Cad Kitchen Plans

The concept of using recycled glass for kitchen countertops is not entirely new. In fact the product was invented back in 1996 by Berkeley, CA glass scientist and PhD student Don McPherson. McPherson combined a cement binder with recycled glass to create a polished countertop. Along with architect Bruce Brubaker McPherson formed a company called Counter Production. They named their new product Vetrazzo.

Vetrazzo Firehouse Red - Photo Courtesy of Vetrazzo.com

Other companies soon followed each putting their own signature on the concept and each offering a different finished look.  Enviroglass uses a polyurethane binder rather than cement and IceStone uses more refined and smaller glass aggregate.

Alehouse - Photo Courtesy of Vetrazzo.com

Residentially recycled or “curbside glass” is the main source of glass used in recycled glass countertops. Salvaged glass from construction demolition makes up the balance of glass material used.

While comparable in price and durability to granite and marble countertops, glass offers a few additional benefits. Once harvested form the earth granite and marble will not grow back. At least not any time soon. The same can be said of engineered stone products such as Sileston and Dupont Quartz. Recycled glass counterotps are made from waste material and therefore offer a much more earth friendly option.

Vetrazzo Floating Blue - Photo Courtesy of Vetrazzo.com

Because the finished glass countertops are completely non-porous there is no opportunity for bacteria to invade and flourish. Thus glass countertops tend to eliminate the possibility of cross contamination in the kitchen.

All things considered recycled glass countertops are an excellent choice for kitchen and bath applications. They offer long lasting beauty and they tell visitors to your home that you care about our environment and the future of the world we all share.