Recycled Glass Counters – Advantages and Disadvantages
A re-purposed, recycled glass counter is made up of entirely recycled glass pieces in a mineral or cement-based binder. A finished recycled glass counter, also known as a green counter, often ranges from seventy to ninety percent recycled content. Recycled glass is considered by many to be the most eco-friendly and least expensive option for countertops in kitchens. If properly installed and cleaned, they are also considered to be the most sanitary choice for countertops.
This material has several advantages over alternative counter materials such as granite or marble. First, it is one of the fastest-selling countertop materials. This is because glass can be cut to any shape and placed on top of a surface with little worry of breakage. Once cut into the desired shape, it is easily joined together with edges matching the original edges. This means no chip work or irregularity in the appearance of the finished product. With all of these unique characteristics, it may be difficult to believe that glass could have any disadvantages at all.
But what are some of the disadvantages? There are actually quite a few. One disadvantage is that it is one of the most fragile surfaces available. It is easy to scratch by a pencil or fingernail. And when that happens, you must always replace the broken piece rather than repair the entire counter. Using this material, you run the risk of having your entire kitchen collapse in on itself if one piece breaks.
Another disadvantage of this material is that it is extremely heavy. Even the lightest of glass chips or pieces can weigh a ton. Therefore, countertops made of glass should be installed with great care. This will ensure that they are sturdy and stable at all times. Another disadvantage of using this material is that it can be somewhat tricky to install, depending upon your level of expertise. It can be hard to cut through, which makes it important for you to use the right equipment for the job.
There are, however, several advantages to recycled glass. One advantage is that the material is strong enough to withstand even the largest of knives. Therefore, countertops made of recycled glass are ideal for chopping boards and other kitchen tasks. It will cut through everything your sharpener has trouble with, including pesky vegetables. And since it is strong, it won’t break as easily as some other countertops.
Here is one more advantage to installing countertops made from recycled glass. Over time, it will become increasingly easy to clean. This is because it is nonporous and therefore won’t attract odors. Also, since it is made out of nonporous glass, it won’t develop scratches or other types of damage that regular materials can. This means that cleaning it is easy to do at all times. You don’t have to worry about ruining the material or leaving streaks on it.
Of course, there are several disadvantages to using recycled glass. Glass is a porous material and therefore can be easily chipped or damaged. Also, if you install recycled countertops in an area where the temperature is hot, such as a kitchen, you could possibly melt some of the countertops if it isn’t properly sealed. If the edges of the counters are not properly sealed, they can become brittle over time.
However, these disadvantages aren’t anything compared to the numerous advantages that come from recycled glass counters. As you can see, there are several great advantages when it comes to using recycled glass for counters. Glass is recyclable, durable, and beautiful. It is also very easy to maintain. When you combine these benefits with its low cost and ability to match with just about any decor, you have a recipe for success.