The popularity of eco-friendly kitchen remodeling has contributed to the success of several new countertops successfully breaking into the mainstream market. Materials such as recycled glass and concrete are being used to make distinctive, one-of-a-kind residential countertops. Here is a rundown on why they are such a success.
Recycled Glass Countertops
Photo credit: treehugger.com
Photo credit: green-living-made-easy.com
Recycled glass countertops have many advantages. Beside their wide color selection, they are strong, durable and have a long lifespan. Additionally, most recycled glass countertop manufacturers offer a 10-year warranty. Maintenance is simple and is comparable to granite countertops. The countertops are scratch resistant and less porous than concrete or marble countertops.
Recycled glass countertops are a combination of recycled glass and concrete. The glass content is usually 80% or higher, with the rest being concrete. One of the features that is drawing homeowners to recycled glass countertops is that every single panel is unique; no two countertops are the same. Some manufacturers offer an option whereby the countertop can be integrally colored or stained in order to help coordinate better with cabinetry and the wall color. There are also various edge and shape options. For those seeking exclusive style and design, recycled glass countertops are a fantastic option. Recycled glass countertops cost about $55 per square foot.
Check any of the following leaders in recycled glass countertops for more detailed information and to find a local dealer: Vetrazzo.com, Icestone.com, Evniroglass.com, or Gilasi.com.
Additional glass countertop images:
Photo credit: thinkglass.com
Photo credit: icestone.com
Photo credit: thinkglass.com
Photo credit: thinkglass.com
Concrete Countertops
Photo credit: tsunamicountertops.com
Photo credit: kitchen-counter-tops.net
In the past five years, concrete countertops have become more popular as homeowners seek attractive and durable countertops for their kitchens and bathrooms. With granite considered too ordinary for many homeowners, concrete countertops provide a fantastic option for customized countertops that still have a quarried look. Everything about concrete countertops is customizable, from the size and shape to the color, thickness, edging and method of casting. Additionally, they resist all types of damage, including chipping, cracking and scratching.
The design options are infinite. Concrete countertop artisans can add small objects to the countertop, such as glass chips or sparkles. Homeowners can also choose to include an embedded soap dish or an integral sink. Integral sinks can be designed within the countertop. Dyes are added to the concrete to create just about any color combination desired. Concrete countertops are more expensive than recycled glass countertops. They cost $65-$100 per square foot. However, an additional benefit is that concrete countertops can increase the resale value of a home, and they have a lifespan of over 20 years.
Additional concrete countertop images:
Photo credit: houzz.com
Photo credit: houzz.com
Other Innovative Kitchen Countertop Ideas:
Glass countertops and LED Lighting countertops by ThinkGlass.com:
Water texture glass countertops by Alchemy.com
Ribbon Glass Countertops by agsurfaces.com:
Subscribe to ::Surroundings::
