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][/one_half][one_half_last][/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.

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

Considering LED and RGB Lights For Your Glass Countertop

Before starting to think about incorporating LED (cool-white, single color) or RGB (multicolored) lights into your project, let us tell you a little about them. First LED (Light-Emitting Diode) was discovered in 1907 by H.J. Round, who was from Britain. In 1927 Oleg Losev, from Russia, reported the creating of LED. However, it was not until 1962 that the first visible-spectrum (red) was made by Nick Holonyak Jr. Followed by his student, M. George Craford, who invented the yellow LED. The first high-brightness blue and cool white LED was developed by Shuji Nakamura in 1994.

Cool white LED is the one used in most of our projects. As you can see in the two pictures below, the same cool white LED lights can create two different looks. Both of these glass countertops have the same texture to them, the only difference is the glass itself. On our website you will notice two options of glass : one being “Ultra Clear” (1), and the other “Aqua Clear” (2). Because the “Aqua Clear” glass itself has a blue-green-aqua tint, by using the LED lights, you are able to accent that color even more. Both of these countertops have a “melting ice” texture and cool-white LED lighting.

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If you prefer an even softer look, then a “White Onyx” glass would work well for you. As you can see by the pictures below, it gives a nice look to brighten up any room. Because of the finish on the glass, the LED cool white lighting gives it a matte and light feel, highlighting the furniture and the rest of the room, while creating a relaxing atmosphere.

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So, what is the difference between LED and RGB light options that we offer? As mentioned before, LED lighting comes in a cool white color. RGB LED lighting consists of three primary colors: red, green, and blue. The biggest advantage to RGB lights is that you no longer have to decide on one color for your glass project. Between the three primary colors of RGB lighting, when they gradually interchange, it makes so many different shades of turquoise, purple, orange, green, yellow, etc. With a special remote that comes with the lights, you have an option of either having the colors circulate, or pick just one and stop at that. All of the pictures below are taken of the same project. However, because of the beauty of the RGB lights, the customer now has a variety of all these different colors, not to mention, many other shades the lighting creates in between.

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So what are some other great things about LED and RGB lights? One of the biggest pros to them is the lower energy consumption. Our clients often ask us, what do we do when we have to change the lights? Well, most likely, you won’t have to! LED lights are recorder to have a typical lifetime anywhere from 25,000 to 100,000 hours; however, heat and circumstances can either extend or shorten that time.

Installing LED lights into your countertop/bartop/glass shelves/ statues/ etc. can most definitely brighten up your project and create an intriguing, dramatic effect. Depending on the “feeling” you want in the room, you have some options that will help you create the desired look. To create bright, colorful atmosphere, use RGB lights. To have a more calm and relaxing atmosphere, you can use “White Onyx” glass with LED lighting. To create a “water” feel for a bathroom, or a bar at the pool house, choose “Aqua Clear” glass with “melting ice” texture and LED lighting.

Please do not hesitate to contact us via our website, e-mail, or by phone in order to discuss what will be the best option for you.

Glass Table Top Chip Repair

Image courtesy of Vichaya Kiatying-Angsulee / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Glass tabletops have many advantages. They can enhance the look of any room. They are also easy to take care of and are great at protecting expensive wood furniture. However, glass tabletops can chip and crack with relative ease. Luckily, minor chips and cracks can be fixed with a few simple techniques. Here are a few tips on how to repair your glass tabletop.

#1 Evaluate the Damage

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

It is important to assess the glass tabletop’s damage to see if repair is even possible. If the damage isn’t too bad, you can then move on to the next step. However, a professional should be contacted if the glass is beyond repair. A trusted source for your glass repair is CGD Glass Countertops.

#2 Glass Repair Kit

Image courtesy of Keerati / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

It’s always a good idea to have a glass repair kit handy. Luckily, you don’t need a specific repair kit. Any car window glass repair kit will suffice. Luckily, minor damages to your glass surface can easily be repaired using these kits.

