Blog - Page 9 of 14 - CGD Glass Countertops

Tips on Getting a Quote for Glass Accent Pieces

You’ve found a glass accent piece that really appeals to you. You’ve spent time visualizing how it would look in a living room, bedroom, bathroom, or other room in the house. You think you’re finally ready to take the plunge and order the item, but you’re not sure about the cost. You know a glass item like this is an investment, and as such, the money you spend now will give you years of quality and beauty later. However, you want to be sure.

There’s no need to guess about the cost of these lovely glass accent pieces. Just ask for a quote instead. These tend to accurately reflect the price of the item. If there are extra charges, such as for delivery or installation, these will be included in the quote as well. At the end of the work, there are no surprises for you the customer. You’ll know exactly how much you’ll be spending so you can save or set aside some cash.

Need some tips and advice on understanding and getting the most accurate quote? Here’s what you need to know.

Most prices for items are relatively static, although these can change at any time. If you’re getting a customized glass accent piece though, plan for even bigger price fluctuations. Some glass manufacturers and retailers, such as CGD Glass Countertops in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, offer customization options for the vast majority of their glass items, such as sinks, partitions, frameless shower doors, bar tops, and countertops.

These items can be customized in many ways. You can choose the glass texture, if you want it painted for more color, and whether you want LED lights. Obviously, smaller glass items with fewer additions will be cheaper than bigger pieces with all the bells and whistles. Your quote should always reflect that.

If you are indeed getting an item customized, you want the glass manufacturer to get the item right the first time. Otherwise, this can lead to wasted time and money. To prevent this, do as much as you can. CGD Glass Countertops encourages customers to send along a blueprint or drawing of where the glass accent piece should go. You should also measure the room or the space for this new addition and send this along. Again, having accurate information right away means an accurate quote.

Once you get the quote, don’t hold back if you have any questions. Remember, you likely have a set amount of money you want to spend on this glass addition. If the quote is a sum total and isn’t broken down by manufacturing, delivery, installation, and other miscellaneous charges, ask why the number is what it is. Keep shopping around until you find a company that is within your price range.

At CGD Glass Countertops, we’re happy to help you at any stage of the shopping process. We can assist as you create the glass accent piece of your dreams. We’re happy to discuss our quote in depth with you until you’re satisfied. Since most of our items come mostly installed, those charges should be less, making CGD a great option for customers on a budget.

Sources: https://www.xero.com/us/small-business-guides/business-management/price-quotes/

Cook a Lot? Consider Upgrading to a Glass Countertop

Who doesn’t want an appealing kitchen? It’s no wonder that thousands and thousands of Americans spend thousands and thousands of dollars a year remodeling their kitchens. Cabinet and shelving materials, flooring, and countertops can look dated after just a few years. There are always newer and better materials, some that are tech-friendly and others that are better for the environment.

If you cook often, your kitchen is probably as contemporary as possible. It may even be futuristic compared to your friends and neighbors’ kitchens. You take pride in your kitchen just as you take pride in your food. You know you need the best appliances and the best materials possible to help you cook the most delicious meals.

In that case, why don’t you have glass countertops? If you’re thinking about remodeling your kitchen yet again, glass is a great material to choose for a multitude of reasons. First, it’s incredibly durable. When you order glass countertops or other glass materials from CGD Glass Countertops in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, you can choose the width of your countertop so it’s thick and tough. You won’t have to worry about chips, dings, cuts, and other damage that can gradually accrue as you cook. Glass is meant to last.

Glass countertops are also easy to clean. With a wooden surface, crumbs and microscopic food particles can get caught between the woodgrains. You can’t necessarily easily clean these, leading to bacterial growth and the chance for the family to get sick. If metal has small, ornate details, food can also get trapped there, making this a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Glass surfaces are often smooth (although you can customize your glass texture any way you like when you order from CGD), and only require a soft microfiber cloth and some water to clean away grime, stains, and food particles.

Besides being totally functional, glass also looks good. If you want your kitchen to look as modern as possible, and even futuristic, you’ll love the glass options from CGD Glass Countertops. As mentioned, you can customize any and all parts of your glass countertop, including the texture, edging, and backpainting. This lets you add a dose of color to your countertop. No matter the color of your kitchen, you can definitely find a matching hue. Feeling bold? Try bright metallic reds, blues, yellows, purples, and greens. Want all eyes on your kitchen? A multicolored backpainted countertop will do just that.

You don’t have to stop there. CGD Glass Countertops also proudly offers LED lighting on some of its countertops. Imagine this: you cook a fantastic meal you’re very proud of, and you invite the family to fetch their dishes on a countertop glowing in the evening. This is one way to ensure your countertop is a step ahead of the competition. These lights can be a single color or can even be multicolored, switching between warm and enveloping hues.

To learn more about remodeling your kitchen and getting an appealing glass countertop, contact CGD by phone or email.

Uh-Oh! Broke a Glass Accent Piece? Here’s What to Do

It’s probably happened to you before: you accidentally drop a drinking glass and it shatters to the floor. Perhaps you’ve broken a mirror or even a window. What do you do in each of those cases? Carefully sweep away the glass shards, replace the broken item, and get on with your life.

