Recycled Glass & Cement

If you are looking for a bit more color in the kitchen then consider recycled glass and cement as your counters. These durable, sustainable surfaces can help brighten up your projects, inside and out. It's made primarily from post-consumer materials which means you can add to your karma score while defining your space.  These counters are comprised of around 70% recycled materials and can last a lifetime. One person's trash is another person’s treasure.

What does Recycled Glass and Cement mean?

Similar to concrete, recycled glass & cement counters are comprised of cement, recycled glass and colorant. The aggregate in concrete is replaced with recycled glass. Some manufacturers, such as IceStone and Vetrazzo, reflect the post consumer glass they use in their products.   ‘Alehouse Amber’ is comprised of recycled beer bottles, and ‘Cobalt Skyy’ is made of recycled Skyy vodka  bottles.

Some manufacturers 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 they are made up of more than 75% recycled materials.  

Maintenance & Sealing

The recycled glass is bound by cement like concrete, and needs to sealant to avoid stains and etches. This area is the living patina of the counter, enjoyed more by some than others. As long as spills are attended to promptly you can minimize this effect, if desired.

Soap and water will keep you clean for daily maintenance. Buffing the surface with wax will help shine the counters and add protection. Counters should be resealed every year or two. To test whether or not your sealant is working, splash a few drops of water on the cement area. If the water beads off the sealant is still working. However, if the droplets soak into the counter, it's time for another coat.

Sustainable

Primarily made up of post consumer recycled products, this is one of the most sustainably produced counters on the market. They contain no polymers or resins. There is some environmental impact from mining of the limestone in the cement, but it is minimal especially compared to natural stone counters.