Tips for Selecting New Countertops
- At July 03, 2017
- By Mark
- In Countertops
0
Are your countertops in desperate need of a change? Perhaps you (or the previous homeowner) chose a style that’s terribly outdated by now. The material could be gaudy, or—even worse—cheap, so your countertop is slowly falling apart with each use.
Regardless of your reasons for wanting to upgrade, you may find yourself overwhelmed with all your choices. There’s marble, stone, glass, plastic…how do you know which countertop is best for your home? Which will stand the test of time and still look great in five or 10 years?
Here are some of our tips for picking the best countertop for your kitchen.
Consider the durability of the material
All countertops are built to last, but some are designed for better longevity than others. Plastic countertops, for instance, are cheap and good for the next several years. You can’t really expect these to be in great condition a decade from now, though.
Marble or glass countertops are considered the best of the best in terms of materials. While these may cost more initially, they last the longest. That means you save money over the long term since you won’t have to worry about replacing your countertops for many years.
Project long-term trends
Then there’s the look of your countertops. It’s easy to look at 2017 trends and decide that way, but that’s not necessarily smart. You have to be discerning when choosing your countertop design.
Think as far out into the future as you can. Is that colorful, funky trend that’s hot this year going to be popular a decade from now? Or should you play it safe and choose a simple yet timeless design?
Your own sense of style comes into play here. Don’t make life harder for yourself by choosing a style that will be out-of-date in a year or two.
Know you don’t have to settle on just one material
Can’t pick between marble and granite or stone and glass? You don’t have to! Today, you have the option to design your countertop out of a mix of materials. A lot of these play nicely with one another, so go ahead, try something a little bold.
Go to a showroom
You can look at tons of pictures of countertops online, but you won’t know what the real thing looks (and feels) like until you see it in-person. Go to a showroom near you. Even if you don’t do business with that particular company, you can still get a solid idea of what your countertop will look like in your kitchen.
This also lets you narrow down options. You may love the look of stone, for instance, but hate how it feels.
Call in the pros
If you’re stumped and need some help picking a countertop, don’t be afraid to call in the pros at CGD Glass Countertops. We’re a Canadian glass designer and manufacturer who specializes in producing countertops. No matter your budget or your ideal countertop design, we’re certain we can help you make it a reality. Give us a call today to learn more!
Sources:
http://www.hgtv.com/design/rooms/kitchens/choosing-the-right-kitchen-countertops
Summertime Is the Perfect Time for Glass Doors
- At June 16, 2017
- By Mark
- In Uncategorized
- 0
Canada may be known for its frigid weather, but in the summer, the temperatures can get pretty toasty. You may feel the itch to take a vacation and enjoy a few sunny days off, but sometimes that’s just not on the agenda or within your budget.
That doesn’t mean you have to spend your summer holed up without any sun, though. This is the perfect season to get new glass doors for the home or office. Here are some great glass door perks.
Brings the Vacation to You
Can’t take any time off? Your summer doesn’t have to be a bummer with glass doors. These doors invite Mother Nature inside your home or office. The sunlight will stream right in all day. Depending on how sunny it is, you may want to bust out the sunblock!
Opens up Any Room
Is your working space feeling a little cramped? Do you wish you could add extra space? Remodeling a room like that can be time-consuming and very expensive. Instead of making such a big change, opt for smaller improvements instead.
A glass door will create the illusion of more space, for instance. By replacing your thick, clunky door with smooth, sophisticated glass, your office will look and feel bigger.
Reduces Reliance on Headache-Inducing Artificial Lighting
Do florescent ceiling bar lights illuminate your office? Maybe it’s row after row of lightbulbs. Being exposed to artificial lighting like this for hours at a time can lead to headaches, which decreases your productivity.
Sunlight not only looks and feels better, but it’s better for you (more on this in a moment). Even if you can’t get outside to take a stroll that day, with a glass door in your office, you’re still getting plenty of sunlight.
Provides a Natural Source of Vitamin D
Vitamin D is necessary to prevent conditions like multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. It also promotes strong teeth and bones. Not only that, but vitamin D is also responsible for ensuring we can absorb phosphorus and calcium in our diets.
