Glass Countertops

Granite, Formica, marble and even quartz countertops are choices that most people are familiar with. Glass countertops, however, provide an alternative that's unique and comes with some interesting advantages. A closer look at this countertop material will reveal that glass counters offer more than meets the eye.

Glass countertops are typically made using recycled materials for most of the composition. Glass pieces, for example, will often come from local recyclers in the area where the counters are made. Rather than present in full sheets of breakable glass, this type of counter resembles mosaic art in many cases. Beautiful glass pieces are mixed with cement, color pigments and other additives to create countertops that are not only durable, but also quite environmentally friendly.

While granite likely remains the most popular counter material choice, glass countertops can give this material a run for its money. When the blending to create glass countertops is done correctly, these counters compare well to granite in the following areas:

• Strength – Thanks to their blended composition, glass countertops are quite strong. They can withstand a lot of the damage that granite counters can and come out looking fine.
• Scratch resistance – Glass countertops are more durable on this end than many would give them credit for. While they can be scratched, it generally takes a concerted effort to make this happen. Cutting directly on the surface, for example, can compromise the appearance.
• Heat resistance – While it's not a good idea to set a scalding pot on most flat surfaces without an insulator, glass countertops will generally endure accidental contacts quite well.
• Overall durability – Just like granite and other "high end" counters, glass countertops can stand the test of time.

Caring For Glass Countertops

Glass countertops require no more care than other high end products. While they do demand some routine maintenance, the schedule often suggested is rather liberal. To care for these unique counters, it is recommended that people:

• Clean regularly – Wipe down the surface of glass countertops after use. A damp sponge or cloth will typically do the trick. Mild detergent can be used to remove spots.
• Reseal – Unlike some materials that require resealing on a more frequent basis, glass countertops only call for resealing once every one to two years, depending on use.
• Use common sense – Glass countertops are incredibly resilient, but they are not impervious to damage. A little common sense can prevent any problems from arising. Use care with heat, cutting and cleaning and these counters should last a lifetime.

Glass countertops provide a unique alternative to granite and other building materials. Since many glass lines involve recycled materials, they are also seen as the greener choice.