Recycle, but Make It Fashion: Why Recycled Glass Countertops Are Perfect for Your Home

Recycle, but Make It Fashion: Why Recycled Glass Countertops Are Perfect for Your Home

Picking the right countertop material is one of the most important decisions you have to make for your kitchen. 

And that decision might not lead you to the traditional granite countertop. Recycled glass countertops might be a better fit for your home. 

Why?

We’ve put together this guide to help you learn more about recycled glass countertops and how they can benefit your kitchen. 

So keep reading below!

What Is a Recycled Glass Countertop?

There’s more to a recycled glass countertop than the name suggests. And there’s also a few different types. 

We’ve put together a quick list of recycled glass countertop types and the unique components of each one below. 

So let’s take a closer look. 

Resin Bound Glass 

This countertop takes small pieces of recycled glass and binds them all together with a plastic resin.

Why resin?

Plastic resin isn’t a porous material. In other words, it doesn’t absorb water. The resin is also lightweight, which makes the installation process easier. 

Cement Bound Glass

This countertop is made the same way as the resin countertop, but this time, the binder that holds all the glass pieces together is cement. 

While this gives the countertop a different appearance, it also changes a few other elements.

For example, cement is more porous than resin. That means you’ll have to be more careful with spills and liquid. Cement will also make your countertop a lot heavier. If you want a cement recycled glass countertop, you’ll need to make sure your cabinets can support the weight. 

Homogeneous Glass

A homogeneous glass countertop is made of 100% recycled glass. In this case, the manufacturer will melt the glass down and pour it over a flat surface to form the countertop. 

This gives the countertop a different appearance than resin or cement recycled glass countertops. 

Understanding the Different Levels of “Green”

Since different types of recycled glass countertops contain different materials, some of them are more “green” than others. There aren’t specific grades for recycled glass countertops, but you can divvy them up into basic percentages. 

Here are some examples. 

  • 100% Green

The only way to get a 100% recycled glass countertop is to make sure the countertop only contains glass. If being completely recycled is important to you, make sure you buy a homogeneous glass countertop. 

  • 85% Green

Glass countertops that use resin or cement binders can be up to 85% recycled. In this case, the binders themselves are made with recycled elements too. For example, the cement might contain recycled ash. 

  • 75% Green

Even though the glass is fully recycled, the binders are not. They’re made of completely new materials.

Know What You’re Buying 

Be aware that buying a recycled glass countertop doesn’t mean everything in the countertop has been recycled. The cement or resin might be brand new. 

But no matter which type you choose, you’re still keeping a lot of glass out of the landfill. 

Benefits of Recycled Glass Countertops 

Recycled glass countertops are durable and will hold up well to daily wear and tear in the kitchen.

Here’s a closer look at some of the most important benefits of recycled glass countertops.  

Beautiful Design 

No two recycled glass countertops look the same. This gives your home a unique feature you won’t find anywhere else. 

You can also find recycled glass countertops in all different designs and colors. 

Decorating your kitchen with an unusual color scheme? In most cases, you can find a recycled glass countertop to match. This includes colors like green, blue, brown, white, or multicolored. 

This allows you to show your personality through your countertops. 

Scratch Resistant 

Recycled glass countertops are durable. Quick knicks with a fork or knife won’t leave a scratch. 

But that doesn’t mean you don’t need to protect your countertops. Using cutting boards or plates for chopping will keep your countertop in good condition and extend its life. 

Stain Resistant

Since glass isn’t porous, most spills won’t leave a stain on your countertop. But you should still wipe up any liquid that gets on the counter right away. 

A cement resin might still stain if you leave spills alone for too long. 

Heat Resistant 

Recycled glass countertops can withstand contact with the bottom of a hot pot or pan. This makes it a good choice for people who do a lot of baking or cooking. 

Again, it’s still a good idea to use hot pads for protection. 

Eco-Friendly 

When you buy a recycled glass countertop, you’re doing your part to help the environment. Instead of letting glass pile up in a landfill, you’re repurposing it and turning it into a beautiful kitchen feature instead. 

Recycled glass countertops use all different types of glass too. Your countertop could contain glass from residential or automobile windows, beverage bottles, bowls, pans, containers, doors, traffic lights, stained glass, etc. 

How to Maintain Recycled Glass Countertops 

You don’t have to do much to maintain your recycled glass countertop. 

Keeping it clean and in good condition only takes a bit of soap and water. Dip a sponge or a soft cloth into soapy water and wipe any crumbs, spills, or other debris from the surface. 

If you have a cement recycled glass countertop, you’ll need to get is resealed regularly. However, resin and glass aren’t porous, so you don’t have to worry about sealing them. 

Choosing a Recycled Glass Countertop for Your Home

Recycled glass countertops are an eco-friendly choice for people who want to do their part of the environment.

But choosing to recycle doesn’t mean you have to give up your taste in style. You can find recycled glass countertops in all different kinds of designs and colors. This allows you to personalize your kitchen in a unique way. 

Interested in installing one of these countertops in your kitchen?

Make sure you click here to take a look at our selection!