Kitchen Counters: Sturdy, Striking Recycled Glass With Cement
Ecofriendly and full of character, this heat- and scratch-resistant material is a great fit for custom kitchen counters
Whether you want some added character in your kitchen or a durable and guilt-free countertop that doesn't involve mining or petroleum-based resins, countertops made of recycled glass with cement might be right for you. Read on to learn more about this relative newcomer to the countertop scene.
Compare: More kitchen counter materials
Compare: More kitchen counter materials
Advantages: On their own, glass and cement are stout materials, so when combined, they become a durable duo with a life expectancy of 50 years or more. The material resists both heat and scratches.
Some manufacturers, such as Vetrazzo, offer ultimate style flexibility, allowing you to choose the pigments and glass for a custom counter uniquely tailored to your kitchen. These are guilt-free counters, as more than 75 percent of the content is from post-consumer recycled content, which keeps waste out of landfills.
Some manufacturers, such as Vetrazzo, offer ultimate style flexibility, allowing you to choose the pigments and glass for a custom counter uniquely tailored to your kitchen. These are guilt-free counters, as more than 75 percent of the content is from post-consumer recycled content, which keeps waste out of landfills.
Disadvantages: The cement-based portion of the counter is porous, which can take on stains, so you'll want to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for ongoing sealing. Alternatively, you can embrace the patina, or evolving character, that develops with use. It's also worth noting that, while tough, this material is not knife friendly, so keep your cutting boards nearby. Using those cutting boards also will maintain the longevity of your sealer.
Special considerations: Dark mixes can help disguise the signs of a relaxed cleaning routine.
Special considerations: Dark mixes can help disguise the signs of a relaxed cleaning routine.
Sustainability: This is one of the greenest choices for your kitchen counters. Because it's comprised primarily of postconsumer recycled content, it keeps material out of landfills, and unlike many other countertops, it has no petroleum-based chemicals or resins.
While there is some mining involved for the limestone-based cement, the cement comprises less than 25 percent of the product, so the environmental impact from mining is less than that of stone counters. But take note that these heavy cement-based slabs can consume a lot of transportation-related energy, so it's worth being aware of where the product is manufactured.
While there is some mining involved for the limestone-based cement, the cement comprises less than 25 percent of the product, so the environmental impact from mining is less than that of stone counters. But take note that these heavy cement-based slabs can consume a lot of transportation-related energy, so it's worth being aware of where the product is manufactured.
Maintenance: Daily maintenance is simple — keep your counters clean with soap and water, being sure to avoid harsh abrasives. You'll need to reseal and wax the surface a couple of times a year, as sealant will deter staining and wax will reduce etching.
Compare: More kitchen counter materials
Compare: More kitchen counter materials
Cost: $100 to $160 per square foot installed