Glass Countertops
Glass Countertops Are Strong Yet Flexible
Homeowners who are looking for a countertop that has a sophisticated and modern look would do well to consider
glass countertops. These countertops are steadily growing in popularity among today’s avant-garde homeowners.
It is widely known that glass can be used not just for mirrors and glasses but also for big office windows,
doors, walls and floors. This material can also be made as strong as granite or marble therefore it can be used to
build countertops. Glass can be manufactured in different thicknesses and strengths. You only need to specify the
function of your glass countertop and the glass manufacturer will be able to create glass that will be safe and
strong.
Glass Can Be Made Strong
The typical thicknesses of glass used for building countertops usually range from ¾ inch to 1.5 inches. Glass
already approaches solid-surface consistency if it is ¾ inch thick. If the thickness is 1.5 inches, you have a
glass that is as hard and strong as marble or granite. With this kind of strength, your glass countertop will be
able to handle all types of food preparation that you will perform on it.
Glass Is Very Flexibile
Glass also looks very special because of its sophisticated and sleek
appearance. It has exceptional qualities that other countertop materials don’t have. For instance, its reflective
property will make your room look bigger. You can also design the color and surface texture of your glass
countertop that is uniquely your own. A back-lighted glass countertop mounted on a copper or stainless steel
cabinet will look very luxurious. The translucent effect of the glass countertop will be very dazzling to the eyes.
This wonderful property of glass is the reason why affluent homeowners prefer it over other traditional countertop
materials.
Glass Countertop Choices
With continuous development and innovation in glass manufacturing, it is now possible to get the color, surface
texture and style of glass that you want. For sure, there is a suitable glass countertop that will fit every house
or kitchen design motif. But no matter what type of glass countertop will fit your current set-up, it will always
fall into one of the following types:
• Float Glass – this is a process wherein molten glass is “floated” on a bed of molten
tin. The glass sheets produced this way have uniform thicknesses, with flat and smooth surfaces. This is how
window glasses are made.
• Slump Glass – this process utilizes a mold wherein the glass mixture is laid. The
mixture is then heated until is softens and slumps into shape. This is how to build a glass countertop that has
a unique shape and surface texture.
• Kiln-Fired Glass – this process is utilized when glass remnants or fractured glass is
re-cycled. If your glass countertop is severely damaged, you can use this process to create a new glass
countertop out of it. The kiln will melt your old glass counter and produce a new countertop that is strong and
hard.
Glass Countertop Benefits
There are many good reasons why you should use glass countertops. Some of them are:
• They are non-porous therefore all your food preparation will be safe and clean. There no places for
molds and bacteria to thrive and multiply.
• They are resistant to heat, burns and deformation. Glass is made under high temperatures therefore it
can withstand reasonable amounts of heat.
• You can customize your glass countertops according to your preference, therefore you will have a glass
countertop that is uniquely your own.
• You don’t need to seal nor laminate your countertop therefore it will be free of harmful chemicals.
• There is uniform consistency in the surface of glass countertops making them stronger and more durable
than any hard stone countertop.
• They are stylish, sophisticated and elegant.
• They are very easy to clean and maintain.
• If your glass countertop is severely damaged, you can recycle it and have a new countertop. Your cost
will only be about $50 per square foot.
Downsides Of Glass Countertops
You must always remember that your glass countertop is still
made of glass, even if it is hard as a stone. Here are some of the downsides to owning glass countertops.
• If you don’t wipe water and dirt right away, they will leave ugly spots on the glass surface that is
very difficult to remove. You may even cause scratches on the surface if you’re not careful.
• Glass countertops are prone to chipping and scratches.
• Even if the glass countertop is thick, be careful with its use because it can crack if a huge weight is
suddenly dropped on its surface.
• Glass countertops are more expensive than other types of countertops. They average about $100 to $200
per square foot.
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