Update: Pros and Cons of Crushed Glass Countertops

If you are someone who is looking for a super unique element to add to your space, you have a lot of different options to choose from. There are many different natural stones as well as other materials you can go with to give your space a different look and feel that not everyone else has already seen before. Of course, you can pick out a unique looking stone, but if you want to take it to the next level, adding a crushed glass countertop can really make your space stand out.

Crushed glass countertops are a fairly new development, but they are becoming a popular choice quickly. A few reasons they are growing in popularity by homeowners each year are that they are environmentally friendly and they have a wow factor in their appearance. The options for creating the countertops are either to have the crushed glass embedded in the concrete or have it encased in a strong and durable clear acrylic material. Either way they are made, they are truly unique.

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

Pros

The beauty and unique aesthetic of crushed glass countertops are one of the primary reasons to get them. There are so many color options for these countertops and the color combinations are practically endless. The colors can be combined to create any desired look, whether it be more earth-like tones for a neutral appearance or contrasting color combinations for a contemporary look. Because crushed glass is used you can guarantee that your countertops will be unique, this is because crushed glass is always configured differently.

If you choose to embed the crushed glass in concrete you will achieve more of a mosaic appearance, and if you choose 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 is a dramatic visual appearance.

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

Finally, as stated before, these countertops are eco-friendly, using recycled glass. 

Cons

While the strength and durability of the crushed glass countertops are a strength, it can also be a weakness in certain situations. If a very large amount of weight is placed on a non-supported area, such as the corner, it could crack. They also need extra precautions taken with certain food choices. Anything acidic, such as tomatoes being left in one spot for too long, can mar the acrylic surface, harsh cleaners can do this as well. Being careful and aware will prevent this from happening. The countertops can also be a bit expensive, often ranging from $50-$100 per square foot, however, typically the cost is less than other natural stone options such as marble. So, overall they are a terrific choice that you can feel good about if you care about the environment.

Hopefully, now that you are aware of some of the major pros and cons of these unique countertops, you can make your decision a little more easily. If you want to check out crushed glass or other materials for yourself, reach us by phone during our normal business hours at 402-451-3400 or email us by going to the contact page of our site!