ONE of the most important selections in a kitchen design is the kitchen counter. A stylish healthy material that is often overlooked is Glass. Glass counters take the spotlight (as they should) in any kitchen. They are most often used as breakfast bars, entertainment bars or eating surfaces such as dining tables. Glass counters can be just as effective in a small kitchen as a large one (just because you are small doesn’t mean that you cannot shine!)
Some of the benefits of glass counters include:*
1. Glass is non-toxic. It will not emit VOCs (volatile organic compounds) or radon gas, making it one of the most healthy materials in your home.
2. Glass is non-porous, leaving no place for germs to hide or stains to absorb. This is one of the few materials that I personally warranty will not stain.
3. Glass is durable - more durable than you think. glass is made of silica which is the main element found in granite, offering a similar hardness and long life. Glass counters are thick and not easily broken. Glass does not require sealing or any special maintenance.
4. Some glass counters are made with recycled glass which give them an A+ in sustainability.
Be aware that some counter materials contain glass pieces that are bound together in a resin. These counter materials do not have the same properties as the 100% glass counters described above. In fact, many of them are MORE porous and MORE delicate.
Again, whenever you are selecting counter materials, obtain a sample and try to ‘kill it.’ Try to stain it, try to scratch it, try to clean the stain, use harsh cleaners, etc. Then you can safely decide if you want this product for your kitchen counter – you will know exactly how it will react to daily use.
When you use glass counters, you raise the quality of your kitchen design while receiving the health benefits of using durable non toxic materials!
*Glassworks Inc., www.glassworksinc.com