Whew, that’s a lot. While sure, you can take a vitamin D supplement, did you know you can also naturally get this vitamin from spending some time in the sun? Besides being necessary for good health, there’s also scientific support that this vitamin can boost your mood, especially benefiting those with premenstrual syndrome, seasonal affective disorder, and depression.
A glass door that’s good for your health and your mood? It’s possible with glass.
Are you interested in learning more about glass doors, including their thickness and durability? Contact us at CGD Glass Countertops. We’re a Canadian-based glass designer and manufacturer. Many of our glass items are customizable, including our doors. You can choose the thickness as well as the design of your new glass door.
To get started, we recommend you measure the space where you want your door to go. Send that along with a blueprint or drawing and we’ll get you a quote.
Sources:
2017 Backsplash Trends
- At June 01, 2017
- By Mark
- In Countertops
- 0
Is your backsplash looking a little worse for wear? That’s totally normal. These kitchen wall protectors may need to be replaced every few years, especially depending on the material you chose.
If you got a wood backsplash, for instance, the wood may have faded, rotted, or warped in spots. That certainly warrants a replacement. A metal backsplash may look tarnished and rusted from long-term exposure to liquids.
If you’re thinking of replacing your backsplash this year, why not go for glass? This material is chic and modern. It’s much easier to clean up liquids and other food debris after each cooking session with glass. Not only that, but glass won’t fade, warp, rot, or rust.
Need some inspiration? Check out these 2017 backsplash trends.
Combine Patterns and Textures
If you’re not ready to give up the wood or metal just yet, you don’t have to. Try combining them with glass for a fun new take on backsplashes. Similarly, you can cover your wood or metal backsplash with a glass overlay. This will let you enjoy the look of your backsplash longer, as the glass catches all the liquid.
Desert
Matching Countertops
A new trend for this year is remodeling the countertops to match the backsplash. This creates a seamlessness across the whole kitchen. If you’re thinking of gutting your kitchen and starting over, why not work on the countertops, too?
Glass Penny Tiles
Tiles don’t always have to be oversized and bulky. The penny tile, which is shaped and sized like a penny, has grown in popularity this year. These tiles look great on a backsplash as well as other wall surfaces. Try changing up the colors and patterns of your penny tiles for a kitchen that looks more like a work of art.
Glazed Finish
The glazed finish (which works well on glass backsplashes, by the way) is another big backsplash design trend for 2017. These tiles are covered with a glossy glaze that almost gives each tile a reflective surface. This is a good way to update your kitchen without doing much work (or spending much money!).
Layer It up
The opposite of the glazed finish is the trend of layering tiles on top of each other. This makes any kitchen wall pop—literally—as these layered tiles create a 3D effect. That said, you will have to be more thorough when you clean your backsplash, reaching in every nook and cranny.
Are you ready to get started creating the backsplash you’ve always wanted? You can when you work with us at CGD Glass Countertops. We’re a Toronto, Ontario, Canada-based glass designer and manufacturer.
We allow our customers to design and customize almost all our glass pieces, from backsplashes to countertops, sinks and vanities, doors, partitions, and so much more.
To get started, we request you measure your kitchen wall where you want your backsplash to go. Send us the measurements, the glass thickness, and a drawing or blueprint if you have one. Then our CGD staff will send you a quote.
Sources:
Everything You Need to Know about Outdoor Glass Countertops
- At May 16, 2017
- By Mark
- In Countertops
- 0
Spring is already here, and before you know it, summer will soon follow. Are you ready for outdoor entertaining? After all, summertime is the prime season for barbeques, pool parties, and backyard gatherings.
One way you can prep your backyard for summer fun is with an outdoor glass countertop. Whether this is a cooking space, eating space, or drink-prepping space, a countertop like this will ensure your home is the place to be this summer.
Ready to be the life of the party? Here’s everything you need to know about designing and owning your very own outdoor glass countertop.
What kind of countertop can I get?
The options are nearly endless. Here are a few types of countertops to consider:
- Glass tabletop: Slimmer in design, glass tabletops are great for gathering friends and family around for a backyard barbeque. Just grab the grill, some food, and your cooking utensils. When you’re ready to serve your fresh eats, everyone can sit down at this tabletop and dig in.
