Goodbye Granite Countertops: The Recycled, More Attractive Alternative

Granite countertops have been a kitchen staple for years. There's a reason for their ubiquitous presence. They are safe for hot pots when cooking and easily available for purchase. But they can make every kitchen look exactly the same. Granite countertops can also make your kitchen look outdated, and require maintenance sealing to preserve the stonework over time. There's an attractive alternative that gives your kitchen a unique look that your neighbors might not have — Bio-Glass countertops. 

Bio-Glass countertops are stain-resistant and eco-friendly. They're made of recycled glass bottles (think beer, wine, and spirits) from various sources, keeping this commercial and industrial waste out of landfills. Because of its diversity of source material, Bio-Glass can be customized. You can update your kitchen with a pop of color and light in the countertops, or choose a more dramatic hue. That way, you're saving the planet, reducing your carbon footprint, and elevating the look of your kitchen.

First, the pros. Bio-Glass is 100% recycled glass, from multiple sources. It's melted down without additives, and can even feature patterns of the bottles that compose the counter. The material itself is also recyclable, so no future guilt about where it will go if your home is ever remodeled. Just like no two granite slabs will be the same due to the natural pattern of stone, no two Bio-Glass countertops will be the same because of the materiel. 

Because it's non-porous, stain- and flame-resistant, Bio-Glass is ideal for kitchens. Selecting this countertop material gives you a range of options when it comes to aesthetics. If you still want the sleek shine of stone, Bio-Glass comes in a polished texture that can mimic a cool slab of marble. There's also a matte finish that looks similar to suede granite. 

The cons of this product are that it is not a saturated market, and it may be expensive to get Bio-Glass in the color you desire in your area. There are other recycled glass counters, but the color selection and eco-friendly benefits may differ. Buying online may be the best bet, but for those who like visiting a showroom and visualizing the product in person may be out of luck. Additionally, Bio-Glass may not be everyone's cup of tea and may impact the home value when selling. Just like there are downsides to buying granite countertops, this alternative comes with its own considerations that should be considered before purchasing.