Whether you want some extra character on your kitchen or a durable and guilt-free countertop that does not involve mining or petroleum-based resins, countertops made from recycled glass with cement may be right for you. Keep reading to learn more about this comparative newcomer.
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Latera Architectural Surfaces / Dorado Stone
Vetrazzo: Millefiori
The basics: Using a makeup much like terrazzo, these counters are made up of recycled glass, cement and pigment. Producers such as IceStone and Vetrazzo (envisioned) obtain all their glass out of postconsumer resources, and have some fun while they’re at it. For instance, Vetrazzo’s ‘Alehouse Amber’ is made from recycled beer bottles and ‘Cobalt Skyy’ contains recycled Skyy® Vodka bottles.
Price: $100 to $160 per square foot installed
Latera Architectural Surfaces / Dorado Stone
Advantages: by themselves, glass and cement are stout materials, so when combined, they become a durable duo with a life expectancy of 50 years or longer. The material resists both heat and scrapes.
Some manufacturers, for example Vetrazzo, offer supreme style flexibility, allowing you to decide on the glass and pigments to get a personalized counter uniquely tailored for your kitchen. All these are guilt-free counters, as greater than 75% of the material is from post-consumer recycled material, which keeps waste out of landfills.
Rossington Architecture
Disadvantages: The cement-based portion of the counter is porous, which may take on stains, so you’ll want to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for ongoing sealing. Alternatively, you can embrace the patina, or evolving personality, that develops with use. Additionally, it is worth noting that, while tough, this material is not knife friendly, so maintain your cutting boards nearby. Using these boards will maintain the longevity of your sealer.
Particular factors: Dark mixes will help alleviate the signs of a relaxed cleaning routine.
Sustainability: This really is only one of the greenest choices for your own kitchen counters. Because it’s comprised primarily of postconsumer recycled material, it retains material out of landfills, and unlike many other countertops, it does not have any petroleum-based compounds or resins.
While there is some mining required for its limestone-based concrete, the cement comprises less than 25 percent of the item, so the environmental impact from mining would be significantly less than that of stone counters. But take note that these hefty cement-based slabs can absorb a good deal of transportation-related energy, so it’s worth knowing where the item is fabricated.
Care: Daily care is simple — keep your countertops clean with soap and water, being sure to steer clear of harsh abrasives. You will need to reseal and wax the face a couple of times a year, as sealant will deter staining and wax will decrease etching.
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