What is Thermoformed Glass

Thermoformed glass is glass that has been through a unique process of being heated to a temperature where it becomes flexible and then molded in order to give it shape or texture. It differs from glass blowing in that it is not shaped by rolling and blowing hot air but rather by using a mold and is better suited for making flatter objects, such as glass countertops, tables, & related materials.

Here are the steps taken to create thermoformed glass:

A mold shape is made created to the specifications of the desired piece.
Raw glass panels are cut to a size slightly larger than the mold
Glass is cut further in order to take shape of the mold
The glass will be painted on and given a design
Once the glass is cut and decorated it is brought to a kiln
In the kiln it is put on top of its relative mold
The kiln is heated to an extremely high temperature (About 843 degrees Celsius)
The high temperature softens the glass
The glass begins to melt and takes shape of the mold
The exact texture and shape the mold has, the glass will also have
Once cooled, the glass should come out the exact same shape as their molds

Once finished, the thermoformed glass will have the same 3d texturing as the mold with any added colors or art that was applied. The depth and texture that can be given to thermoformed glass is what gives it a unique and modern style.

Patterns as well as repeating a process are more easily done with molds already prepared, we at CGD Glass have many different molds for the textures we apply to our glass products. It is great for tiling glass, texturing glass, shaping glass, creating depth and can be considered a very high quality form of glass art.

When working with table tops and countertops, thermoformed glass can really add the modern look to any room. From adding simple designs and textures throughout the glass you can bring out some of the most amazing qualities in glass. Here at CGD glass we take pride in our wide variety of choices in textures made possible because of thermoformed glass. For example we have our “Desert”, “Flow”, and “Sandstorm.”

Desert

Flow

Sandstorm – Ultra Clear

Avalanche

Thanks to thermoforming techniques we have an endless possibility of designs we can make for our custom glass designs. These examples are just some of the beautiful pieces from our index and should give you an idea as to how thermoformed glass can give your glass the unique look you want.

Glass Countertops vs Granite

Let’s go through the pros and cons of Glass Countertops and Granite Countertops!

Here is a checklist of some things to keep in mind:

Material Quality and Flexibility
Complexity of Countertop
Appearance
Care and Upkeep
Cost

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Granite Countertop Pros and Cons

[one_half] granite1 [/one_half][one_half_last] granite2 [/one_half_last]Granite is a natural product that comes from the slow crystallization of hot magma and is mainly quartz but does contain other minerals. The slow cooling of the magma creates a unique texture of minerals and every slab will be completely unique from the next.

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Pros:

Dense
Easy to make large countertops with
Each slab is unique
Can be Durable

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Cons:

Porous Material
Cleaning chemicals can cause damage
Collects water marks and soaps stains
Prone to water damage also means prone to bacteria
Sealing is required for upkeep
Material may have weak points that break more easily than others
Strip-mining this granite Pollutes the planet
Expensive[/one_half_last]

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Glass Countertop Pros and Cons

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Glass comes from sand, silica being the main ingredient in sand and is melted at 1700 Degrees Celsius. Some other materials or minerals may be used to add or change the color and trans-lucidity. Glass can be fitted as one piece and its reflective properties add a unique touch and color to the kitchen. Glass countertops can also be customized with various textures, edge styles, surface treatments, & LED lighting.

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Pros:

Versatile, easy to form shapes with
Can create unique layers to add lighting, space, or artwork
Non-Porous
Heat Resistant
Low Maintenance and Easy to Clean
Various textures to choose from
Highly Customizable

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Cons:

Finding High quality glass manufactures may be difficult
Expensive
Repairs may be difficult
Sharp objects may scratch surface

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Recommendations from CGDGlass:

Full Glass Countertop set-ups can be beautiful but Raised Bar Glass Countertops can be added to existing countertops in your home, see our overview for more info.

Add a Unique Touch with Custom Glass Table Tops

If you are thinking of getting a Glass Table Top and need specific colors, opacity or thickness? Then you need to find a place that will do Custom Glass Table Tops such as CGD Glass. Our selection of table tops can fit anywhere in your home such as Kitchen, Bathroom, & Living Room just to name a few! Here is a list of questions you should ask yourself when choosing a Custom Glass Table Top.

