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Kitchen Counters: Sturdy, Striking Recycled Glass With Cement
Ecofriendly and full of character, this heat- and scratch-resistant material is a great fit for custom kitchen counters
I co-own departure: architecture planning interiors in Portland, Oregon, where I design both new residences and remodels. With a focus on forward-thinking sustainable designs, my preferred palette includes natural materials, simplicity, and playful contrasts.
I co-own departure: architecture planning interiors in Portland, Oregon,... More »
Whether you want some added character in your kitchen or a durable and guilt-free countertop that doesn't involve mining or petroleum-based resins, countertops made of recycled glass with cement might be right for you. Read on to learn more about this relative newcomer to the countertop scene.
Compare: More kitchen counter materials
Compare: More kitchen counter materials
The basics: With a makeup similar to terrazzo, these counters are composed of recycled glass, cement and pigment. Manufacturers such as IceStone and Vetrazzo (pictured) obtain all their glass from postconsumer sources, and have some fun while they're at it. For instance, Vetrazzo's 'Alehouse Amber' is made of recycled beer bottles and 'Cobalt Skyy' contains recycled Skyy® Vodka bottles.
Cost: $100 to $160 per square foot installed
Cost: $100 to $160 per square foot installed
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| Advantages: On their own, glass and cement are stout materials, so when combined, they become a durable duo with a life expectancy of 50 years or more. The material resists both heat and scratches. Some manufacturers, such as Vetrazzo, offer ultimate style flexibility, allowing you to choose the pigments and glass for a custom counter uniquely tailored to your kitchen. These are guilt-free counters, as more than 75 percent of the content is from post-consumer recycled content, which keeps waste out of landfills. |
Disadvantages: The cement-based portion of the counter is porous, which can take on stains, so you'll want to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for ongoing sealing. Alternatively, you can embrace the patina, or evolving character, that develops with use. It's also worth noting that, while tough, this material is not knife friendly, so keep your cutting boards nearby. Using those cutting boards also will maintain the longevity of your sealer.
Special considerations: Dark mixes can help disguise the signs of a relaxed cleaning routine.
Special considerations: Dark mixes can help disguise the signs of a relaxed cleaning routine.
Sustainability: This is one of the greenest choices for your kitchen counters. Because it's comprised primarily of postconsumer recycled content, it keeps material out of landfills, and unlike many other countertops, it has no petroleum-based chemicals or resins.
While there is some mining involved for the limestone-based cement, the cement comprises less than 25 percent of the product, so the environmental impact from mining is less than that of stone counters. But take note that these heavy cement-based slabs can consume a lot of transportation-related energy, so it's worth being aware of where the product is manufactured.
While there is some mining involved for the limestone-based cement, the cement comprises less than 25 percent of the product, so the environmental impact from mining is less than that of stone counters. But take note that these heavy cement-based slabs can consume a lot of transportation-related energy, so it's worth being aware of where the product is manufactured.
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| Maintenance: Daily maintenance is simple — keep your counters clean with soap and water, being sure to avoid harsh abrasives. You'll need to reseal and wax the surface a couple of times a year, as sealant will deter staining and wax will reduce etching. Compare: More kitchen counter materials |
Ideabook updated on Sept. 17, 2012.
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I love the look of these (clearly) and also their eco-friendly properties, but their main downsides seem to be the same as those in stone: sensitivity to stains, scratches, and extreme temperatures(? according to bonnierenae's comment, at least). It just blows my mind that these weaknesses are considered acceptable for surface materials in the kitchen. Is there really not a strong, long-lasting transparent sealant or coating that can be added to kitchen countertops to eliminate those issues?
Regardless, I'm going to consider something like this when it comes time to redecorate my bathrooms.
@amaebi519: Thanks for the info about ECO. Though don't hold that review against these products because, while ECO has recycled glass like these counters, the similarities end there. ECO is much closer in composition to a quartz counter, as it has a resin for the binder rather than the cement you see here.
@judywilliams106: You're right, this is very similar to terrazzo!
@bohemiansue: I'm with you about being accurate with terms. Cement can be any of a variety of binders, and Portland cement is more specifically a finely-ground powder that originates from limestone. And concrete is typically Portland cement mixed with both aggregate and water. I verified that the manufacturers of these counters describe their binder as "cement". They explain the whole composite as recycled glass, cement, and pigment, which is then combined with water to make the countertop. So the entire composition resembles concrete (or terrazzo as the article and judywilliams106 state) as it's cement, aggregate (the glass) and water. Houzzers keep me on my toes!
It also bothers me that everything made by recycling something is extremely pricey! I have seen this many times - wine glasses cut from wine bottles sold for $$$ apiece - CocaCola sells a plain chair made from recycled bottle plastic for about $300 or more - $30 teeshirts made from recycled something or other - etc. etc. It's ridiculous! Recycled items should be cheaper, not more expensive, in my opinion. People aren't going to pay more for something made from recycled materials, because they see it as something "used" or made from "used" parts. I also don't want to pay more because it's deemed to have some chic, artsy-fartsy design. Overpricing does not help promote the philosophy of recycling at all.
our countertops are wearing very well and you can put a pot on them it will melt the wax but just reapply and buff, as for cutting, buy a 100 dollar knife and perhaps you will think twice about cutting on any surface other than a board
In my house I have a set of knives that no one except me are allowed to use. (my wife cheats when I am not around. lol)
You should have seen my wife when her family was down for Christmas and her sister's kid was using a $150 knife as an ice pick.It only ran $35 to get it properly sharpened.
I am considering for my combo butler pantry/laundry room where I will still spend time and be able to enjoy it but where it is not going to be subject to the heat and various potential stains.
I am also wondering if it would be good in the master bathroom. I would never consider it in one without a separate make-up area because make-up can so easily stain but if another surface is used for the make-up vanity area--I would be interested in other thoughts on ths.