Glass Countertops: A Trend to Follow
There is a time in which a trend becomes popular, the time goes on, but the trend remains trendy. In the mid-2000s, the tendency to have glass countertops for the kitchen became immensely popular in the United States.
Homeowners and interior designers like to use glass kitchen countertops to give a sleek and modern look to the kitchen. These countertops not only bring elegance to your cooking place but also a bundle of unique features that make them a top-notch choice among design enthusiasts.
This article is all about the Glass Countertops, the reason for their popularity, and their installation process. So, let’s begin!
Table of Contents
- 1 Why Glass Countertops Are Trending?
- 2 The Current Trends in Glass Countertops
- 3 Types of Glass Countertops
- 4 Perks of Kitchen Glass Countertops
- 4.1 Step-By-Step Installation Process of Kitchen Countertops
- 4.2 Step 1: Measurement and Design
- 4.3 Step 2: Surface Preparation
- 4.4 Step 3: Order the Glass Countertop
- 4.5 Step 4: Apply Adhesive for a Secure Bond
- 4.6 Step 5: Place the Glass on the Structure
- 4.7 Step 6: Properly Level and Align the Glass
- 4.8 Step 7: Let It Rest
- 4.9 Step 8: Have a Final Inspection
- 5 Maintenance Guidelines
- 6 Cost Considerations
- 7 Summing Up!
Why Glass Countertops Are Trending?
There are several reasons why the glass counters in the kitchen are popular. Some of the very popular ones are given here:
An Attractive Feature for Modern Kitchen Designs
Most homeowners want their kitchens to be minimalistically designed and have maximum natural light flow inside. For this reason, glass counters are popular because they offer an enhanced aesthetic appeal and a sleek and contemporary look that goes with any interior style.
Versatile and Customizable
The glass counters for the kitchen are highly versatile and customizable. You can choose a texture of your choice, a color that matches the kitchen’s ambiance, and various such customization options.
Sustainability and Eco-Friendliness
Glass countertops are sustainable and eco-friendly as they are commonly made from recycled glass, which reduces waste in the environment.
The Current Trends in Glass Countertops
Here are the current trends in the home remodeling industry related to glass countertops. Following these trends can help you build a countertop in the kitchen that gives a bold statement.
Back-Lit Glass
A home glass counter bar equipped with back-lit lights creates a stunning visual effect in the kitchen. Many homeowners follow this trend and incorporate back-lit glass counters in their kitchen.
Textured Finishes
The textured finishes, which include frosted, etched, and sandblasted give an alluring effect and add a fascinating touch to your kitchen.
Bold and Vibrant Colors
There are several vibrant colors you can use for the countertops to make a statement and create a focal point in your kitchen. For example, cobalt blue, hot pink, sunset yellow, lime green, etc.
Integration of Other Materials
Integrating other materials like wood, metal, or stone with the glass elevates visual appeal and creates unique design contrasts.
Types of Glass Countertops
You can choose any glass of your choice for building a countertop. However, certain types of glass favored by interior designers and homeowners are:
Tempered Glass
Known for its strength and safety, tempered glass is a top-notch choice for building a countertop. It is not only durable but possesses several safety features too. For instance, upon any severe impact, the glass tends to break into small non-injurious particles instead of large shards. This property of tempered glass won’t create any safety hazard for the homeowners upon any breakage.
Recycled Glass
As from the name, it is clear that recycled glass is the type of glass that is collected, processed, and reutilized after fulfilling its original purpose. A recycled glass countertop is an eco-friendly option that helps create stunning surfaces for countertops in the kitchen.
Stained Glass
It is a type of decorative glass created by coloring or painting the glass. It depicts an architectural and artistic look that adds traditional beauty to the kitchen when used for kitchen countertops. Using this glass for countertops in the kitchen enhances the aesthetics and gives your place a timeless charm. The vibrant hues and the intricate patterns of this glass turns the countertop into a focal point within the kitchen.
Perks of Kitchen Glass Countertops
There are many benefits of having glass countertops in the kitchen, here are some of them:
- Top Notch Durability
- Resistant to Heat
- Resistant to Scratches
- Easy Cleaning and Maintenance
- Non-porous Surface
- Aesthetically Pleasing
Step-By-Step Installation Process of Kitchen Countertops
The installation of kitchen glass countertops demands attention to every detail and precision while measuring dimensions. It is very critical to be accurate about each aspect of countertop installation to get aesthetically pleasing results.
So, let’s begin with the detailed installation procedure.
Step 1: Measurement and Design
Measure the area where you want to install the glass countertop. Take accurate dimensions and choose a design and color profile beforehand.
Step 2: Surface Preparation
Prepare the surface where the installation process will take place. Clean the area and level it to avoid any imperfections later on.
Step 3: Order the Glass Countertop
Order the glass countertop for your kitchen from a reputable glass manufacturer or vendor. Ensure your measurements are fine before ordering the glass.
Finding a glass countertop online is not a big deal. You can find several websites selling kitchen countertops. Fab Glass and Mirror is one reliable online glass distributor. You can visit the website and order any glass type for the countertop according to your preferences.
Step 4: Apply Adhesive for a Secure Bond
Apply a silicone adhesive or epoxy to the top of the structure where the glass will lie. It will help secure the glass in its place.
Step 5: Place the Glass on the Structure
Once you have applied adhesive over the countertop structure, place the glass carefully onto the cabinet or support structure.
Step 6: Properly Level and Align the Glass
Check the alignment of the glass and adjust it according to the adjacent surfaces. Also, check the level of the glass.
Step 7: Let It Rest
Allow the newly installed glass to rest for some time. It may take hours or days to completely cure and dry.
Step 8: Have a Final Inspection
Have a final inspection of your glass counter. Look for any visible defects, alignment, and glass level. If all ingredients are fine, you have successfully installed the kitchen glass countertop.
Maintenance Guidelines
Maintaining kitchen glass countertops isn’t a big deal. By following the points provided below, your countertop can last for a long time. Here are the maintenance tips:
- Regularly clean the kitchen countertop using a mild, non-abrasive cleaner. You can also make a homemade cleaner by making a mixture of warm water and a few drops of dish soap.
- If there are spills of something over the countertop, wipe them away quickly. Especially if there’s a spill of acidic substance such as vinegar, or citrus juice, you must act promptly to avoid staining and etching.
- Usually, the glass used for countertops is heat-resistant, but you still need to use trivets, or hot pads when placing hot utensils or pans on the countertop.
- Do not ever use any sort of abrasive cleaner, or steel wool for cleaning the countertops. Using such materials can lead to scratches.
- Upon an impact, the countertops may chip or crack. Be cautious while handling any heavy utensils or objects near the countertops.
- To enhance the appearance of countertops, you can buy a glass polish specifically made for the glass counters.
Cost Considerations
Finally, we are almost at the end of our topic. The last thing to discuss is the cost considerations of countertops. Several factors come into play when discussing the cost of a countertop.
Here are the factors that influence the cost of glass countertops. Keep these points in mind while making a purchase decision.
- Type of Glass
- Design Pattern
- Thickness and Size
- Edge Profile
- Backlighting
- Additional Features
Additional features refer to the integrated sink, glass shelving, etc.
Summing Up!
Once you plan a journey to elevate the kitchen aesthetics, you must install the glass countertops. It is not just a trend but a timeless choice that boosts the beauty of your kitchen. However, you must possess the right knowledge and inspiration before initiating the installation procedure. Buy glass countertops from Fab Glass and Mirror at market-competitive prices and give your kitchen a trendy look.