Choosing Dimensions

What shape and size is your Table Top?

Take some measurements and figure out how much space you can take up to comfortably fit your table top.

Is it a Triangle, Square, Circle or Rectangle?

Keep a shape in mind when measuring the dimensions.

What thickness do you want it to be?

Pick a thickness of ½”, ¾”,1”, or 1 ½”

Choosing a Glass Type & Texture

What type of glass fits my home?

Aqua clear is an ocean like clear glass that matches nicely with wood and antique, or red colors

Ultra Clear is a Pearl White clear glass that goes well with blues and silvers, lighter colors

What kinds of Textures are there?

There are many different kinds of textures to choose from such as Melting Ice, Sandstorm, stream, flow, galaxy and many others. The main difference between the textures is the amount of grain or frost that each one has. Some textures look wavy, and others jagged or straight lines too.

Choosing Edge Work and Surface Treatment

What is Edgework?

Edge work is the unique style edge that you pick for your glass table

What types of Edge works are there?

There are Textured, Satin, Brushed Satin, Flat Polished, and Fire Polished

What is Surface treatment?

A unique customization for glass to give the glass a stylish color or texture

What kinds of Treatments are there?

You can choose from Clear Surface, Green, White, Texture, Stone Wash, or Colored

Choosing Your Color

What colors are available?

Colors are available from the Benjamin Moore Color Chart, but there are also Opaque, Rusty, and Translucent Colors you can choose from!

What are the Opaque Colors?

Opaque colors can come in Amber, Antique, Copper, Gold, Dark brown, White, Blue, Black, and Charcoal Grey

What are the Rusty Colors?

Rusty Colors come in Black&Copper, Rusty Gold, Gold&Black

What are the Translucent Colors?

Translucent colors can come in Amber, Blue, Bronze, Brown, Bronze, Clear, Copper, Dark Blue, Gold, Green, Grey, Multi-Colored, Orange, Red, Ultra Clear, White, and Yellow

Choosing Your Substrate and Lighting

What is a substrate?

A substrate goes underneath the glass in order to hold the lighting and the glass table

What does it do?

It reinforces your glass table top and adds a layer to extend tables or raise them

What exactly is the lighting?

You have the option of picking some lighting to put underneath the glass within the substrate in order to add a modern look to your glass table top

What colors are available?

You can pick color changing lights, white LED’s, or Static Colors such as Blue Green, Red and White

Glass Countertop Textures

CGD thermoformed glass countertops are unlike any other countertops in the world. Our unique designs are not only incredibly beautiful, but are also functional and extremely durable. Glass is non porous, thereby making it easier to maintain and more stain resistant that traditional materials such as stone. They offer a unique look and feel that will turn any countertop into a masterful work of art. These beautiful glass countertops can be used for both residential and commercial projects. This gives business owners an opportunity to stand out from their competition. Another incredible benefit to glass countertops is the ability to customize thickness, textures, colors, substrates, LED lighting and more. Specifically, our customized textures add a depth and beauty that is unmatched with any other countertop material. Here are a few examples of the different textures that can be installed within different parts of your home or office.

Glass Kitchen Countertops

These glass kitchen countertops that CGD has created for their clients Is absolutely stunning. It features an Avalanche texture that really gives the countertop depth and uniqueness.

This kitchen sink features a Melting Ice texture that has a clean and smooth look to it. This specific texture can add life to your boring kitchen by adding a sense of color and balance.

Raised Glass Countertops

These countertops offer an easier way to remodel your kitchen without having to redo the entire kitchen. They are able to do this by connecting to your current countertops through a glass-raised bar. This offers a relatively simple and cost effective method of upgrading your current kitchen’s look. Raised glass countertops can also be customized to your exact specifications. Here are some examples of different textures from past projects.

Glass Bathroom Countertops

These countertops can add a sense of calmness and elegance to your bathroom. You can create a certain ambience by using certain types of textures. For more of pronounced “water” feel a customer can use Aqua Clear glass with Melting Ice texture. This adds a sense of style and artistic value that can only be found through beautiful glass countertops. Here are some examples of some of CGD’s bathroom projects.

