Recycled Glass Countertops? 

Information about Recycled Glass Countertops

Let’s first talk about Green or Sustainable Building, which is the practice of creating a healthier and more resource energy efficient way of construction, renovation, operation, maintenance and demolition. Recycled glass countertops fall in the category of Green Building. Recycled glass countertops are very “sustainable” because they are made from recycled glass, a post consumer product that ultimately produces a beautiful, dazzling and brilliant product. This product is sustainable because glass is not going to our land fills or becoming a litter problem and more importantly the product is all American made. Recycled tops are a great choice if you are searching for eco-friendly, green material. There are many benefits to recycled glass countertops and right here in Prescott a product called VERTRAZZO is being sold and installed. Recycled glass countertops are slightly higher in cost when compared to granite, marble and Corian, however it is the features of this product that is making them more popular by the day. They are made from 85-95% of post consumer recycled material and in the case of VERTRAZZO, each countertop panel created uses more than 550 pounds of crushed recycled glass. Recycled glass comes from a variety of sources, which includes beverage bottles, post-industrial usage, windows, stemware, automotive glass, stained glass, reclaimed glass from building demolitions and other unusual sources such as decommissioned traffic light lenses. Because of the unique nature of the glass used, all recycled glass surfaces have “their own story”. VERTRAZZO is comparable in strength, scratch resistance, thermal resistance, durability and care and maintenance to granite. VERTRAZZO is one of the most environmentally friendly surface materials on the market today. Almost any surface requirement can use recycled glass material. The most popular applications include countertops, vanity tops, tabletops, bar tops, hearths/fireplace surrounds and tub decks and shower surrounds. It is important to keep in mind that because of the unique nature of this product, no two pieces are exactly the same, so any samples should be considered a general representation of the final appearance of your product. Although recycled glass countertops are 85-95% impervious to stain, they still need to be cared for and that care and maintenance of recycled glass tops is easy. The surface should be wiped with a damp cloth, and a mild liquid soap or detergent can clean off dried spots or rings.

It is recommended that you reseal your product every year or two to keep it like new. The sealant is applied, sits for 20 minutes and wiped off. Nothing to it! A coat of marble wax applied every six months to add an additional protective layer is good practice. Red wine, lemon juice, acid type liquids, will etch the surface if not cleaned up right away. Staining agents like coffee and tea will leave a trace if allowed to remain on the surface. But on the other hand, if you are more carefree, you may appreciate the natural patina that develops as you live with and enjoy your product. Recycled glass tops are extremely strong and durable and will withstand years and years of normal use. Recycled tops handle hot pans extremely well, really well for that matter. Remember, the material is glass and concrete. You will also be happy to know that you can cut on the surface, however, you will quickly dull your knife as recycled tops are one of the hardest countertops surfaces on the market. Because of the unique nature of the glass used in the production process, every VETRAZZO surface has its own history. That history is tracked and a certificate of Transformation will tell you exactly where the glass came from – now how cool is that – you have your own countertop story. Every panel of recycled glass is unique, you can express your own individual style with the color you select and every panel and distribution of glass are an inherent part of the beauty of recycled glass tops. I have a favorite of VETRAZZO, the Charisma Blue, what a divine gift this tops would be. It is charismatic in its beauty and its elegant solution to transforming your kitchen or bath. It is made of humble beverage bottles – from humble to charismatic. These are the bottles and jars that held your culinary treats and cool drinks. The glass is a mix from the kitchen and what a wonderful kitchen this would be.