- Glass bar top: Maybe you’re more of a drinks connoisseur. If so, a glass bar top is ideal. This sleek surface will make your home look like the hottest bar in town. You’ll feel like a pro bartender when you’re behind your glass bar top.
- Raised glass countertop: These countertops are raised in terms of texture, not height. If you want anything but a smooth surface, opt for a raised glass countertop. You can choose the texture of the glass surface as well as the shape and texture of the tabletop ends.
- Glass kitchen island: If you’re one of the lucky ones with your own outdoor kitchen, why not spruce up the space with a glass kitchen island? This will make storing, cooking, and serving food far simpler.
Is the glass thick enough to endure a season of entertainment?
If you order from a reputable glass designer and manufacturer like CGD Glass Countertops, then the answer is yes, absolutely. You can pick from a few glass thicknesses on most of the countertops we offer at CGD: ½-inch, ¾-inch, 1-inch, and 1 ½-inch.
Can I get my countertop lit up?
Again, if you order from CGD Glass Countertops, then yes you can. We proudly offer LED lighting on most of our glass countertops. These create a beautiful backlit glow. Who says the party has to stop just because the sun went down? With LED lights, you can enjoy more summer fun outside.
What about cleaning?
Cleaning your glass countertop and other glass surfaces is easy. You only need a soft cloth, some warm water, and soap. Fill a bucket with the warm water and soap. Dip your cloth in and wipe the glass. Make sure to clean in the same direction to prevent streaks!
Where can I find an outdoor or indoor glass countertop?
Are you looking for an outdoor or indoor glass countertop just in time for summer? You’ve come to the right place. At CGD Glass Countertops in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, we specialize in stunning countertops. Give us a call today to discuss a quote.
Customization Ideas for Your Glass Countertop
- At May 01, 2017
- By Mark
- In Countertops
- 0
When most people think of a glass countertop, a kitchen counter probably comes to mind. At CGD Glass Countertops, we offer so much more than that. We also design and retail customized tabletops, bar tops, bathroom countertops, and kitchen islands. “Countertops” are in our name, after all, and it’s a name we always strive to live up to.
If you’re thinking of ordering a customized glass countertop, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll now delve into the various ways you can order these countertops to your liking.
Glass Base Color
Although you can do so much with your glass countertop, it all starts with choosing your base. Do you want a simple transparent base or one with some color? Our aqua blue base is a customer favorite.
Multi-Colored
Thickness
Slimmer countertops give off a modern appeal. Then again, you may want a thicker countertop if you do a lot of cooking. There’s no wrong choice. At CGD, we give you four glass thickness options. For a slimmer countertop, choose ½-inch or ¾-inch. If you want a thicker countertop, we recommend 1-inch or 1 ½-inch.
Texture
By now, your countertop is starting to take shape. It’s time to make it your own. At CGD, we offer endless textures that can match the preexisting designs in your kitchen. You can also go bold and choose a unique texture.
A small sampling of textures are:
- Linear, which has raised lines throughout
- Pixels, which look like an old-school video game world
- Desert, which resembles dried, cracked sand
- Avalanche, which looks like melting ice
- Galaxy, which is totally spacy
- Stream, which is calming, like rushing currents
Edgework
The texture for the top of your countertop is taken care of. Now you can decide if you want your countertop edges to be ornate, too. At CGD, we offer edgework, where you can add texture to the edges of your countertop. Choose from fire polished, satin edge, flat polished, or textured.
Surface Treatment
Why stop there? We’ll also finish the top surface of your countertop with our specialized surface treatment. This can add even more texture and color. Your options are:
- Multicolored glass
- Stone wash treatment
- Textured treatment
- White onyx
- Green onyx
- Ultra clear textured treatment
- Aqua clear textured treatment
Backpainting
Are you a fan of color? If so, you’ll love our backpainting capabilities. Only offered at CGD Glass Countertops, with this technique, we paint the bottom surface of your glass countertop. The color is still visible on the sides and top, too.
This is a subtle but effective way of brightening up your kitchen. We offer nearly every color imaginable, including a combination of colors. Some of these are metallic and others are textured to look rusty.
LEDs
Last but certainly not least are our LED options. Yes, that’s right, you can illuminate your countertop. This is one of most popular perks offered at CGD Glass Countertops. You can get a combination of red, green, and blue lights or just white lights. The LEDs can even change colors!
