The Composition of Recycled Glass Countertops

Recycled glass can be transformed into attractive work surfaces.

Recycled materials have crept into every possible product. You can find countertops in many recycled materials, even paper. Recycled glass has become a popular material for countertops.

Composition

The composition of recycled glass countertops varies between manufacturers. According to the Washington Post, IceStone uses chips of glass with concrete as a binder. Rival Eco combines recycled glass chips with materials such as porcelain and stone, held together with an acrylic-based binder. BioGlass fuses shards of post-consumer glass together by melting them.

Benefits

Recycled glass countertops offer many benefits. They are heat-resistant and environmentally friendly. They come in a range of styles, with different compositions offering many effects. Pigments can be added to the binder to color it. You can underlight a translucent countertop such as BioGlass for a glowing effect. The Wentachee World notes that Vetrazzo's Millefiori product is composed of multicolored shards of art glass.

Considerations

With prices reaching $100 or more per foot, recycled glass countertops are definitely a high-end product. Their durability varies, with some compositions being a little more prone to scratching or staining. Some compositions need regular sealing, according to the Washington Post.

References

• Washington Post: New Environmentally Friendly Countertop Materials Add Green to Your Kitchen
• The Wenatchee World: Countertops Made of Recycled Material

Resources

• Planet Ark: Glass Recycling Factsheet