Installing a recycled glass countertop costs $2,700 on average, depending on the size. Most spend between $1,950 and $8,400.
If you want something modern and environmentally friendly for your kitchen design or remodeling project, then recycled glass countertops can be a great option. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind before committing to this counter. Recycled glass countertops cost approximately $2,700 on average, or between $1,950 and $8,400. Breaking it down further, these counters cost about $65 to $140 per square foot.
Your recycled glass countertops will cost about $90 per square foot, including the installation cost. However, average costs tend to fall between $65 and $140 per square foot. Factors that might affect the cost of glass countertops include customizations, type of glass, and size of the counters.
| Countertop Square Footage | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 25 | $1,625–$3,500 |
| 30 | $1,950–$4,200 |
| 35 | $2,275–$4,900 |
| 40 | $2,600–$5,600 |
When you’re trying to figure out how to choose a countertop, it helps to look into all of the important details. Here are the main cost factors you need to keep in mind for a new recycled glass countertop installation.
Unless your counter is prefabricated and comes with cutouts, you’ll need your installer to make them for you. Sinks, faucets, cooktops, and outlets all require cutouts.
Also, any specific plans for your counter may require your installer to make unique cuts. This extra work will add to your labor costs at $30 to $80 per hour.
| Cutout Type | Average Price Range |
|---|---|
| Sink cutout and installation | $200–$240 |
| Cooktop | $80–$120 |
| Electrical outlet | $15–$25 |
| Faucet | $20 |
The cost of your countertops can vary by the color, although the brand tends to have a bigger impact. Here is a general guideline of what you can expect to pay for different glass colors.
| Countertop Color | Average Price Range |
|---|---|
| Bright white with off-white glass | $40–$55 |
| Off-white with colored glass | $40–$55 |
| White with off-white glass | $50–$70 |
| White with colored glass | $85–$165 |
Installers usually don’t charge for square and eased edging options, but if you want something more, you’ll pay $10 to $35 per linear foot. You may want to consider paying extra for bullnose or beveled edges because they’re less likely to chip than the base options.
| Edging Type | Average Cost (per Linear Foot) |
|---|---|
| Half or Full Bullnose | $10–$12 |
| Bevel | $10–$12 |
| Ogee, Dupont, Mitre, or Quirk | $20–$25 |
| French Cove | $30–$35 |
Whether you need custom or stock countertops will depend largely on the vision you have for your new kitchen. While stock counters can work great for most homes, you may want something specific that requires custom fabrication. This might include features like split-level countertops for modern seating or curved edges for a unique kitchen.
Additionally, you may prefer to work with a local recycled glass countertop manufacturer, and some of these companies only offer custom work.
Stock counters range between $65 and $140 per square foot, while custom counters will cost $120 to $250 or more per square foot.
The cost of materials for your recycled glass countertop installation will come out to about $55 to $130 per square foot. Costs depend on the brand, color, and type of counter you choose. If you’re on a budget, look for cement-based or crushed glass slabs. Some brands are also more cost-effective than others, like Curava.
If cost isn’t a major concern, then you can think about getting custom counters or using a material like sea glass. And for something with a major wow factor, you could go with a higher-end brand like ThinkGlass.
Labor costs for recycled glass counter installation average $10 to $50 per square foot. The more complex the job, the more you can expect to pay for labor. Note that some countertop brands require you to hire installers who are pre-approved by the company if you want their warranty coverage.
A quick online search or a walk into the home improvement store will show you an overwhelming selection of materials for recycled glass countertops. With so many to choose from, knowing which one is right for you can quickly become confusing. Here’s how each of these countertops stack up against one another.
Glass tiles are one of the most affordable options available, coming in at just $3 per square foot. They are affordable because glass tiles aren’t as heavy or hard to install; they are easier to place tile by tile than other options.
Since glass slab countertops are heavier, these counters are more costly than glass tiles, coming in at $75 per square foot on average. However, if you’re looking for a seamless addition to your kitchen, glass slabs offer a sleek aesthetic.
This countertop option is more durable than most of the other materials out there. For this reason, expect to pay somewhere from $75 to $115 per square foot for this heat-treated countertop.
Bringing that beach vibe to your kitchen is that much easier when you opt for a recycled sea glass countertop. This option uses resin or concrete to help those beachy blue and green hues stand out. However, because sea glass is semi-rare, expect to pay about $100 per square foot, including installation.
For a more common choice that falls somewhere in the middle of the price range, it’s hard to go wrong with crushed glass. These countertops cost between $50 and $100 per square foot and are also made using resin or concrete.
One of the most sustainable options for recycled glass countertops is Bio-Glass. This brand uses 100% recycled glass that is melted into a solid slab. It comes in at $85 to $115 per square foot.
These countertops use 60% recyclable glass and are more affordable compared to some of the higher-end materials. Curava countertops cost $50 to $70 per square foot, including installation. Note, however, that this option can only be used indoors.
If you’re looking for a high-quality brand, Vetrazzo is known for its stunning countertop material. Expect to pay around $85 to $165 per square foot for the material alone.
