Not all glass is as green friendly as many would like to believe. The production of new glass can require the use of cement binders and with cement often being made from unfavorable and unnatural types of fuel, the environmentally safe and friendly factors may be put out of the picture and disappoint true-blue green followers.
Costly Installation
As far as installation of glass countertops is concerned, the process can be expensive. Completing the job yourself is not recommended, as a professional needs to handle it because of the fragile nature of the glass. If breakage were to occur, additional expenses would be incurred and added to the initial cost of the installation.
Deciding whether to delve into the countertop world of glass can be a fun and new experience, but considering the pros and cons should be any homeowner’s first consideration. Should you have other concerns about using glass for countertops, complete the online contact form and a glass expert will get back to you with the information you need to make a final decision.
