Adding crushed glass to your home

Crushed glass countertops are a fairly new trend, but they are quickly becoming a popular choice. They are growing in popularity by homeowners each year because they are environmentally friendly and they have a wow factor in their appearance.

These trendy countertops either have crushed glass embedded in concrete or have been encased in a strong and durable clear acrylic material. No matter how they’re made, crushed glass countertops are truly unique.

Let’s look at the pros and cons of crushed glass countertops to help you decide if they are right for your home.

Pros

The beauty and unique aesthetic of crushed glass countertops, is one of the primary reasons to get them. There are so many color options for crushed glass countertops and the color combinations are practically endless. The colors can be combined to create any desired look, whether it be more of an Earth-tone for a neutral appearance or contrasting color combinations for a contemporary look.

One of the beauties of adding crushed glass countertops to your home, is the guarantee that your countertops will be unique. Crushed glass is always configured differently, giving each countertop a different look in every home across the world.

If you choose to embed crushed glass in concrete, the materials will have more of a mosaic appearance, and by choosing to use acrylic to encase the crushed glass you will achieve more of a liquid glass look. Some homeowners will even backlight the acrylic crushed glass countertops to give a dramatic visual appearance.

Both acrylic and concrete based crushed glass countertops are extremely durable and strong, especially concrete countertops. They are both very easy to clean as glass, acrylic, and properly sealed concrete are non-absorbent. Concrete crushed glass countertops should be sealed to ensure that nothing can be absorbed into the countertops.

Finally, crushed glass countertops are eco-friendly, using recycled glass. Up to eighty percent of recycled glass is typically used, which is a huge benefit for environmentally friendly minded people.

Cons

While the strength and durability of crushed glass countertops is a pro, it can also be a weakness in certain situations. If a very large amount of weight is placed on a non-supported area, like a corner section, it could crack.

Homeowners also need to take extra precautions with certain food choices. Any foods like tomatoes, oranges or pineapples with a high acidity level can stain the acrylic surface. Staining is also possible if hard chemical cleaners are used as well.

Being careful and aware will prevent this from happening. Crushed glass countertops can also be a bit expensive, often ranging from $50-$100 per square foot, however, typically the cost is less than other natural stones like marble.

Overall glass countertops are a terrific choice that any homeowner can feel good about, especially if you care about the environment. Hopefully now that you are aware of some of the major pros and cons of crushed glass countertops, you can make your decision a little more easily.

If you want to check out crushed glass or other materials for yourself, stop by to visit us at G.M.S. Werks and check out our showroom!

If you are interested in adding natural stone to your home, office or retail space, contact us at GMS Werks and we would love to help you create the space you’ve always dreamed of!