One of the latest trends in recycled glass countertops is to add LED lighting beneath the surface of the glass. ThinkGlass uses thermoformed glass and 25% recycled materials to create a translucent slab that can pull off this captivating look. This material comes in at over $200 per square foot for material and installation.
If you’re on the fence about choosing a glass countertop over quartz, with Vetrostone, you don’t have to choose. Vetrostone uses engineered quartz and recycled glass to create stunning sea glass and seashells that give you the best of both worlds. You’ll need to dish out between $85 to $165 per square foot for this option.
| Recycled Glass Countertop Type | Average Price (per Square Foot) |
|---|---|
| Glass Tile | $3 |
| Slab | $75 |
| Tempered | $75–$115 |
| Sea Glass | $100 |
| Crushed Glass | $50–$100 |
| Bio-Glass | $85–$115 |
| Curava | $50–$70 |
| Vetrazzo | $85–$165 |
| ThinkGlass | $200 |
| Vetrostone | $85–$165 |
You’ve figured out the basic costs of recycled glass countertops—now it’s time to discuss the costs of common add-ons that you may want to consider for your project.
Getting a new set of countertops is exciting, but it means your old ones have to go (unless you’re building a new kitchen). Depending on the counter material, your installer may have the option of hauling it to a recycler for you. Either way, expect to pay $50 to $350 for this service. Your installer may or may not include these costs in the installation quote.
Adding backlights to translucent countertops costs around $90 to $100 per square foot. You can also go with ThinkGlass, which offers backlit countertops for $200 per square foot. For opaque counters, you can opt for under-cabinet lighting instead, which will make your recycled glass sparkle. Adding backlighting to your opaque countertop project costs $265 on average.
Backsplash installation costs $15 to $40 per square foot on average, depending on the material. If you decide to match your glass counters with a glass backsplash, then you’re looking at about $30 per square foot. A matching backsplash will make your kitchen or bathroom design look more cohesive, and they can make it easier to clean.
Cement-based recycled glass countertops require sealant. It’s best to apply sealant annually, and this service averages $2 to $4 per square foot. If you happen to have resin-based counters, you can skip the sealant since they’re nonporous.
For any repairs to your recycled glass counters, you should call in a pro. Countertop repair costs around $10 to $12 per square foot, but it can vary depending on the extent of the damage.
Here are the main pros and cons of recycled glass countertops to be aware of before choosing them for your kitchen.
These counters are very eye-catching and visually pleasing. They’re available in many different colors and designs, so you’ll be able to find the perfect fit for your vision. And if you’re looking for a countertop with recycled materials, this is a great choice.
Additionally, the resin-based counters are nonporous, making them stain-resistant. They’re also very easy to maintain, and their vibrant colors don’t fade over time.
One of the disadvantages is their high price, which rivals some natural stone, quartz, and stainless steel options. For example, when comparing the cost of recycled glass versus granite countertops, you’ll see that granite costs $50 to $200 per square foot, while recycled glass costs $65 to $140 per square foot.
Recycled glass surfaces can also crack if you put too much weight on the corners. Moreover, if it’s a cement-based counter, you need to apply sealant regularly and avoid spilling acidic foods and liquids.
Recycled glass countertops are extremely heavy and need to be cut precisely in order to fit in your kitchen. For this reason, you need to hire a countertop installer near you to get the job done right.
If you really want to get your DIY on for this renovation, do a simple kitchen backsplash to go with the new countertops or install new light fixtures if you’re particularly handy. You can also make the counter project go more smoothly by cleaning up the space before and after the renovation.
DIYing your recycled glass countertop installation requires expertise and knowledge to get the job done right. Some common DIY mistakes include damaging the slab during installation or using the wrong measurements. If you drop your heavy slab, it can cause irreparable damage. And if your measurements are wrong, even by a little bit, it can spell disaster. Unlike other countertop types, it’s not easy to cut recycled glass counters.
If you have the chops to get it done, you can save $10 to $50 per square foot on labor costs. However, calling in a pro and paying the labor costs is usually worth it for the peace of mind (especially when installing a costly material). When selecting a pro, calling around and getting at least three different quotes will give you an idea of the going rate. Check the details of the included services, and look for any hidden fees before signing a contract.
A recycled glass countertop should last 10 to 20 years, so long as it receives regular care and maintenance. Glass is heat-resistant, so it can withstand the rigors of a modern kitchen. It’s also stain-resistant and easy to clean, as the material is non-porous. In other words, not only will recycled glass countertops last for over a decade, but they won’t show any significant wear and tear.
Recycled glass countertops are slightly cheaper than quartz countertops, though it depends on several factors. Recycled glass countertops cost between $65 and $140 per square foot, and quartz countertops cost $50 to $200 per square foot, though most projects come in at $70 to $100 per square foot. The final cost will come down to the quality of the material, local labor prices, and any customizations you require.
Most recycled glass countertops are nonporous, so they don’t require sealant. There is, however, one major exception. If your recycled glass countertop contains a cement binder, it’ll require an additional layer of protection. Seal these countertops once or twice a year. Use a concrete sealant and finish it with a food-safe wax for a gorgeous and shiny finish. Otherwise, just clean the countertop regularly and always use a cutting board.
