Glass Versus Granite: The Facts

When it comes to buying new countertops, kitchen islands, and other common household items, you probably spend a lot of time debating the material that will be used. After all, there’s so much to think about, so you want to be sure you made the right choice.

First, you have to think about the looks of the material. Is said material chic and appealing? Then you should check its durability. How many years will it be before you have to get a new countertop or other surface?

Of course, you will have to clean these surfaces, so keep that in mind, too. Some materials are magnets for stains and stickiness while others wipe up clean easily. Last, you have to think about your budget. The more luxe the material, the more it will cost.

Many people, when thinking about remodeling their countertops, get stuck choosing between glass and granite. Which one is the better value for your money? We’ll explore that now.

Granite

Looks: Known for its high-quality looks, granite may be various colors, including brown, black, white, gray, copper, or a combination of these. However, granite only comes in colors available from nature.

Cost: Granite is generally a more expensive material. If you’re thrifty, it is possible to find deals. If you find you’re overwhelmed by the price of granite and you’re trying to stick to your budget, get a countertop made of another material (like glass) with granite accents.

Cleaning: You can clean granite with a household cleaner or soap and water. That said, if there are chips and crevices from years of wear and tear (more on this in a moment), it can be harder to reach into those crannies and clean efficiently.

Durability: Granite, for its cost, is not the most durable material. As the homeowner, you may have to reapply a sealant every few years to prevent dings and scratches. Such damage is mostly inevitable, though. If you have a kitchen spill, you may also permanently stain your granite surface.

Glass

Looks: Above, we mentioned how granite is only available in natural hues. That’s not so with glass. You can get this translucent if you prefer, or glass may be colored or painted any color of the rainbow. There’s no limit to the color palette you can choose.

Cost: Glass can be costly, but not if you buy it from the right manufacturer. At CGD Glass Countertops in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, we present our quotes upfront so you know just how much you’ll spend.

Cleaning: Cleaning glass is fast and easy. Like granite, you can use soap and water or a household cleaner and wipe the surface. Make sure to wipe in one direction to prevent streaks.

Durability: Glass is incredibly durable. It will not scratch or chip, even with years of daily use. You can’t stain glass; if you spill something, you can simply swipe it up right away with a paper towel or cleaning rag.

The choice is clear. Glass is the better value for your money. If you want a new glass countertop, call us at CGD today.

Tips for Selecting New Countertops

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

2017 Backsplash Trends

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:

http://www.improvenet.com/a/2017-kitchen-countertop-backsplash-trends
https://www.lowes.com/projects/2017/2017-kitchen-trends-backsplashes/article

Everything You Need to Know about Outdoor Glass Countertops

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.