What are you waiting for? To order your own customized countertop today, contact us at CGD Glass Countertops.
Spring Is the Perfect Time for a New Home Bar
- At April 17, 2017
- By Mark
- In Countertops
- 0
After a winter that seemed like it would never end, spring temperatures are finally here. It’s time to get outside and feel the sun on your face once again.
Spring cleaning is prevalent during this season. This is the time of year when homeowners get the itch to go room through room and gut the home, discarding junk.
Remodeling is also popular in the spring. Are you planning a remodel this year? While sure, you could renovate your kitchen or rearrange the bedroom, why not do something totally fun? That’s right; splurge, live a little, treat yourself.
We’re talking about getting a home bar.
If you’re the type who likes to go out to bars with your friends from time to time, having a home bar is going to be incredibly convenient (not to mention pretty awesome). There are many benefits to having a bar right in your basement (or any other room). Here are some of those benefits.
1. Save money over the long-term: Between gas, the inflated costs of drinks, and bar food, the cost of your home bar will pay back dividends over the years.
2. See more of your friends: How often do you and your friends get together these days? With a home bar, you’ll always have a convenient excuse to hang out at your place.
3. Increased curb appeal: A home with its own bar will sell more than one without it. If you ever decide to move, you know you’ve made a renovation that increases the resale value of your home.
4. Learn a new skill: You’re the bartender now. With a home bar, you can spend time experimenting with drinks, mastering the classics and maybe even coming up with a new drink of your own.
5. Safety: At the end of the night, if you’ve had too much to drink, you’re already at home. You don’t have to worry about transportation. You can just head up to bed and sleep off the alcohol. How convenient is that?
Okay, so you’re probably convinced by now that you need a home bar. Just where can you find one? Contact us at CGD Glass Countertops. We’re a Canadian glass designer and manufacturer. We sell everything from glass bar tops, countertops, decorative doors, backsplashes, and glass sinks.
At CGD, we put the design power in your hands. All our items are customizable to some extent. Here’s how you can design your very own bar top when you work with us at CGD:
- Choose the glass thickness based on bar top measurements
- Select from an ultra-clear or aqua clear glass base
- Pick from our many glass textures, some of which are opaquer and others which are more transparent
- Select edge texturing if desired
- Select a surface treatment if desired
- Pick a color for the glass to be backpainted
- Add LED lighting to your bar top
As you can imagine, the possibilities are endless. To learn more or get a quote today, call us at CGD Glass Countertops.
Can You Insulate Your Home with Decorative Glass?
- At April 04, 2017
- By Mark
- In Uncategorized
- 0
Everyone wants to do their part for the environment these days. Going green means different things to different people. You may be careful about not wasting electricity, shutting off the lights and electronic equipment when you’re not home. You might recycle and repurpose as many materials as you can. Perhaps you carpool or eat organically.
What if there was a way you could be more ecofriendly and save some money in the process? You can if your home is insulated.
When you think of insulation, most of the time your mind goes to the foam in the walls of the basement, garage, or attic. Insulation is supposed to trap in warm or cool air so you can reduce your reliance on your heater and air conditioner. You’ll lower your utility bills just by making one small change.
Besides the ability to trap in temperate air, insulation can also keep noise out. If you live on a particularly busy street, you don’t want to have to hear every passing car. If your home is insulated, most of this noise won’t permeate.
The question stands: can you insulate your home with decorative glass? As it turns out, you can. Whether you have glass windows or doors, it’s not hard to add some DIY insulation. You can buy kits and follow the instructions. These kits will seal in all cracks and gaps between the doorframe and the door, even the tiny ones you can’t see.
There are more ways still to insulate with decorative glass. You may want to replace an old glass window with a storm window instead. If these include weatherstripping, your energy savings are even greater.
You can also apply a layer of insulating film on top of your glass surfaces. Designed for windows, doors, and more, this film is transparent and sticky on one side. Just unpeel it from the backing and fit it over the glass. This will alter the appearance of your glass items somewhat though.
Cellular shades have an insulating quality. These are just like regular shades, except they do more to keep your room toasty warm or nice and cool. Just pull the shades closed every morning before you leave for your day and you’ll come home to a room that’s the perfect temperature.
