Last Updated on June 7, 2022 by Kimberly Crawford
There are many factors to consider when choosing countertops for your home. One of the most important decisions you will make is whether to go with recycled glass or granite. Both materials have their pros and cons, so it can be difficult to decide which is right for you.
In this blog post, we will compare recycled glass and granite countertops, and help you decide which is the best option for your home!
Related: 22 Types of Countertops: Which One Is the Best for You?
Recycled glass countertops.
What is a recycled glass countertop?
Recycled glass countertops are made from recycled glass that has been melted down and formed into a solid surface. They are an eco-friendly alternative to traditional countertop materials like granite or marble, and they have a unique look that can add character to any kitchen or bathroom.
There are several things to consider before choosing a recycled glass countertop for your home. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
-The cost of recycled glass countertops can vary depending on the manufacturer and the type of glass used.
-They are available in a variety of colors and finishes, so you can find one that fits your style.
-They are durable and easy to care for, but they can be scratched or chipped if not treated properly.
-Recycled glass countertops are a great way to add personality to your kitchen or bathroom.
What is recycled glass transformed from?
Recycled glass is transformed from its original state into something new. It can be used to create a variety of different products, including countertops, tiles, and even jewelry. The process of recycling glass often starts with crushing the glass into a fine powder.
This powder can then be used to create new glass products or it can be added to other materials to create a variety of different products. Recycled glass is an environmentally friendly way to transform waste into something new and useful.
Pros of recycled glass countertops:
-They are beautiful and unique. No two countertops are alike, so you can be sure to have a one-of-a-kind kitchen or bathroom.
-They are durable and heat resistant. Recycled glass is just as tough as regular glass, so your countertops will be able to withstand any wear and tear.
-They are easy to clean. Just a little soap and water is all you need to keep your recycled glass countertops looking like new.
-They are environmentally friendly. Recycled glass is a sustainable material that doesn’t require any new mining or quarrying.
Cons of recycled glass countertops:
- They can be expensive.
- They can be difficult to find.
- They may not be as durable as other countertop materials.
- They may not be as heat resistant as other countertop materials.
- They may require more maintenance than other countertop materials.
Recycled glass countertops vs. granite countertops
Appearance.
It’s one of the main reasons people choose recycled glass countertops over granite. They simply look nicer. The colors are more vibrant and the overall aesthetic is more pleasing to the eye.
There are some drawbacks to appearance, however. Recycled glass countertops can be susceptible to scratches and chips, whereas granite is much more durable in this regard.
Still, for those who are looking for beauty above all else, recycled glass countertops are the clear winner.
Color.
It’s one of the first things you notice about a countertop. And it’s one of the main reasons people choose recycled glass or granite countertops.
Recycled glass comes in a variety of colors, from classic black and white to bright blues and greens. You can even find counters made from recycled bottles in shades of amber and green.
Granite, on the other hand, is available in a much wider range of colors. From pale whites to deep blacks and every shade in between, granite has a color for everyone.
Hardness.
The hardness of a material is measured by its Mohs hardness scale. The higher the number, the harder the material. For example, Diamonds are rated at a Mohs hardness of ten, while talc is rated at just one. So, how do recycled glass and granite countertops compare?
Recycled glass countertops have a Mohs hardness of six. That means they’re harder than talc, but softer than granite. However, they’re not as strong as granite countertops.
Granite countertops have a Mohs hardness of seven. That makes them one of the hardest materials available for countertops. They’re also very strong and durable.
Cost.
It is no secret that granite countertops are more expensive than their recycled glass counterparts. If you are working with a limited budget, then recycled glass is the way to go. However, if you have a little bit more to spend, then granite countertops may be the better option for you.
Composition.
When deciding between recycled glass and granite countertops, it’s important to consider the composition of each material. Recycled glass is made up of, well, recycled glass. Granite is a natural stone that is quarried from the earth.
