Rebuilding after the Hurricane? Glass Countertops Are Cost-Effective

From Texas to Florida, Louisiana to Puerto Rico, the slew of hurricanes that ripped through these areas from late summer to early fall caused major damage. Just because these hurricanes are no longer in the news doesn’t mean the people in these ravaged areas don’t need help. They do.

Many people evacuated during these storms, only to come back and discover their homes had been completely ripped away. Some still had the foundation of their property but almost everything had to be gutted and started over.

At this time, as the rebuilding process begins slowly, many homeowners across the country are thinking about cost-effectiveness rather than attractiveness.

Donations and aid are trickling in, and insurance may cover some of the damage, but homeowners who want to rebuild right away may end up relying mostly on their own wallets to do so.

That may mean choosing cheap options for countertops and other home additions. This seems like a good idea at the time, because these countertops are cheap.

These homeowners aren’t necessarily thinking long-term, which is okay. They have a lot to worry about already. Yet within a few years, that cheap Formica countertop will have lost its value and become an eyesore.

If you’ve been affected by any of the hurricanes and you need to rebuild your kitchen or other rooms in the house, we implore you to consider us at CGD Glass Countertops. We’re a glass designer and manufacturer that’s based in Canada. We customize many of our products, including our countertops, so our customers get a unique experience every time.

We know glass is a great countertop material, and we think you’ll agree. Glass has a timeless appeal, a subtle beauty that enhances any room without stealing away attention. You can get your glass transparent or colored any hue you wish with our one-of-a-kind backpainting.

Glass is also quite affordable, making it a cost-effective option. Here at CGD Glass Countertops, we’ll provide you with a quote before work starts so you know exactly how much you’re spending. There will be no surprises.

You’ll also find that glass is quite easy to clean, which is great for keeping your kitchen tidy. Other materials, such as wood, have tiny holes within the grain that are ideal hiding places for bacteria to grow.

As you wipe up your wooden countertop, unless you give it some elbow grease, you may not fully remove that bacteria. That makes the countertop a hotbed for illness, especially if you have little ones running around.

With glass though, there are no such microscopic crevices in which germs can hide. You simply use a soft cloth and some water and wipe in one direction. Your glass countertop will be clean right away. Stains, crumbs, and stickiness won’t be around long.

If you’re interested in browsing our selection of glass items, we also produce decorative glass doors, panels, partitions, sinks, and backsplashes. Yes, any of these can be customized. To learn more, please call us at 416-398-9733.

Five Signs It’s Time to Upgrade Your Bathroom Countertops

Compared to the kitchen or the bedroom, you probably don’t really give your bathroom much attention. After all, unless you’re taking a luxurious bath, you’re pretty much in and out of there.

Yet recently, when you were giving the bathroom a thorough cleaning, you realized that some parts of it were in disarray, specifically the countertop. You’re not sure how it happened, but the once passable-looking countertop you had when you moved in has steadily become an eyesore.

If this sounds like an all-too-familiar nightmare, don’t stress. It’s just time for a change. Here are five signs it may be time for a bathroom countertop upgrade.

1. It’s Ugly

Listen, maybe you picked your bathroom countertop yourself years ago. Perhaps it was there since you’ve moved in. Regardless, the décor and style is not trendy anymore. Now, every time you walk into your bathroom, you cringe.

It doesn’t have to be this way. By choosing a timeless material like glass, you know you’ll love your bathroom countertop now and years in the future.

2. It’s Too Big

Some bathroom nooks are tiny and some just look tiny. Few things make your bathroom feel more claustrophobic than a poor layout.

If your toilet is in one corner and your shower in another and your countertop is directly across from that, it’s tough to maneuver around. A bulky bathroom countertop may have worked for you once, but now you want to slim it down.

3. It’s Falling Apart

Stains, water damage, subtle cracks from years of wear and tear…if you’re seeing these on your bathroom countertop, you pretty much have no choice but to remodel. These unappealing signs of damage may be small now, but with continued use, your counterpart could fall apart.

It’s better to replace it of your own volition than being forced to later. The latter scenario is not fun for your wallet.

4. There’s Mold

Whether the pipes are old and have started to develop mold or it’s the exterior or interior of the countertop that’s got the stuff, you can’t ignore this issue. Mold is a health hazard, and can irritate preexisting issues like allergies and asthma.

