In 2018, 7.6 million tons of glass ended up in landfills, while just 3.1 million tons were recycled. Glass is an easy material to recycle, but it’s also easily broken. If it breaks and is deemed too difficult to sort through or reprocess, then the entire stream ends up going to a landfill. So, while you may be recycling your glass, there’s no guarantee that it’s going to be processed.
But what if you could guarantee that recycled glass was used wisely? Well, look no further than recycled glass kitchen countertops. This eco-friendly option guarantees that glass is going to be reused in a safe way, and it’s also going to help beautify someone’s home. Read on for seven ideas for recycled glass countertop inspiration.
What Are Recycled Glass Countertops?
Before we get to the ideas, let’s talk specifics. Manufacturers, like Vetrazzo recycled glass countertops, use glass from old traffic lights, windshields, dinnerware, stemware, stained glass, even beverage bottles, to create beautiful countertops fit for any cook’s kitchen.
The glass is often mixed with cement or resin to make it one solid surface. These countertops come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. They’re easy to customize and also clean. If you opt for concrete-based counters, need to be sealed, but that’s no different from other popular countertop materials, like granite or marble. Concrete-based recycled glass countertops are also more susceptible to staining from certain foods and oils.
Using a resin-based binder for your countertop will help combat these stains and oils, and they’re resistant to everyday wear-and-tear. Though both types of recycled glass countertops are heat-resistant, hot pots, pans, and baking sheets should never be placed directly on them, as this can cause cracking and breaking.
Now that you have a great foundation on the pros and potential cons that come with recycled glass countertops, let’s take a look at what you can achieve with this type of countertop.
1. Pure White
Pure white countertops have become a popular, versatile option in many homes over the last few years. While they’re great for any space, they offer an especially neutral feel to any rental or vacation properties you might own.
They’re especially safe to install if you’re remodeling a kitchen to sell your home soon. White glass countertops are created by combining cement with recycled glass and non-toxic pigments. It’s a heat and scratch-resistant surface that helps keep glass out of landfills, which is always a win.
2. Granite
No, these obviously won’t be genuine granite countertops, but they’ll sure look like they are. Multicolored pieces of glass are embedded into the countertop in a way that closely resembles the specks you’d see on a granite countertop.
The advantage here, though? You’re not limited to natural colors. When you have a granite countertop, that material is being pulled directly from the earth. When you have recycled glass kitchen countertops, you’re pulling the material from glass, which can come in any shade of blue, pink, or green that you can imagine. The choices are unlimited with this option.
3. Recycled Beer Bottles
Whether you enjoy having a beer or not, using recycled bottles to create your countertop is quite a novelty.
The effect is similar to what a granite” countertop looks like, but using a darker beer bottle can help you achieve richness in your kitchen space. The dark green and brown from this glass provide an earthier feel than any other option we’ve discussed so far.
4. Rainbow
If you want a counter that resembles confetti more than granite, opt for several shades of color for your countertop.
Instead of 3-5 colors, try 9-12. It adds a tasteful pop of color to your space without feeling overwhelming, and it’s enough to make you want to cook every night of the week. The most popular Rainbow Recycled Glass Kitchen Countertops is Millefiori Vetrazzo.
5. Modern Farmhouse
When it comes to kitchens, the neutrality of a modern farmhouse space isn’t going anywhere any time soon. When it comes to countertops for these kitchens, many opt for an off-white or gray stone option, but did you know you can achieve those same looks with recycled glass countertops?
Rest assured knowing that you can have your shaker-style cabinets and a big farmhouse sink, while knowing that your countertops had little effect on the environment.
6. Red
Red recycled glass countertops are available for the truly bold. You can get creative and pair your shiny countertops with equally shiny custom red cabinets for a fiery affair, or you can keep it subtle by pairing them with a toned-down option, like light gray or dark wood.
Ready For Recycled Glass Kitchen Countertops?
Now that you’ve read six of the best ideas for your recycled glass kitchen countertops, are you ready to get started? When you opt for this eco-friendly option, you’re not only saving yourself money over other stone options, but you’re also lessening your carbon footprint, which is something the earth always appreciates. If you’re interested in recycled glass countertops for your space, be sure to check out our full selection here.
