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What Are Recycled Glass Countertops? Cost, Pros and Cons, and Alternatives
You can count on recycled glass for your kitchen countertops
Photo: Goodboy Picture Company / E+ / Getty Images
Photo: Goodboy Picture Company / E+ / Getty Images
Highlights
Recycled glass countertops use discarded glass and a binding agent to make durable slabs for kitchens and bathrooms.
This countertop material is sustainable, durable, and highly unique.
Recycled glass can be costly to install and hard to repair, especially if it’s cracked or chipped by a heavy object.
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Your kitchen or bathroom countertops will be with you for many years, so choosing the right material is essential. If you’re considering recycled glass countertops, you might wonder whether they’re the best option or whether you should choose something else. This guide explains what recycled countertops are and explores their pros and cons so you can make an informed decision.
What Are Recycled Glass Countertops and How Are They Used?
Recycled glass countertops are made from repurposed glass sourced from old bottles, jars, windows, and other glass objects. The glass is crushed, combined with a binding agent (often concrete, resin, acrylic, or epoxy), and made into a slab for a kitchen or bathroom. Many homeowners choose recycled glass countertops for their sustainability and durability, while others like how the unique material looks in their homes. A local countertop contractor can use recycled glass countertops to give your kitchen a new, refreshed look that will last for years.
Pros and Cons of Recycled Glass Countertops
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There are several pros and cons of recycled glass countertops to consider before deciding whether this material is right for you.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Sustainability | High cost |
| Durability | Difficult to repair |
| Unique design | Prone to cracks and chips |
| Nonporous |
Pros of Recycled Glass Countertops
Recycled glass is a sustainable countertop material. Glass waste can take many years to decompose, so reusing it to make unique countertops helps keep that waste out of landfills. Recycled glass is also durable and naturally nonporous, making it a low-maintenance countertop material resistant to stains, high heat, and UV light. And because the material is made from pieces of glass, it can have a mosaic-like effect, giving it a similar look to terrazzo, which looks much more unique than other countertop materials.
Cons of Recycled Glass Countertops
If you have a small budget, recycled glass countertops might not work. Recycled glass is expensive compared to cheaper materials like laminate or tile. And, although highly durable, recycled glass countertops aren’t immune to damage. They are prone to cracks and chips, especially around the edges, if you place heavy objects or accidentally drop something on them. This damage can be difficult to repair—not to mention the high countertop repair costs—and you might need to replace the entire slab.
Cost to Install Recycled Glass Countertops
Budget is one of the most significant considerations when choosing a countertop material for your kitchen or bathroom. Recycled glass countertops cost $1,950 to $8,400 to install, depending on their size. On average, expect to pay around $2,700 to install this type of countertop in your home. Cheaper options include ceramic or porcelain tile; however, recycled glass is comparable in cost to stone countertop materials like granite, marble, and quartz.
Recycled Glass vs. Other Countertop Materials
Although recycled glass is a sustainable and unique countertop option, you might consider alternative kitchen or bathroom remodel materials. Here’s how recycled glass compares to some other popular countertop materials.
Recycled Glass vs. Quartz Countertops
Recycled glass and quartz are both manufactured countertop materials with binding agents such as resin, but the latter uses quartz minerals to make the engineered stone countertop surface. As human-made materials, recycled glass and quartz are highly durable and naturally nonporous, making them easy to clean and maintain. However, quartz countertops cost more than recycled glass, with an average price tag of $4,500.
Recycled Glass vs. Granite Countertops
Recycled glass and granite countertops are high-end, durable options, but their differences outweigh their similarities. Granite is a natural material mined from quarries and cut into polished slabs for use in a kitchen or bathroom. It’s incredibly heat resistant but requires regular sealing to protect it from moisture damage. Recycled glass countertops are entirely human-made and can be produced in varying designs. This material usually doesn’t require sealing, though it might if the countertop contains concrete as the binding agent. Granite is a notably less sustainable material due to its quarrying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Recycled glass is a durable and sustainable countertop material that lends a unique look to any kitchen or bathroom. Whether or not it’s the right choice for your home hinges on your design preferences and budget. However, for many, it’s an excellent option to make your kitchen stand out if you don’t want to go with an option like quartz or quartzite.
Learning how to clean different types of countertops can help them look new for longer. Use a gentle cleaner on recycled glass countertops to avoid damaging the binding agent. Avoid harsh or abrasive chemical cleaners, which can damage the surface and shorten its lifespan. It’s also best to keep acidic cleaners away from countertops that use a concrete binding agent, as they can stain the surface, leaving it looking dirty and drab.
Recycled glass countertops can last 10 to 20 years if they are kept clean and well-maintained. The exact lifespan depends on the binding agent used; acrylic is the most durable choice, while concrete may shorten the life of your countertops.
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