For more information on how CGD can transform your home into an artistic masterpiece, please contact us today. We would love to answer any questions you may have.

Glass Partition Design Ideas

Glass can be used in many different ways, from jewelry, drinking glasses, windows and doors. The variation of uses for glass in the home is endless. At CGD Glass we can design everything from kitchen counters and backsplashes, to bathroom sinks and showers, and even artistic design sculptures. Our state of the art manufacturing plant makes it easy for our design team to create the perfect glass product for you.

The timeless nature of glass is a simple yet effective way to bring beauty to your home. Its elegance can spice up any room, and one way to really change the dynamic in your home is to install glass partitions! Why have a plain wall when you can create an open feel throughout your entire home with glass partitions. They can divide up your home and use the natural light to create a fresh space.

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Glass partitions can be designed as a full wall, or can be used in halves or quarters to create a divide between rooms. They can also be art in themselves and bring a modern touch to any room. They can be made of different thicknesses and textures and come with a multitude of designs that can be customized to your exact liking. You can use a glass partition to separate your kitchen from the dining room, or in the bathroom creating a private divide between the sink and the toilet.

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Using glass as a full wall creates a window into a room. This can be perfect for a baby’s room, corner office, or many other uses. You would be able to keep the baby asleep in the quite room, without having to make noise to check in on them. Or used in an office allowing you to get your work done in style. The open feel also allows for more productivity and the natural light has been proven to help in concentration and productivity.

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Glass partitions are a great way to transform any room in your home. With the variety of options to choose from at CGD Glass we are sure to find the perfect fit for you. Visit us online to choose your own glass partition or reach out to your customer service team to create a unique design for you!

Transform any Entrance with Decorative Glass Doors

Glass has been used for thousands of years for practical and aesthetic purposes. Glass was first used in South Asia as early as 1730 BCE. It was used to create vases, bowls, cups, and jewelry and was usually reserved for royalty. At CGD Glass we strive to continue to bring the beauty and simplicity of glass to your home or business. We have a variety of glass products everything from architectural glass, to kitchen and bath products. We also create decorative glass sculptures for residential and commercial purposes.

Decorative glass can be used to spice up any home. Its simplicity and beauty brings a modern look to any room. With our state of the art studio we are able to customize any order to fit your need. One of the best ways to transform your home is using decorative glass doors. Glass doors are not only beautiful but also have practical purposes.

Glass doors can be completely see-through, textured, or opaque. When used in an office setting they can create a private space while at the same time giving the feeling of an open environment. They allow light to shine through which helps create a warm and inviting setting.

Glass technology has greatly increased and has become much stronger and safer to use than ever before. Many of our glass doors have been tested to take heavy impacts for severe weather, as well as being the first line of defense against an outside intruder. Keeping your family safe is our number one priority and by using glass doors you are bringing beauty without losing security in your home.

CGD Glass offers a wide variety of options for your home or office. Check out our website for some of our more recent designs. They can help give you an idea of what would work best for your setting. Decorative glass doors create a perfect balance in your home from room to room. They are a great way of modernizing your home while keeping it safe. Our goal at CGD Glass is to bring you the best glass products and transform any space to make it unique to you. Contact our customer support team to learn more about the different options available to you!

How to Clean & Maintain Your Glass Backsplash

CGD Glass offers a wide variety of glass products. We design and create glass countertops, glass backsplashes, sinks, and doors as well as decorative home and commercial designs. Glass is a creative way to aesthetically update your home with a more modern look. CGD Glass offers a variety of unique glass products and with our fully customizable design studio to ensure you will get exactly what you want.

When it comes to home décor designs, most people will use glass designs in either their bathrooms or kitchens. In the kitchen, glass can be used to create beautiful designs for your sink, countertops, or backsplashes. You can have a clear glass design; the chiseled look, or even the sandblasted design as well as all sorts of colors and textures. With so many options to choose from you can rest assured you will find the right fit for you.

