What to Consider When Buying a Recycled Glass Countertop

Recycled glass countertops are some of the most unique countertops on the market. Many homeowners choose this eco-friendly option as an alternative to granite, but some get creative. With the right design, the glass can shine like a brightly-colored gemstone. Here are some things to consider when shopping for a recycled glass countertop.

How Are Recycled Glass Countertops Made?

Most manufacturers source their recycled glass from industrial waste, construction waste, and curbside recycling. For that reason, you’ll often find glass countertops with chips from green, blue, or brown bottles. These chips are either mixed with a binder (such as resin) or heat-processed into a solid slab of engineered surface material.

Things to Consider About Recycled Glass Countertops

There are a few things to think about before purchasing a recycled glass countertop. The following will help you decide if these counters are right for you. 

1. Style of Countertop

Traditional glass countertops come in various styles—from low-iron glass and clear slabs to colored glass designs and mosaics. Recycled glass countertops don’t have the same range of options. Countertops made from recycled glass only come in a couple of styles:

• Chips embedded in a binder: When most people think of a recycled glass countertop, they think of glass chips embedded in a resin or cement binder. This construction looks similar to granite or terrazzo countertops, depending on the size of the chips.

• Slabs: Companies like Bio-Glass® and Evolution Glass make slabs out of 100% recycled glass. Glass is heat-treated during the manufacturing process, which gives it the appearance of a translucent, crystal-like slab (similar to natural quartz countertops or certain varieties of marble).

• Tiles: Though more popular as a backsplash, some homeowners use recycled glass tiles on their countertops. This is more common in bathrooms since grout is difficult to clean, and kitchen spills can cause staining—especially if you cook often.

2. Cement vs. Resin Binders

Most recycled glass countertops are made similarly to composites like quartz. The material (in this case, glass chips) is held in place with a binder to create a solid surface. This binder is either some type of resin (like acrylic) or cement. There are considerations to both:

• Resin: Recycled glass countertops made with resin binders can be a less sustainable option. Not all resins are recyclable, though you can get resins that consist of renewable plant resources. That said, this type of countertop is easier to maintain and more durable than concrete

• Cement: Cement glass countertops are typically more eco-friendly because they don’t include petroleum-based plastics, and you can recycle them. That said, they require more maintenance because they’re porous and prone to cracking. You’ll need to seal them to prevent staining and discoloration. All in all, they mostly have the same pros and cons as regular concrete countertops.

3. Pigments

Countertops made from recycled glass come in nearly any color—from bold reds and oranges to soda bottle shades that conjure images of sea glass. Sometimes, these pigments are added during the manufacturing process. Not every pigment is food-safe (for example, cobalt and cadmium are potentially toxic).

Though most modern manufacturers use non-toxic pigments, it’s always important to double-check, especially if you plan to install the countertops in your kitchen. You don’t want to prepare food on a potentially toxic surface.

4. Durability

Recycled glass countertops are extremely durable, scratch-resistant, and heat-resistant—but the overall durability depends on the type. You’ll need to be careful cleaning your countertops. Certain cleaners like bleach can permanently discolor resin surfaces, while acidic substances can etch cement.

Cement is also porous, so it’s prone to staining. Despite great overall strength, your counter can crack if you drop a heavy object on the surface, so handle it with care.

5. Budget

This isn’t the most budget-friendly material. On average, recycled glass countertops cost about $65 to $140 per square foot. Most homeowners spend somewhere between $2,000 and $8,400 in total. While this is in line with the cost of a concrete countertop, similar materials like granite or quartz can cost significantly less.

If you need to tighten your budget, limit recycled glass to a small area. For example, install it over a kitchen island, but choose something more cost-effective for the rest of your countertops.  

6. Maintenance

Most recycled glass countertops don’t require much maintenance beyond regular cleaning. If your countertop contains a cement binder, you’ll need to seal it one to two times per year. You can use a concrete sealer and apply food-safe wax for a shiny finish.

These tips will help prevent damage:

• Always use a pH-neutral cleaner

• Avoid glass cleaners with ammonia

• Use a cutting board to avoid scratches

• Use a trivet under hot pots and pans

• Wipe up spills ASAP to avoid staining and etching

Damage does happen. If you need to repair glass countertops, expect to spend around $250 to $550.

7. Lighting

Lighting can enhance the look of your recycled glass countertops. If you choose a translucent slab, installing lights beneath your countertop will give it a gorgeous glow. If you choose chips, lighting can help the colored glass sparkle for a showstopping look. 

Recycled Glass Countertops: Pros and Cons

Before buying recycled glass countertops, you should weigh the pros and cons.

Pros

Some of the many benefits of recycled glass countertops include the unique appearance, which you can customize to almost any color and a range of different patterns and layouts. It’s also highly durable and easy to maintain (especially when you compare resin-bound recycled glass countertops versus granite). Most countertops only require regular cleaning, while concrete types have the added step of sealing.

The largest benefit is sustainability. Compared to materials like laminate and acrylic, recycled glass countertops are sustainable—especially if you opt for concrete. That said, other materials like wood or salvaged stone may be more eco-friendly. 

Cons

Recycled glass countertops have a few drawbacks. This material is less budget-friendly than other varieties. It’s not a suitable DIY project, and you’ll need to budget for the cost of professional installation.

On top of that, the high durability has a few weaknesses. Resin can discolor with certain cleaners and UV light. Concrete is porous and prone to stains, so you’ll have to seal it. It can also etch when exposed to acidic liquids. Either countertop can crack with the impact of a heavy object, and this type of countertop is not completely impervious to heat damage. It’s best to use a trivet and a cutting board.

If you’re still unsure whether a recycled glass countertop works best for your home, call a countertop contractor near you. They’ll be able to evaluate your space and help you pick the best option for your budget.

Sharon Greenthal contributed to this piece.