The kitchen is the heart of your home. It’s where the family gathers, meals get cooked, and the conversation gets enjoyed. It’s also the area of the home that can start to show some wear and tear over time. The number one reason homeowners consider a kitchen remodel is to upgrade old materials, surfaces, and finishes. The right countertops can bring your kitchen to life. Vetrazzo is the new sustainable surface that every home designer is talking about.
Here’s everything you need to know about this emerging countertop choice.
How is Vetrazzo Made?
Vetrazzo countertops get made of recycled glass, about 85% to be exact. The rest gets made of other pigments, additives, and recycled materials. The glass gets collected from both consumer and industrial sources. It comes from neighborhood curbside pickups, building demos, and industrial projects.
Each slab uses about 550 pounds of crushed glass. The crushed glass comes from a variety of materials, such as:
- Glassware
- Bottles
- Windows
- Windshields
- Traffic lights
- Stained glass
Think of all the glass that gets thrown away into landfills every year. It accounts for about 5% of landfill waste. Recycled glass countertops represent recycling at it’s finest. The production process is sustainable and completely unique. It’s all about the level of quality control and detail that goes into each slab. Each slab gets crafted by hand to ensure a perfect and smooth surface. It’s an avant-garde alternative that is both eye-catching and elegant.
The countertops get manufactured in the United States, at a factory in Georgia. Since 1996, Vetrazzo has been supporting local jobs and industry growth in America.
What Can You Expect from a Design Perspective?
A Vetrazzo countertop is as stunning as marble or granite, yet no two slabs are the same. They are handmade and completely custom to each homeowner. Popular color combinations include a classic black and white, palladian grey, or fair pearl. Sea glass countertops are a favorite in coastal style kitchens and bathrooms. The color variety allows you to be as traditional or contemporary in design as you desire. It’s not only clear glass that makes for a beautiful countertop material. Green, blue, and amber glass can also get recycled to create unique color effects. Recycled stained glass windows can also provide an eclectic countertop style.
The beauty of this type of countertop is that it can enhance any style of kitchen. But it also works well in other rooms of the house. Add practical elegance to bathroom vanities, showers, and fireplace surrounds. The manufacturer and retailer can also work with you to color match. It’s an opportunity to make the perfect palette for your home renovation project. Vetrazzo offers both a classic or designer collection. With counter thickness ranging from 1 to 3 cm. It’s best to request a sample in your preferred color to determine which style suits your space best.
What Are the Cost of Vetrazzo?
The material is on the high side of the luxury countertop spectrum. But not quite as much as granite or quartz. Prices range from $150 to $250 per square foot.
You must go through a licensed retailer to install Vatrazzo in your home. Ensure you’re hiring a fabricator that specializes in recycled glass materials. Here are things to look for when hiring a fabricator. Upon placing an order, a slab can take anywhere from a week to a month to receive. Actual delivery will depend on production factors and availability
How Do You Care for Them?
Glass countertops are a low maintenance option since glass is naturally stain resistant.
You will need to be cautious of acidic liquids and stain culprits like coffee, red wine, and lemon juice. They can wear down the protective sealant and ruin the surface. Always be quick and efficient when wiping up spills to prolong the life of your countertops. It’s important to show proper care for your countertops. Use a damp close to wipe them clean. You can add a bit of mild dish soap for tougher stains.
Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners. Green cleaning products are always recommended. But you can use a mild bleach solution to disinfect as it will not damage the glass. It’s best to reseal the counters once a year to keep them in top condition. You can also use a marble polish on them 2 times per year. Or a marble wax every 6 months for further protection. Looking for a sign you need to reseal your countertops? Add a splash of water and watch to see if it beads up or not. If it absorbs into the surface, it’s a sign you need to reseal. Stains and cracks are signs you need a countertop replacement. Here are other signs your countertops need to be replaced.
Why Else Should You Consider Vetrazzo Countertops?
Environmental sustainability is the number one reason homeowners are choosing recycled countertop options. Vetrazzo offers luxury, without having to sacrifice on environmental responsibility.
Granite and marble are timeless and beautiful. Yet, they can lead to the depletion of natural resources. Producing recycled glass counters is even more sustainable than engineered stone.
Green living is on the rise, with eco-friendly countertop materials increasing their market share. Vetrazzo is a safe material, in that is doesn’t use any toxic materials.
The material is also durable and strong, as much as granite. It’s one of the hardest surfaces, and won’t get damaged if you choose to cut on it with a knife.
It’s also heat tolerant. So feel free to place hot pots and pans on your counters. You can reseal if needed for extra protection.
Vetrazzo countertops are non-porous and resistant to moisture. This makes them able to stand up to bacteria and mold. Making it easy to maintain a clean and healthy kitchen.
Recycled glass countertops are long-lasting and can withstand daily wear and tear in the kitchen. They can even get re-recycled at the end of their lifespan.
Ready to Learn More About Vetrazzo Countertops?
Vetrazzo countertops can enhance the style and sustainability of any kitchen space. They are practical, durable, and easy to maintain.
Are you considering a kitchen renovation project? Learn more about the costs and project specifications for your home.
