How to Make Recycled Glass Countertops – A DIY Guide With Expert Ideas

Many homeowners are drawn to mixing function and aesthetics with countertops. As a result, many modern households have found a passion for using recycled glass for countertops. They’re durable, and their aesthetic appeal and flexibility make them a sought-after addition to contemporary kitchens. This article will discuss the DIY method on how to make recycled glass countertops. Before beginning the countertop design, it is wise to speak with the experts at Caesar stone. Expert advice on the design and aesthetics will ensure that you get the most satisfaction from these surfaces.

What is a recycled glass countertop

There’s more to recycling glass countertops than what the name implies. There are many distinct types. We’ve compiled a shortlist of countertop materials made from recycled glass and the different elements of each below. So let’s take an in-depth look.

Resin bound glass: This countertop comprises tiny pieces made of recycled glass and then binds them all together using plastic resin. What is the reason for resin? It’s not a porous substance. It doesn’t hold water. The polish is also light and makes the process of installation much simple.

Cement bound glass: The countertop construct precisely the same way as a resin countertop. However, this time the binder that holds glasses together is made of cement. This creates a distinctive countertop design; it affects some other components. For instance, cement is far more porous. This means that you’ll need to be extra cautious with liquid spills and spills. Adhesive can additionally make the countertop heavier. Suppose you’re considering a recycled glass countertop that is made of cement. In that case, it is essential to make sure that your cabinets can support the weight.

Homogeneous glass: A homogeneous countertop made of glass construct from 100 recycled glass. In this scenario, the manufacturer will melt the glass before pouring it on an even surface to create the countertop. As a result, the countertop has a distinct appearance from concrete or cement recycled glass countertops.

Choose countertop support 

Depending on the space in the kitchen, you could select between two kinds of countertop support. First, you can opt with the anchored support option to secure the frame to walls studs. These studs should be in the middle, bottom and the at the top. Another kind of support is setting the countertop onto an iron frame. There is no need for cabinets underneath the countertop. When you do this, you can place large objects under the counter. Ensure that the countertop is level, stable and securely secured, sturdy and in a level position. When they are, they’ll be able to support the weight of a significant burden.

Find out: How to install drop in sink on granite countertop

How to make recycled glass countertops

Creating a recyclable glass countertop is an excellent method to help the green movement with the increasing recognition of the need for green initiatives. Recycling glass countertops have exceptional durability and strength. They are quite beautiful when you pick a mixture of different coloured bottles to recycle. Additionally, recycling glass can help you save a considerable amount of money since it is less expensive.

Learn more: How to reglaze a kitchen sink

Plan your countertop

Depending on the location you wish to put the countertop, select a suitable countertop template for the place you want to install it. Be sure that the template’s style matches the area’s designs size doesn’t exceed the available space. Additionally, ensure that the template can withstand temperatures that can reach temperatures of 1400degC.

Make your formula

 It takes just an hour to construct an attractive countertop with a primary foam rail and an adhesive with little effort. For recycled glass countertops, you’ll require Caulking Gun, 100% Door and Window, as well as a 1/4 Melamine Basis Board. Tape or utility knife adhesive are the other essential tools need to construct the countertop. First, create a recycled glass countertop. Cut melamine off the base and then attach it with foam to create an elongated wall. The foam forms walls and liners are available in 2-1/2 and 2-inch dimensions, but they should be cut to 1″ for countertops in kitchens. By using a hand saw, cut access foam off the top. It’s not required to cut them in length before you glue them onto the base made of melamine.

Start attaching from the wall

Attach double carpet tape to the wall’s bottom. The form wall must press into the baseboard. Make sure it remains straight.CHENG Professional Form Liners measure more than 2 inches in length and should be cut to 1 inch. If there’s an opening between those corners that need to be filled in with silicone before making sure that the mould is sealed.

