Should You Go For Glass Kitchen Countertops?
Ever heard of glass kitchen countertops? If not, well, it’s time you did! These countertops are indeed an actual option for your kitchen. While some people would prefer stone over them, glass countertops are still a good choice. But should you go for them when renovating your kitchen, though? That is something that this guide aims to answer.
As you read on, you will know about the pros and cons of glass kitchen countertops. Moreover, you will read about design ideas you can try. So without further ado, off we go!
The Basics Of Glass Countertops
Glass kitchen countertops might seem a bit out of the ordinary for some. But in truth, they’re a real option to go for when remodeling your kitchen! Glass is among the most versatile materials when it comes to design options. You can melt and mold them into any desired shape, then install some gimmicks to make them pop even more. That’s something you can never do with stone or any other material aside from glass.
When choosing a glass countertop, it’s important to know that there are several types of glass. You can classify them into two categories: the way they are made, and the way they are treated. Here are some of the most common types of glass for your reference:
Glass Types By Treatment
- Tempered glass – Tempered glass is everywhere, from storefronts to even the screens of smartphones. And that’s because tempering is among the most common treatment techniques for glass. You take a piece of glass and heat it evenly, then rapidly cool it afterward. The process produces glass that is about five times stronger than typical glass.
- Annealed glass – Instead of tempering, annealed glass involves the application of a chemical to make the glass stronger. While it’s not as strong as tempered, it’s still a very viable option for kitchen countertops.
Glass Types By Manufacturing Technique
- Float glass – This is made by floating molten glass over a basin full of molten metal. The technique creates a uniform thickness and even surface. This makes it perfect for making conventional windows.
- Slump glass – Making this glass is quite straightforward. You take a piece and heat it until it’s orange and molten. Then, you let it “slump” or drop into a mold where it cools and takes the shape of a specified design.
Why Should You Go For Glass Countertops?
There are a lot of reasons to go for glass countertops in your kitchen. Much of it is due to the versatility that glass has. It is available in a very wide variety of shapes, colors, and textures. The design options make it great for those who want a truly custom visual experience. Do you want countertops shaped like ocean waves? Done. Do you want custom shapes engraved on the surface? You got it.
And that’s not all! You also have the option to leave the glass transparent or translucent. That way, you can install something like an LED to illuminate it, giving it a visual upgrade like no other. You can never do that with a wooden or stone countertop!
Another perk of glass countertops is their durability. Now, it might seem a bit counterintuitive to say that glass is durable. And you would be right! But the durability of glass isn’t as straightforward as it seems. Let us explain.
Unlike stone or wood, glass doesn’t warp with age and constant exposure from the elements. That means it won’t suffer from discoloration or brittleness with time. It retains its shape longer, even in extreme heat! You can place any hot pot on a glass countertop without worrying about damaging it in the long run. It’s also way easier to clean and isn’t porous–that is, it doesn’t absorb anything. All you have to do is take a rag, some cleaning solution, and wipe dirt off. Easy peasy.
Glass Countertop Design Ideas
To get you started, here are some glass countertop design ideas you can try!
- Tinted glass – There are glass countertops in various tinted shades that are meant for hiding cabinet or coffee table interiors from up top.
- Back-painted glass – The glass pane is painted a specific color on its underside to give it an added visual boost. This is great for installing in a kitchen with a very defined color palette.
- Artistic glass – The surface of the glass features a slew of artistic patterns and textures, which gives it a true custom look. If you want something unique, you can go for this in your kitchen!
- LED-lit glass – Do you want something ultra-modern, even futuristic? Then go for translucent glass and install a few LED lights underneath, to give them a glowing appearance.
A glass tile kitchen backsplash is a type of decorative tile installed on the wall behind a kitchen countertop and stove to protect the wall from spills, splatters, and heat. Glass tiles are a popular choice for kitchen backsplashes due to their durability, ease of maintenance, and wide range of color and design options. They are typically made of tempered glass, which is heat-resistant and less likely to break than regular glass. Glass tiles come in a variety of sizes and shapes, including squares, rectangles, and mosaics, and may be clear or opaque.
Let Us Help You With Your Glass Countertop Project!
Visit us today at Peninsula Glass and we’ll gladly help you out with your glass countertop project. Our friendly staff are more than willing to answer your inquiries and recommend the best options for your budget and style for your home and fireplace. Come see what we have in store!