If you have a glass item besides windows, you still have insulating options. You can try caulking or weatherproofing the areas around that glass item. As mentioned, there are tiny gaps and cracks in a doorframe or window frame. You can’t really see these, but they’re there. Each time you turn on your heater or air conditioner, some of that air is getting sucked out through those gaps.
It’s no wonder then that you have to run the heater or AC longer for your house to feel comfortable. You will have to spend an afternoon with your sleeves rolled up if you plan on caulking or weatherproofing, but the results are worth it.
Need some new glass pieces? Contact us at CGD Glass Countertops. We manufacture custom glass items for residential and commercial use. Call us today to learn more or get a quote.
Sources:
http://www.diynetwork.com/made-and-remade/learn-it/tips-for-insulating-glass-on-doors
http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/4929532/list/easy-green-9-low-cost-ways-to-insulate-windows-and-doors
How to Decide What Your Next Glass Project Should Be
- At March 16, 2017
- By Mark
- In Uncategorized
- 0
You love your home, but it could always be better. There’s always some little change or addition you could make. However, lacking infinite time and resources, you have to plan your remodeling projects carefully.
With spring on the way, you may be feeling that itch. It’s the itch to do something DIY. It’s the itch to make a change in your home.
If you’re serious about remodeling this season, why not do it with glass? Far from the fragile, unreliable material some still think of it as, glass is sturdy, durable, and beautiful. It also cleans easily. It can be customized any way you want. In short, the possibilities are endless.
Here are a few ideas for your next glass project.
Interior Doors
Winter is finally behind us. It felt like it would never end, but it did. That means more hours of sunlight. Why not enjoy the sun anytime, even if you can’t necessarily be outside to feel its warmth? With an interior glass door, you can.
These glass doors are ideal for an office, bedroom, or bathroom. You can customize the color or these can be clear. If you’re worried about privacy, there’s no need to be. You can also get the glass frosted or textured so that someone can’t see right through.
Backsplash
Is your backsplash looking a little past its prime? It happens. If you have a backsplash made of marble, tile, or even wood, it’s hard to clean these. Stains, splashes, and other food messes accumulate. Eventually, it’s impossible to remove those unsightly blemishes.
With a glass backsplash, you only need a gentle cloth and some soapy water to clean stains and splashes. That saves you precious time in the kitchen.
You also have plenty of ways to make a backsplash your own. Choose the size, shape, and color. This can match your kitchen walls or contrast them for a fun, funky take on personal décor.
Sinks
The bathroom is a quiet place of relaxation…or at least, it should be. Is your sink an eyesore? It can be expensive to replace these, so maybe you’ve been putting it off. With a glass sink though, you can find a cost-effective way to finally get rid of that old sink of yours.
Glass sinks are elegant and contemporary. These can sit on a base or just be a large, bowl-like basin. The choice is yours. You’ll love spending time in your bathroom with such an appealing sink.
We hope you’re feeling inspired after browsing these project ideas. These are just a few options at your disposal.
Once you decide which glass project best suits your home, contact us at CGD Glass Countertops. We’re a glass designer and manufacturer in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. “Countertops” may be in our name, but that’s far from all we do. We also make glass doors, panels, partitions, sinks, backsplashes, and so much more. Give us a call today to start talking about your dream glass project!
Tips for Designing Your Frameless Shower Door
- At March 01, 2017
- By Mark
- In Glass Techniques
- 0
Frameless shower doors are contemporary, can make your bathroom look bigger, and have a classic appeal you just don’t get from traditional shower doors. Why wouldn’t you want one of these for your bathroom?
If you take care of your frameless shower doors, you could enjoy these for years to come. Well, that is, once you buy the doors and get them installed. You’re at the stage now where you’re designing your own frameless shower doors, but you’ve run into a snag.
You weren’t aware there were so many considerations to keep in mind as you begin planning. Which will look best for your bathroom? Do you want to keep the shower curb or get rid of it? What if you have overhanging tiles? What then?
If you’re feeling stuck or confused, follow our handy tips for designing your very own frameless shower door.
