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.

Customization Ideas for Your Glass Countertop

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

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.