However, when it comes to glass accent pieces, especially ones that are custom designed, the answer isn’t so simple. What do you do if you break something like that? While decorative glass is typically made to be thick and durable, if dropped or slammed, it will break or at least crack. You may have bumped a backsplash in a cooking frenzy or damaged a glass partition when cleaning.

So just what do you do? Well, there are a few methods that could potentially salvage your unique decorative glass piece.

In some cases, if the damage is incredibly minor, like a few chips or a small hairline crack, glue or a similar product could reseal the glass for further use. However, this will not work in all cases and even if it does, the glue may not be a long-term solution. If it gets wet, it may fail to work at all, leading to further damage to the glass item.

Sometimes replacement glass may be able to fix the problem. Of course, this all depends on what type of glass item has broken. Is it a shower door? Replacement glass should do the trick. Is it a backsplash? That should work too. You can even try this method with damaged countertops. However, if it’s a colorful or textured item, it will be nearly impossible to find similar glass for repairs.

Of course, when dealing with broken glass, always be very careful to avoid cutting yourself. You should also work gently to avoid further breaking the fragile glass. Do be aware that in some cases, it’s just not possible for you to take care of the job yourself. That doesn’t necessarily mean the glass accent piece is a goner. You should just call a professional.

CGD Glass Countertops is a Toronto, Ontario, Canada glass manufacturing company that produces and sells decorative glass doors, panels, partitions, sinks and vanities, backsplashes, bar tops, kitchen islands, countertops, and more. These items are often customized with unique colors, textures, and sometimes even LED lighting.

Depending on the extent of the damage, a CGD Glass Countertops professional may just suggest you get a replacement piece. If you remember the options you chose when getting your decorative glass piece in the first place, replicating it shouldn’t be too difficult if you rely on CGD.

In the future, when cleaning or dealing with glass accent pieces, make sure to treat them gingerly. While glass is a fantastic material for household goods and decorative items, and while it’s far from fragile if produced by a quality company, accidents do happen and glass can still break. Luckily, you can call on CGD Glass Countertops in such a situation.

Sources: http://www.ebay.com/gds/How-to-Repair-Broken-Glass-/10000000177770680/g.html

The Advantages of a Glass Countertop

You have to admit, you’ve been charmed by the appeal of glass countertops. This material is beautiful and can be as simple or ornate as one wants. If you’re thinking of remodeling your kitchen and getting a new countertop, you may be strongly considering getting one made with glass. However, something is giving you pause.

Perhaps you’ve heard a horror story or two from a friend or coworker who had a beautiful glass structure that shattered. This makes you nervous about choosing glass for the main material of the countertop. Of course, any material is only as good as the company that manufactures it. Those contemplating getting a glass countertop should consider the many advantages of glass.

First, it’s durable. It all depends on the thickness of the glass. Obviously, a thin, flimsy glass mirror probably won’t hold up as well as a heavier glass countertop. CGD Glass Countertops in Toronto, Ontario, Canada is a renowned glass manufacturing company that specializes in making and selling lasting glass countertops. The company also produces glass doors, panels, partitions, sinks, backsplashes, bar tops, and more.

Next, a glass countertop is easy to clean. The kitchen is arguably one of the messiest rooms in the house since everyone’s always cooking, eating, or otherwise dealing with food. Over time, stains and messes can ruin even the most stain-resistant countertop, leaving it yellowed and sticky. That’s not so with glass. It won’t ever get to that point since cleanup is so easy. You simply need a soft cloth and some warm water and the stains come right off. If dealing with a particularly stubborn stain, add a little dish soap to the cloth.

Not only is glass easier to clean, it may keep the family healthier. How often do you deep-clean your kitchen, gutting all the cabinets and shelves to get at every dark and dusty corner? How often do you scrub the wood to make sure no stains or dirt are left behind in those subtle crevices? What you miss could lead to the spread of germs. Glass has no such crevices, reducing the chances of everyone getting sick.

These are also customizable beyond belief. If you want a simple countertop to match the rest of the kitchen, this can easily be done. If you want something more complicated, like an interesting shape, textured glass, colored glass, and sometimes even backlit glass, CGD Glass Countertops can more than likely make this a reality. You certainly don’t have those sorts of options when choosing a wooden countertop.

Speaking of wood, how well does it really hold up to hot temperatures? You probably do a lot of cooking in your kitchen, so the oven is on often. Wood is likely to warp. Once that happens, there’s nothing you can do about it. Even metal may not be totally resistant to changing temperatures. Only glass can handle a cold beverage and a warm dish at the same time.

Interested in ordering your glass countertop? Contact CGD Glass Countertops today.

