How Much Do Recycled Glass Countertops Cost?
Last Updated: January 13, 2022
On This Page
Looking to create a truly unique and distinctive kitchen? Transform your space into a work of art with recycled glass countertops.
Recycled glass countertops are beautiful, durable, easy to maintain, and eco-friendly. They can be pricey, and they're not for everyone. However, if you're looking for anything but that cookie-cutter look, they could be a perfect fit.
About Recycled Glass Countertops #
Recycled glass countertops are made using remnants of all sorts of glass - drink ware, beer bottles, stained glass, auto glass and many more. Occasionally, you'll find recycled glass countertops that are solid pieces of glass. But the vast majority are made with small pieces of crushed glass that are bound together using a base material that creates a smooth, flat surface that sparkles.
Sometimes the binding is resin-based; other times it is cement-based. This is an important distinction.
- Cement is porous, so counters that are bound with this material periodic sealing. The sealant protects the counter from acidic substances like lemon juice and red wine and helps prevent stains.
- Resin is non-porous, so it doesn't require sealing.
Recycled glass countertops are comparable in strength and durability to granite, although they're far less common. They're scratch-resistant, heat-resistant and relatively low maintenance. They're also available in a wide variety of colors, including single-color and multi-colored.
Recycled Glass Countertop Average Costs #
The price of recycled glass countertops varies based on the color, style, the company selling it and the size of your kitchen. Generally, the price ranges between $50 and $100 per square foot, not including installation. That's fairly comparable in price to granite, so recycled glass is not a product for the budget-conscious.
Here's a look at what some of the most popular brands are charging:
- EnviroGlas: starts at $50 to $70 per square foot
- Vetrazzo: from $55 to $75 per square foot
- Syndecrete: from $80 to $100 per square foot
If you have 30 square feet of counter space, budget anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000 for materials alone. If you have 50 square feet, plan on spending more like $2,500 to $5,000. Factor in installation, and you're looking at a total project budget of anywhere from about $2,000 to $8,000.
Choosing and Maintaining Your Recycled Glass Countertops #
Some recycled glass countertops are made using 100% recycled glass. Others use a mixture of new and used glass. If you're buying recycled glass countertops for environmental reasons, be sure to ask about this. Keep in mind, too, that cement and resin bindings have their environmental downsides.
Recycled glass countertops are simple to clean. Just wipe them down on a regular basis with a cotton cloth and warm water. If you'd like to use a mild cleanser, go ahead. Just make sure it is non-toxic.