#3 Make Sure You Have Enough Supplies

In order to make the repair, you need to be certain that your kit has enough supplies to cover the damage. Once you are certain that the kit will work, it is important to clean any debris from the glass. It is also important to put safety first and wear gloves. The last thing you want to do is cut yourself.

#4 Complete the Repair

You want to make sure you follow the directions of the kit very closely and use the right amount of supplies. The directions should instruct you step by step on how to fix your chipped glass tabletop. Hopefully the instructions are clear and you can make the repair with relative ease.

Image courtesy of iosphere / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

#5 Cleaning

Image courtesy of artur84 / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Once the repair is done, there should be some excess materials on the tabletop. The next step is to take a razor blade and follow the directions from the kit on how to remove it. Always be certain to go back to the instructions if you are unsure about anything. As always, know your limits and know when it is time to call a professional.

Glass Table Top Edge Styles

The beauty of using glass as a tabletop or countertop is the variations of styles and surfaces that you can choose from. There is such a variety of options to choose from when using glass which makes it ideal for any home project and ensures that you will be able to find the right style for you. Below are a few options of glass table top and countertop edge styles that are available to you.

Along with many variations in the surface texture of the glass countertop, such as sanded, melted, pixels, and linear, we also offer a variety of table top edge styles. Many people don’t realize that the edges of your table or countertop are just as essential in design as the surface itself. It can really tie a room together with the right edge style. Lets go over the options that are available.

The “brushed polished” edge is one of the most popular. This look is accomplished by brushing down the side and leaving it with an opaque finish. This is a great look for kitchens or bathrooms.

The “textured edge” is used for that natural finish and usually used in combination with the sanded or melted tabletop finish. The textured edge gives the glass a rough bumpy edge that is perfect if you are going for a less manufactured finish.

The “fire polished” finish is one of the most popular finishes for kitchen and bathroom settings. The fire polished look is clean and clear, it allows you to actually see the texture inside the tabletop and creates a sharp modern look for any kitchen or bathroom.

We offer a variety of colors, textures, thickness and surfaces to assist you in finding the perfect fit for your home or office. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions on the different finishes and how they can be applied in your home or office.

How Durable are Glass Countertops?

Recently, glass countertops have seen a resurgence in popularity. Glass countertops provide an excellent choice for any home and are breaking the mold of standard materials used in home building. Not only are glass countertops strong and durable, they are also absolutely stunning. Most people think of glass countertops for their beauty but what many don’t know is how durable glass countertops truly are.

 

 

Glass countertops have incredible strength and durability because they are not susceptible to cracking or chipping under normal wear and tear conditions. In fact, their strength and durability equals even the most common countertop materials like marble and granite. Additionally, glass countertops are heat and stain resistant as a result of their non-porous surface. Glass countertops won’t scorch, burn, or melt. In fact, the only product that compares to the durability of glass is quartz.

 

Unlike other materials like granite and marble, glass countertops require very little maintenance. As a result, glass countertops don’t show signs of aging like some of their stone counterparts. They also do not need any special sealant like other stone countertops. Their non-porous surface makes the countertops very hygienic and easy to clean. It is difficult for germs and bacteria to hide on the surface of glass. All you need to do is clean the countertops with regular glass cleaner and a soft sponge. It’s literally that easy. Make sure not to use an abrasive or strong chemical to clean your countertops.

 

 

 

Although tempered glass countertops are extremely strong, it may chip, scratch, or break if you drop an excessively large object on it or if you are constantly putting it through a substantial amount of abuse. However, if you make an effort to take care of your glass countertops they will look as great as the first day you had them put in your home. This is one of the many reasons why glass countertops are so popular right now.

At CGD Glass Countertops, we strive to create the most beautiful and unique glass kitchen countertops. Let our team of highly skilled artist and craftsmen turn your kitchen into a one of a kind work of art.

Please Call Us Today For More Information!

416-398-9733