If you see mold on your bathroom countertop, you need to prioritize a renovation stat.

5. The Hardware Is Rusted

Those nickel-brushed or copper sink or cabinet handles seemed like a nice decorative touch at the time, but you didn’t think about their long-term looks. After being exposed to water again and again, your metal hardware has now rusted or corroded. It’s terrible to look at and use.

Glass can handle the water exposure without corroding. It’s easy to clean, too, which means you can prevent mold and other unwanted stains.

Are you ready to get started designing the bathroom countertop of your dreams? If so, contact us at CGD Glass Countertops. We’re a Toronto-based glass manufacturer that designs custom glass products, mostly countertops. We also make decorative glass doors, glass panels, partitions, sinks, and backsplashes.

To learn more, give us a call today!

Add Drama to Any Room with Suspended Glass Ceilings

 

Whether you’re a homeowner with a taste for the divine or you’re a commercial business owner who’s trying to make an impact, suspended glass ceilings are the way to go. These create a sense of drama in any room, from offices to kitchens, livings rooms, and bedrooms.

That said, we understand that a suspended glass ceiling is no small undertaking. In this post, we’ll explain exactly what these ceilings look like (or can look like), their benefits, and where you can get them.

What Are Suspended Glass Ceilings?

Suspended glass ceilings are a specialized service offered by CGD Glass Countertops, its sister company. These ceilings, despite their name, do not have to cover a room’s preexisting ceiling (that is, unless you want them to). If they don’t, they will often be affixed to a thick metal pole that hooks into the true ceiling, creating a layered look to any room.

What Do They Look Like?

 

That’s the fun part about these ceilings: their look is up to you! This is the time to let your interior designer out.

You can decide to add lights atop or beneath the suspended glass ceiling, creating beautiful illumination. Your glass ceiling can be large, mid-sized, or smaller. You can choose from almost any color of the rainbow, from demure copper hues to vivid reds or blues.

You’re not limited by shape, either. If you want a square or rectangular-shaped suspended glass ceiling, that choice is yours. You can also design these ceilings to be round, oval, triangular-shaped, or almost anything else. If you want them hung at an angle or just installed straight up, you also get that choice.

What Are Their Benefits?

There are nearly countless benefits to a suspended glass ceiling. Here are some to think about as you make your decision:

  • There’s so much versatility with these glass ceilings. These work in a commercial environment such as an office, hotel lobby, museum, restaurant, or bar. At home, you can get a suspended ceiling in your entryway, living room, entertainment room, kitchen, or bedroom.
  • Illumination from a lighted suspended glass ceiling adds a new dimension to many rooms.
  • By getting a glass ceiling installed, you create a fresh, fun atmosphere in any room without having to spend time on a pricy remodel.
  • For businesses and homeowners, these ceilings are an uncommon decorative choice and make for a great conversation piece.
  • Suspended glass ceilings could increase a home’s curb appeal.

Where Can You Get Suspended Glass Ceilings?

If you’re looking for suspended glass ceilings for your home or commercial business, contact us at CGD Glass Countertops in Toronto. We’re one of the only companies to offer such a one-of-a-kind service.

We specialize in all things glass, designing and manufacturing the items ourselves according to our customer’s specifications. Our other products are decorative glass doors, panels, partitions, sinks, backsplashes, tabletops and bartops, bathroom and kitchen countertops, and kitchen islands.

If you’re ready to get started designing your ideal suspended glass ceiling, contact us today. Once we know more about the scope of your project, we can offer you a quote.

Water Gets Permanent Marker off Glass Surfaces? Here’s What You Need to Know.

When you have children, you often have to make home decor concessions. The nice artwork and expensive accent pieces get put away in boxes for a few years. You may even think about investing in a couch cover.

Yet despite your precautions, the kids will end up getting into something they shouldn’t have at some point. You’re only one person, and you can’t always have eyes around the whole house.

You’ve probably had to replace some beloved furniture because it got ruined by a curious toddler who thought it was a plaything. It happens. Now you come home from work one day, dismayed to find that your new glass countertop or backsplash has been used as a coloring surface.

All over, there are lines and streaks of variously colored permanent markers. Oh well, you think, time to get a new one. Right?

Not exactly.

It turns out you can quickly and easily get permanent marker off glass surfaces.

How?

In Physical Review Letters, a science journal, a team of researchers, engineers, and scientists published their findings on how to get rid of pesky permanent marker stains.

