When installing kitchen countertops for a new build or remodel, consider engineered stone or recycled glass countertops; together, they are becoming increasingly popular alternatives to traditional countertops.
Engineered stones are a wonderful option for countertop use in the home because of the man-made qualities of the product. They are heat and scratch resistant; non-porous, and so also moisture resistant; and they come in a variety of styles and colors. The colors can be controlled, and the spectrum of colors available in engineered stone tends to be far greater than that found in natural stone.
While most engineered stone products are made of a combination of quartz and polymer resins, which makes them extremely durable, they are not necessarily green because the polymer resins are petroleum-based. For greener options, consider products using recycled content, like glass.
Recycled glass counters are made up of 25% Portland cement, and 75% glass. One hundred percent of this glass is recycled—broken mirror chips, glass bottles, etc. And they are extremely attractive: the refraction of light through the glass particles gives the recycled glass a beautiful sparkle-effect similar to sparkling granite. And you still get the durability and resistance as with other engineered products: recycled glass is twice as strong as marble and as hard as granite.
The installation of engineered stone is the same as with any natural stone, but because of the difference in tensile strength, builders should take additional care not to twist or torque engineered stone when transporting or installing it.
The price range for engineered stone products varies by brand but can be estimated to cost between $50 and $90 per square foot. Recycled glass is a little more expensive, roughly $100 to $120 per square foot.
Engineered stone and recycled glass countertops are durable and versatile alternatives to natural stone and may bend, but won't break, your budget.
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