Recycled Glass Countertops by Todd Vendituoli

kitchen

Recycled Glass Countertops

By Building Blox on Dec 13, 2011

It seems that every where I look, at least as far as counter tops are concerned, I see granite. Granite seems to be everywhere and everyone HAD to have it. Personally I have had enough granite. It's time to look at other choices and there are choices out there.

Recycled Glass Counter Tops

Now these are not going to be for everyone but I personally like them for many reasons. One is they are unique and they can't even make two that are exactly the same. It's just not possible.
Another factor that I like it, is that recycled glass is used.

recycled-glass-countertop-closeup-326-28

http://www.recycled-glass-countertops.com/

Here's a little history and fact on Recycled glass counter tops from http://www.recycled-glass-countertops.com/

"Recycled glass countertops use somewhere around 85% post consumer glass and were invented by materials scientist Don McPherson in 1995 when he combined recycled glass and a cement binder. "

And a big factor from my viewpoint:

"Glass is accountable for about 7% of household refuse resulting in millions of tonnes being added to landfill every year. Choosing recycled glass counter tops for your home is a smart choice with the added benefit of helping Mother Nature. By opting for recycled glass you are helping save energy and reduce landfill and emissions, plus recycling reduces the need for sourcing new raw materials – for every tonne of recycled glass used, 1.2 tonnes of raw materials are preserved."

Adding to the benefits:

Recycled glass counters are extremely durable and can withstand years of use.

They are non porous and easy to keep clean.

They come in an assortment of colors.

recycled-glass-color-palette-e1312895557

recycled-glass-countertop-5-e13129069105

Below is a video from Vetrazzo and has some very good information you may enjoy. They are also a US company.

http://www.vetrazzo.com

I would also suggest you look over their line of options at:
http://www.vetrazzo.com/eng/products/color_palette

This just one sample piece and they have many more choices.

Recycled Glass Counter Tops may not be for everyone but I think that you may at least want to take a look.

My personal granite turning point:

Some time ago I was asked to come to some people's home as they wanted to change their counter tops. I knew them, they were nice honest, hardworking people and they didn't make a lot of money. Their house was modest to say the least, but it was their home. After the welcome's and such were done, I asked what they were thinking they wanted to replace their old 1950's counter with?

Granite! Both in unison.. big smiles and glowing about their choice. As I stood there in semi shock I asked them why? Their response- We see on TV that every kitchen has to have it and they even sell it at Home Depot so it can't be too expensive right?

And that was my turning point. When honest hard working people who live on a budget and within their means thought they HAD to HAVE GRANITE. Great marketing to be sure but that was it for me.

It was time to move on!

Ps. They got their granite counter top, I assume.