Glass is very durable and easy to maintain. It is a non-porous, scratch resistant surface which is easy to clean and keep looking new. There are a few tips we want to share with you when cleaning your glass countertops and backsplashes that will help you maintain the beauty and elegance of the glass.

First things first you want to make sure that you are cleaning the glass as soon as possible. It is inevitable to splash some food on the backsplash at some point while cooking. Cleaning the mess quickly will stop the food from drying and sticking onto the glass.

Using water and cloth is really all you need when cleaning glass. Because the surface of glass is slick and non-porous it does not allow any stains to penetrate deep making it easy to simply wipe away. For more stubborn dried on stains, you may want to use some vinegar and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping. Once you have properly cleaned the area it’s also important to dry it quickly to prevent any water stains.

Commercial cleaners work great and most are not harsh enough to ruin the glass. It is always a good idea to make sure that the cleaner you are using is meant for glass surfaces so as to not use something that may erode the glass.

Maintaining your glass backsplash is also a breeze, simply maintain clean and enjoy the beauty of your kitchen! Because glass backsplashes don’t have grout areas or tiles to chip, they require little to no maintenance.

CGD Glass brings the beauty of glass to your home. With our on-site design studio we can ensure you are getting exactly what you want, making your home elegant and one-of-a-kind. Whether you are looking for practical applications like countertops or sinks or simply want a beautiful decorative glass piece to tie your home together CGD Glass has the product for you.

Raised Glass Countertop Overview

Glass countertops have been becoming more popular among many homeowners today. Their beautiful design and ease of maintenance make glass countertops a perfect choice for anyone trying to add something unique and beautiful to their homes. Recently, more and more homeowners have decided to install Raised Glass Countertops because they offer an opportunity to remodel your current kitchen or bar without having to re-do what’s already there. This also makes raised glass countertops cost effective because you don’t have to update your entire kitchen. Don’t be intimidated by the thought of adding glass countertops. CGD Glass offers a simple and easy way to add a beautiful and unique addition to your home without the hassle of remodeling your entire kitchen. Here are a few examples of different types of raised glass countertops.

1. Substrate Raised Glass Counter Top

Looking for a new look in your kitchen? Substrate Raised Glass Counter Tops might be the perfect solution for you. They are easily installed by adding the glass countertop to your current countertops. Substrate raised glass countertops are also fully customizable to your exact specifications. In the example above we are using a stainless steel substrate that was installed to slightly raise the glass countertop and also extend it outward to add some sitting room in the kitchen. You have the option of choosing the thickness, textures, and clarity of the glass. You also have the choice between which substrate you want used (i.e. stainless steel or wood). Substrate Raised Glass Countertops add a beautiful touch to any kitchen without cluttering your current design.

2. Raised Glass Bar Tops

Raised glass bar tops offer a beautiful way to add uniqueness to your kitchen while adding surface area space. Many homeowners really like this style of glass bar top because it can be added as a simple extension on top of a peninsula. This makes installation much easier and less time consuming. The added surface area of your raised glass bar tops will provide you with additional seating and will allow you to host more people. In the above example we have added a simple glass bar top extension to an existing kitchen island.

3. Standoff/Angle Bracket Raised Glass Countertop

Standoff/Angle Bracket Raised glass countertops utilize a stainless steel bracket that attaches to your current countertops. This is the simplest way to add a raised glass countertop to any surface in your kitchen. Standoff/ Angle Bracket Raised countertops can easily be added to your existing marble or granite countertops and provide an incredible way to add a unique touch to your kitchen without breaking the bank.

Here at CGD Glass, we offer a variety of different raised glass countertops. We are determined to provide you with the highest quality products and highest level of customer satisfaction. We would love to answer any questions you have. Please Contact Us Today. (416)-398-9733

How are Glass Countertops Made?

Glass countertops are gaining significant popularity among homeowners today. Their stunning look and durability provide a perfect option for someone who is looking for a unique way to remodel a home. Homeowners also like the fact that glass countertops are customized to their exact specifications. Each countertop has a unique touch, texture, thickness, color and shape. But how are glass countertops made?

