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 Perhaps you (or the previous homeowner) chose a style that’s terribly outdated by now.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 Don’t make life harder for yourself by choosing a style that will be out-of-date in a year or two.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.