ConstructionDeal.com Update

Continuing with the Construction Deal.com theme of hot design trends, the next big thing in kitchen remodeling could be the glass countertop. Everyone still wants granite counters and stainless steel appliances in their new kitchens, but a few things could trigger the rise in popularity of a glass kitchen counter:

• Sustainability
• Health Considerations
• Uniqueness

Sustainability:
The Green Movement is not going away anytime soon. People want sustainability. They want products that will last a long time and not need to be replaced. They want products that are environmentally friendly. They would like to have recycled materials whenever possible.

A lot of the choices for countertops include laminates, vinyls, and engineered materials that are petroleum-based and require a large amount of chemicals to create. Even production of the vaunted granite counter material requires harmful quarry mining procedures. It's also environmentally costly to ship the heavy stone slabs across the country.

A glass countertop can be made from recycled glass. The finished product can contain up to 80 or 90 percent recycled materials. It's durable to last a long time and the counter can be recycled again after use. The price is comparable a granite installation, but the counter can be customized with choices of color and size that will be perfect for your kitchen decor.

Health Considerations:
A glass countertop is a solid surface that is as durable as stone but without being as porous as a granite or marble. It won't require a sealant to be applied to prevent stains. The finished product can be cleaned with normal, everyday household cleaners. This type of surface can prevent harmful bacteria or germs from hiding in and being transferred to other foods.

Uniqueness:
Many people might be imagining the glass top on a coffee table, end table, or cheesy desk from the 80's or 90's. But many beautiful things can be done to a glass countertop to give it a truly unique presence in a new kitchen. While everyone is stuffing granite counters into their kitchen remodeling project, no matter the style of house they have, one could easily imagine how a glass countertop would stand out.

Glass has a natural green tint color to it, but colors can be created with coatings on the underside of the counter, or colors can be added in the manufacturing process. Shattered glass can be laminated to the counter. The Vetrazzo countertop, filled with recycled glass, gives an option that is filled with flecks of colored glass. The glass kitchen countertop can be installed with a smooth finish, or it can be textured or have a pattern or grooves etched into the surface.

The edges of a glass countertop don't need to be hard, sharp, and squared. They can be rounded and even beveled -- but keep in mind that the more detail on the edge, the greater the expense.

On top of health benefits of a non-porous surface, the glass countertop is also heat resistant. Most heavy glass can withstand temperatures of up to 700 degrees.

What's not to love? It could be the next great option for your kitchen remodeling needs.

If you're in the market to remodel your countertops, you might consider using glass. We know of a few installation specialists across the country -- if you'd like help, post your countertop project with ConstructionDeal.com. We'll match you with a counter pro at no cost and at no obligation.

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