There are pros and cons to both materials when it comes to composition. For example, recycled glass is man-made, so it may not have the same natural look as granite. On the other hand, because recycled glass is made up of recycled materials, it is a more sustainable option than granite.
Seam Visibility.
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing between recycled glass and granite countertops is seam visibility. Because recycled glass is made from melted down bottles and other glass items, it has a more random pattern than granite.
As a result, seams are more likely to be visible on recycled glass countertops. On the other hand, granite has a more uniform pattern, which makes seams less visible.
Durability.
When it comes to durability, both recycled glass and granite countertops are extremely durable. However, granite is a little bit more durable than recycled glass.
This is because granite is a harder material than recycled glass. While both materials are resistant to scratches and heat, granite is less likely to chip or crack than recycled glass.
Repairs And Replacements.
When it comes to recycled glass countertops vs. granite countertops, there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes time for repairs or replacements.
First, because recycled glass is manmade, any chips or cracks can usually be easily repaired with a little epoxy and some elbow grease. However, granite is a natural stone, so any cracks or chips will be more difficult (and expensive) to repair.
Maintenance.
It’s something we all have to think about when choosing materials for our homes. Some materials require more care than others, and that’s something you’ll want to consider before making your final decision. So, how do recycled glass and granite countertops compare when it comes to maintenance?
Well, let’s start with granite. Granite is a natural stone, so it’s going to require some special care. You’ll need to seal it regularly to keep it from staining, and you’ll also need to be careful about using harsh cleaners on it. On the plus side, granite is a very durable material, so it will withstand a lot of wear and tear.
Heat Resistance.
Recycled glass countertops are heat resistant, but granite countertops are not. This is because recycled glass is made from melted down bottles and other recycled materials, while granite is a natural stone.
So, if you’re looking for a heat-resistant countertop material, recycled glass is the way to go.
Scratch resistance.
When it comes to scratch resistance, both recycled glass and granite countertops are quite durable. However, granite is typically more resistant to scratches than recycled glass. If you’re looking for a countertop that’s less likely to scratch, then granite may be the better option for you.
Moisture Resistance.
When it comes to moisture resistance, both recycled glass and granite countertops are excellent choices. However, granite countertops are slightly more resistant to moisture than recycled glass countertops.
This is because granite is a natural stone, and its pores are smaller than the pores in recycled glass. As a result, granite countertops are less likely to absorb moisture and stain.
Sealing Needs.
One of the most important things to consider when choosing countertops is how often you will need to seal them. Granite countertops need to be sealed every six months or so, while recycled glass countertops only need to be sealed once a year.
Home Resale Value.
When comparing recycled glass countertops with granite countertops, it’s important to consider your home’s resale value. Recycled glass countertops can actually increase the resale value of your home, while granite countertops may not have the same effect.
Installation.
Another area where recycled glass countertops have an advantage over granite is in installation. Recycled glass countertops are typically installed by the homeowner, while granite countertops usually require professional installation. This can save you both time and money.
Environmental Issues.
When it comes to deciding between recycled glass countertops and granite countertops, there are a few things to consider. The most important factor is probably the environmental impact of each option.
Recycled glass is an eco-friendly choice because it requires less energy to produce than granite. It also doesn’t release any harmful chemicals into the atmosphere during production.
Granite, on the other hand, is a natural stone that is mined from the earth. The mining process can have a negative impact on the environment, depending on how it’s done.
Recycled glass countertops vs. granite countertops: Final Verdict.
After doing extensive research on both types of countertops, we’ve come to a final verdict: recycled glass countertops are the better option! Here’s why:
They’re more environmentally friendly. Recycled glass is, well, recycled! So you know that your countertop is doing its part in helping the environment.
They’re just as strong (if not stronger) than granite. You don’t have to worry about your recycled glass countertop cracking or chipping – it’s made to last.
They offer more design options. Because recycled glass is available in so many different colors and styles, you can really get creative with your countertop design.
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