Setup wall liners

The wall liner’s surface is smooth and shiny on one side and matte on the other. It recommend to spray the shiny side of the liner with adhesive spray and give it time to dry. Then, on the upper part of the wall, place the liner. Be sure your recyclable glass countertop is smooth and straight for a smooth edge of the factory. To stop concrete from flowing through these foam sections and wall liners, you can seal the areas using a silicone sealant that extends laterally to over the top of the wall.

Complete the form

For professional round edges by using Seam Shaping Tools and then a bead of silicone. If you’d like to sell it, fill in the liner and the form base gaps. At the corners, make sure to pack it using the 100%-percentage of silicone. Different countertops can gather dust and debris and boost energy efficiency by using more than 97% of the recycling process’s water. Make use of denatured alcohol to eliminate the silicone residue.

Mix liquid modifier and terrazzo mix

When mixing, wear gloves and wear a mask. Before pouring the Modifier’s liquid Modifier into the bucket of 15-gallon, shake it thoroughly. In a bucket filled with Modifier liquid, add an entire box of indigo pigment. Blending should be smooth. Blend Modifier and colouring up to 1/3 of a bag Terrazzo Mix, till the concrete mix is thoroughly blended. There should not be any lumps. Scrape the mixture off the sides, too, to make a homogeneous mix.

Casting

When casting the recycled Terraso mix, you must wear strong rubber gloves as the crushed glass could tear your gloves. It’s a similar procedure to casting concrete. However, glass aggregate is highly sharp to work with. It is easy to create a glass epoxy countertop using the same materials.

Attach Vibrator

We will be using two table vibrators on either side of the table. The table for casting must set in shade, just like indoors. By using longer screws, join the table vibrators to the variable speed controller. Then, plug the vibrators into the controller and the controller into the outlet on the wall. Check that all appliances are operating correctly. You can also create your countertops using 93% loose quartz instead of another type of material. This is the most abundant naturally occurring element found on earth.

Pour concrete

Utilize a bucket to move the Terraso concrete mix from the tub until the entire compound has been thoroughly mixed. Then, distribute the mixture evenly around the corners. An outdoor form made of a thin layer of plastic will not cure under the sunlight to create a humid atmosphere.

Grinding and remolding

Utilize the grinders to smooth the concrete areas off of the form. Grinder the top and front edge until it is uniform and straight. It is simple to reuse the countertop before remoulding. Most cracks happen during this process; therefore, be extra cautious. As the countertop lift from mould, it must support by an interval of 12 inches.

Remove form walls

It’s a long-lasting procedure, as glass aggregate can be challenging to present a uniform appearance. Choose a dry or dry polisher for this. Utilize the Lithium densities to create a slurry during polishing. To seal the glass countertop and make the most vibrant colour, apply a high gloss colour-enhancing sealer. Studies have shown that 20 per cent of Americans employ this method for recycled countertops in bathrooms. by manufacturers. They say that we will give you an impressive impression with less appreciation if you opt for our product. Two coats of Surecrete PC Sealers are applied to provide you with excellent quality protection and performance.

Complete the countertops 

A recycled countertop could be used for several months since the sealer for this project has lost its sparkle and is now scratched; however, it’s enough for lightweights. This means that you can recover your expenses as high as 80-100 per cent using these products if you decide to seal your countertop. That’s how to create your recyclable glass countertops. Another critical point that was made to the list by Emily Cox of Ecox Creative is that black slab splash is an essential feature on your countertop because it will protect walls. Splashing is a frequent occurrence.

Conclusion

To wrap up the discussion, how do you create recycling glass countertops? I’d say there are many different materials to choose from, including marble, granite tiled ceramic, stainless steel and wood slabs to make countertops. However, if you wish to be able to design your own countertops choose concrete. It is simple to include it in crushed glass. If you follow these steps carefully, you will be able to do it successfully. It is not necessary to seek assistance from an expert. All you need to do is adhere to these instructions, and you will save a significant amount of cash.