If you have some water, you can do it, too. The team applied the ink-stained glass item to water, submerging it so the stain was fully underwater. Within a few moments, the stain disunited from the glass. The marker writings could even be seen bobbing in the water. Yes, permanent marker floats!

If this sounds crazy or a little too good to be true, it can all be backed up with science. Physical Review Letters notes how the ink is bound to the glass via a seal. When surface tension is applied with water, that seal is destroyed, allowing the permanent marker stains to disappear without any scrubbing and stressing.

Follow These Steps

If your young kids have written all over your glass table or countertop, here’s how you can clean it up.

Step 1: Remove the stained glass if possible. If it’s a backsplash, take it off the wall. If a glass panel is damaged, uninstall it.

Step 2: Fill a large basin with water in it. The basin should be large enough so you can submerge the marker-stained glass. Other ideas for the basin are a spacious sink, bathtub, or even a kiddie pool.

Step 3: Submerge the glass item so the stained portion is completely underwater. Don’t go too quickly.

Step 4: Hold the item underwater and wait. It should only take a few seconds before the permanent marker slips off the glass and into the water.

Step 5: Take the glass item out of the water. Carefully dry it with a soft cloth, going in one direction to avoid streaks.

Step 6: Reinstall the glass item in its original location.

It’s as simple as that. Who knew science could come in handy for homeowners with children? Next time one of your favorite glass items gets stained by a child’s permanent marker rampage, you’ll know what to do.

Of course, if you’re thinking of buying a glass accent item now that you know how easily they’ll clean, contact us at CGD Glass Countertops today.

Sources:

https://www.sciencenews.org/article/how-peel-permanent-marker-glass

 

Back to School Time Means More Cooking: Does Your Kitchen Need an Upgrade?

Summer is finally over. While that means no more beach days or vacation hours, for families with kids, it also means back to school time.

You may have gotten through the summer by cooking in the backyard on your grill or going out to eat more often. Now though, the kids will need packed lunches and homecooked, hearty meals so they have the fuel to excel in school.

The start of the school year (and the fall season) is the perfect time to assess your kitchen to decide if you need an upgrade. Here are some areas to start with.

Countertops

When you get busy in the kitchen, your countertops are often the first to show signs of wear and tear. Whether it’s stains, chips, or pockmarks from years of cooking and cutting, it’s okay to be tired of your countertops.

With glass countertops, you won’t have to worry about the above issues. Glass is generally stain-resistant; when you make a mess, simply wipe it up with a damp paper towel. There are no crevices or holes for food and bacteria to hide.

By upgrading your boring kitchen countertop to a glass countertop, your whole kitchen will look much classier.

Backsplashes

Cooking can be messy. Luckily, backsplashes exist to catch water and cooking liquid so your walls don’t stain. The problem is though, metal and wood backsplashes don’t hold up well. Metal can start to rust and corrode, and wood can become warped and soggy. Yuck.

Glass backsplashes, available in a variety of patterns and colors, are a great alternative. These will never rust or warp, making glass a durable choice for the kitchen. If you notice your backsplash has gotten a little dirty, again, use a wet paper towel and some cleaner to wipe away stains.

Sinks

The sink is one of the most important parts of your kitchen. This is where you store dishes and clean them. Since sinks are so important, it’s no wonder they’re so expensive. That may have prevented you from upgrading your old, brittle metal sink even though it’s been there for decades.

Treat yourself. A glass sink is easy to clean and adds so much sophistication to your kitchen. With such a beautiful sink awaiting you every day, you almost won’t mind having to do the dishes. Almost.

Kitchen Islands

As a luxury item, your kitchen island should be a standout part of your eating space. Yet if you choose a kitchen island made of materials like wood or metal, the island may be looking a little worse for wear. Instead of being a source of pride like it should be, you feel embarrassed whenever you walk into the kitchen and see your sad kitchen island.

It definitely sounds like it’s time for an upgrade. A glass kitchen island can often be designed and decorated to your exact specifications if you shop with the right glass manufacturer. This means you can select colors that match your kitchen, adding a cohesiveness to the room.

If you’re ready to redesign any of these parts of your kitchen, give us a call at CGD Glass Countertops. Based in Toronto, we specialize in customized glass items for residential and commercial use. Contact us today to learn more or get a quote.

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