Sources:  http://nlcatp.org/7-critical-pros-and-cons-of-glass-countertops/, http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-the-pros-and-cons-of-a-glass-countertop.htm

Tips on Glass Maintenance and Cleaning

You’ve invested a lot in your glass accent piece, whether it’s a door, large panel, partition, sink, backsplash, countertop, decorative item, or something else. If you buy any of these items from CGD Glass Countertops in Toronto, you know these are made of durable, thick glass that is customized to your liking and is sure to last for years to come. However, you still need to handle the glass with care. Here are some tips on glass maintenance and cleaning for long-term beauty.

If you have any window cleaner around the house, feel free to use this on your glass products. If you’re feeling especially handy, you can even make your own with a bit of vinegar, water, and rubbing alcohol mixed into a spray bottle. Alternately, some soap and water also suffices in a pinch.

While you can choose from practically endless textures at CGD Glass Countertops, including ones that mimic the flow of running water, the sands of the desert, the pixels from your favorite old school video game, and the vastness of space, you don’t want to wear down these textures over time from cleaning. If your glass is smooth and translucent, you also want to avoid ugly streaks or smudges. Just what do you use to clean then?

You can try a few different options. Use a rag, a discarded t-shirt, a squeegee, or a cloth specially made to clean glass. Just make sure that whatever you use is especially soft to prevent accidentally scratching or damaging the glass. You can even try using a newspaper to give that beautiful glass accent piece an appealing shine. Of course, you have to make sure you don’t accidentally get the newspaper soggy, since the ink will bleed. You should also probably wear a pair of rubber gloves to avoid transferring the ink to your fingers.

If you don’t want to waste a perfectly good sunny day spending time cleaning your glass pieces, you don’t have to. Experts actually recommend getting out the cleaning products on a day when it’s rainy or cloudy. This gives plenty of time for your cleaning products to dry naturally so the glass is left sparkling.

As you clean, make sure to follow a certain technique. You want to avoid smudges, so don’t go bottom to top. Instead, do the opposite. This prevents excessive amounts of liquid cleaner from pooling down and ruining the polished appearance of the glass.

Just how often should you clean your glass accent pieces? There’s no real set timeframe. If you want to polish these weekly, you can. If you want to clean them once a month, go for it. You put the thought and money into these timeless glass accent pieces, so you want them to look as good as possible.

Of course, if you have any questions about your glass products, feel free to reach out to CGD Glass Countertops. You can call 416-398-9733, send an email to info@cgdglass.com, or fill out a handy form online, where you can also upload images and other files.

Sources: http://www.minneapolisglass.com/technical-documents/cleaning-and-maintenance-instructions.asp, http://housekeeping.about.com/od/bathrooms/tp/10-Glass-Cleaning-Tips.htm

Decorative Glass from CGD Glass Countertops Is the Perfect Decor for Your Expanded Kitchen

While once the kitchen was simply the place where you cooked and served meals, times are changing. More and more, families may sit around and talk over dinner, sip some drinks, or munch on a snack here. It’s no wonder then that expansive kitchens have become so trendy. As the name suggests, these kitchens are larger and better. While yes, they have all the amenities of a traditional kitchen, including cabinets, shelves, drawers, countertops, sinks, dishwashers, microwaves, and more, these go far beyond traditional kitchens.

To reflect the lounge area that the kitchen is quickly becoming, expanded kitchens may be made of luxe materials like classy wood and plush leather. Instead of the cold, hard surfaces of some kitchens, these materials invite guests to sit and stay for a while. If you love the idea of an expanded kitchen, this is certainly a worthwhile investment. After all, you’re extending your kitchen so it becomes another room for spending time in, much like a living room, den, or entertainment room.

If you need some ideas for redesigning your current kitchen, why not consider decorative glass accents and other pieces? Dismiss the notion that glass is a fragile material that’s only good for windows. If you shop at CGD Glass Countertops, you can ensure that any glass item you choose is thick and durable. In fact, you can even choose the thickness of the glass yourself if you contact CGD and send along specifications. How’s that for convenient?

Speaking of convenience, glass is so easy to clean. While wood may need a certain finish to keep it looking luminous and smooth for years to come, that’s not the case with glass. Leather requires a special cleaner to rub away stains and other blemishes. With a glass kitchen accent from CGD Glass Countertops, all you need is some soap and a wet cloth. You simply rub over the glass surface and, with a little elbow grease, those stains and smudges will come right off.

You probably already have a design scheme in mind for your planned expanded kitchen. Your decorative glass accents can be any color you want. Glass doesn’t just have to be transparent. When you shop at CGD Glass Countertops, you can select from any color under the sun. You can choose an aqua blue glass base or request that your glass accent is backpainted. This adds a unique layer of color that looks beautiful in natural or artificial light.

If you are a fan of natural light, you’ll let a lot more of it in your kitchen with glass pieces from CGD Glass Countertops. Sunlight is a natural source of vitamin D and can flood the brain with endorphins, meaning you’ll feel cheerier as you go about your day cooking or eating in the kitchen. You can’t get those same benefits with wood or leather. No matter what ideas you have in mind for your expanded kitchen, CGD Glass Countertops can make them a reality. Call or email today to learn more or request a quote.

Sources:
http://www.observer-reporter.com/20160423/house_to_home_the_expanded_kitchen