Thermoforming

Glass countertops are made using the thermoforming method. Thermoforming is one of the oldest and most simple processes for forming raw materials. The thermoforming process uses heat and pressure to transform raw materials into custom three-dimensional shapes.

At CGD we start with the raw materials that are then melted onto a unique, custom-made mold. This mold is based on both the specifications of the client and the type of project, which holds the desired pattern. After being molded the raw materials are rigidified according to the chosen textures and then properly ensiled.

Water-Jet Cutting

After that process, the glass is then treated on a CNC machine using a waterjet. The water jet cutting process utilizes a high pressure stream of water and leaves a smooth and precise surface cut. Water jetting is a highly technical cutting process. It’s precision allows the machine to cut exact parts. An abrasive grit can be added to the water, which allows the water jet to cut hard materials.

CNC Water Jets allow us to form the glass into almost any shape you could imagine, from our world famous glass countertops to backsplashes & much more. We can then use the same water jet to apply our client’s chosen edge work, holes, notches, & surface treatments.

Backpainting & Lighting

After thermoforming and using the waterjet to create the final shape of the countertop we then give our clients the option of adding a backpainted color or LED lighting for an added effect. We are always sure to apply the backpainting evenly for perfect consistency on the countertop. In regards to LED lighting, we give our clients the option of either a cool white LED or color changing LED RGB lighting which are always installed flawlessly.

The Finished Product!

That is how our glass countertops are made here at CGD Glass. All of our glass countertops are custom made according to your specifications and are always guaranteed to impress even the most refined modern taste! If you have any questions or would like to know more about our glass countertops, Call us today at 416 398 6890, or drop us a line at info@cgdglass.com!

Glass Bar Top Ideas

Glass bar tops offer a refined elegance that can be utilized in either commercial or residential projects. Their eye-catching beauty and unique design truly sets glass bar tops apart from other conventional bar tops. As a business owner, it is important to distinguish yourself from competitors. Glass bar tops provide the perfect opportunity to make your bar stand out from other generic countertops like stone or other surfaces. With glass countertops, guests and customers are guaranteed to stop and stare at the elegant sophistication of your bar. Here at CGD Glass Countertops, we allow you to create and design your own glass bar countertops according to your specific wants and needs. Our customers have the option of customizing thickness, glass tints, textures, edge finishes, surface treatments, colors, LED lighting, custom substrates, and hardware finishes. Here are some stunning examples of glass bar tops we have produced for recent clients:

Residential:

This beautiful residential bar top was created with stunning “white onyx” glass. It has 1 ½ thickness and has LED lighting built into it that adds to its already eye grabbing beauty.

This elegant home bar top is fully custom with colored “rusty gold” glass and ¾” thickness. The red brick inlay provides a warm and cozy feel that will surely make your guest feel right at home.

This stunning outside glass bar top is perfect for homeowners who want to host their guests outside. This glass bar top was designed with Aqua Clear glass and has 1 ½” thickness. Glass bar tops are a great option for any outside patio because they are easy to clean and are extremely hygienic.

Commercial:

This incredible decorative bar has glass countertops and custom glass brick inlays. This countertop was created with Aqua Clear Glass and has a 1 ½” thickness. It also includes textured edges for an even more unique look.

This gorgeous glass bar top is totally unique and really grabs the attention of customers. The glass bar top includes custom Aqua Clear Glass, 1 ½” thickness, melting ice texture, and eye popping LED lighting.

This dazzling glass bar top made this already good-looking bar into a work of art. The glass bar top includes Aqua Clear Glass, ¾” thickness, melting ice texture, and LED lighting. It offers a stunningly unique area for your guest to sit down and enjoy their drinks and food. Just take a look at the detail of the glass bar top (pictured below).

Here at CGD Glass Countertops, we specialize in creating and manufacturing beautiful glass countertops, glass backsplashes, glass sinks, as well as: decorative glass partitions, panels, and doors. Everything we produce is one-of-a-kind, unique, and custom made for each individual customer. We strive to produce only the highest quality products and provide the highest level of customer service in the industry. Please call us today for your FREE CUSTOM GLASS QUOTE!

Call 416-398-9733