When designing your shower, you have to think about where the shower head will go. Whether this is fixed or removable, you still need to allocate the room for it. Avoid positioning the shower head so it faces the glass door, as this can lead to splashing and leaks.
If you’re getting glass tiles to match your glass shower door, you also have to take extra care when designing your shower. If the door handle comes into contact with any of these glass panels at any time, these could chip, crack, or break.
Next, you have to decide whether you’re getting a shower curb with your frameless glass shower doors. As the name suggests, this is a curb made of concrete, marble, or another hard material that is placed beneath the shower doors. This curb is optional, but if you forego it, you do have to be careful to avoid leaks each time you use the shower.
You should avoid overhanging tiles and raised decorative tiles if you want a frameless shower door. If you already have these with your current shower setup, these tiles must be removed. They can prevent the door from opening and closing freely.
You also must ensure that the wall and the door meet seamlessly. If they don’t, and there are any holes between these spaces, water will leak out and could flood the bathroom. Even the tiniest hole can cause trouble, so make sure to check and double-check your design so there are no openings.
Are you ready to start creating the frameless shower door of your dreams? Contact us at CGD Glass in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. For years, we’ve been a leading manufacturer of commercial and residential glass items and accent pieces.
Our biggest advantage is letting you—the customer—design your glass item the way you want it from scratch. So take some time to consider our above tips carefully. Plan your space, and then send us a drawing or blueprint of your ideal shower door. We’ll make the rest a reality. Call us at 416-398-9733 or send us an email to learn more today!
Sources:
http://cgdglasscountertops.com/decorative-glass-doors/
https://www.dullesglassandmirror.com/shower-doors-design-tips
http://www.glassdepots.com/blog/design-tips-custom-glass-shower-enclosures/
Tips for Budgeting for a Commercial Glass Project
- At February 20, 2017
- By Mark
- In Uncategorized
- 0
Whether you own a restaurant, museum, bar, or retail store, you know that first impressions matter. Those first impressions start with the look of your commercial business. If you have an unappealing storefront or gaudy interior, you’re unconsciously turning away customers.
Remodeling with chic decorative glass is one way to get positive attention on your business. Let us help you. We’re CGD Glass Countertops, and customization is in our name (it’s what the “C” stands for). We’re a Canadian manufacturer of glass items and accents like decorative doors, countertops, partitions, tabletops, and more.
Do you want to do some remodeling? You’re going to have to plan ahead, especially when it comes to money. If your company can’t spare a ton of cash right now, you don’t necessarily have to put a remodel on the backburner. You just have to budget smart.
Here are some handy budgeting tips for commercial businesses.
1. Have a clear end goal in mind: What do you envision for your commercial space? Do you want glass tabletops on every seat at your restaurant? Do you want an LED-lit glass bar top at your bar? Do you want breathtaking glass fixtures at your museum or retail store?
Plan in as much detail as you can. This prevents anyone else involved in the project from changing the crux of the design later. After all, as the design changes, so too does the cost.
2. Ask for a quote: You shouldn’t have to guess what the final cost of your remodeling project is going to be. At CGD Glass Countertops, we offer our quotes upfront to our customers before any work begins. This way there’s no surprises on either side. Surprises may be fun in most circumstances, but not when they involve a big bill at the end.
3. Always plan for more: Have a bit more money set aside than what was quoted to you. Plan for a somewhat longer timeframe for the work. While you might not need that extra cash (especially if you work with us) and the glass item may be installed on the date you planned it, you should stay flexible.
Although it’s rare, sometimes there are snags in plans. Be ready for these snags ahead of time and you won’t get flustered.
4. Put money in now, get it back later: Remodeling can be pricy, but that doesn’t mean you should shy away from the idea. Think of it as an investment. The money you put into making your commercial business look good now is going to come back to you later, maybe twofold or even tenfold.
The better your business looks, the more people are going to buy from you. That makes glass additions a fantastic ROI.
We make it easy to know how much your project is going to cost. Just send us some info about your proposed project, including the thickness of the glass and the size of the room in question, and we’ll send you a quote. Contact us at CGD Glass Countertops today!
Sources:
https://constructionbydaniels.com/budget-intelligently-commercial-remodeling-project/
http://gsdcontracting.com/company-news/how_to_control_commercial_construction_costs/