Guest Blog: Innovative Countertop Designs

The following guest post was written by Marcy Tate, a home improvement blogger at Networx. She writes on many home improvement topics including concrete countertops and other innovative countertop materials.

The popularity of eco-friendly kitchen remodeling has contributed to the success of several new countertops successfully breaking into the mainstream market. Materials such as recycled glass and concrete are being used to make distinctive, one-of-a-kind residential countertops. Here is a rundown on why they are such a success.

Recycled Glass Countertops

Photo credit: treehugger.com

 Photo credit: green-living-made-easy.com

Recycled glass countertops have many advantages. Beside their wide color selection, they are strong, durable and have a long lifespan. Additionally, most recycled glass countertop manufacturers offer a 10-year warranty. Maintenance is simple and is comparable to granite countertops. The countertops are scratch resistant and less porous than concrete or marble countertops.

Recycled glass countertops are a combination of recycled glass and concrete. The glass content is usually 80% or higher, with the rest being concrete. One of the features that is drawing homeowners to recycled glass countertops is that every single panel is unique; no two countertops are the same. Some manufacturers offer an option whereby the countertop can be integrally colored or stained in order to help coordinate better with cabinetry and the wall color. There are also various edge and shape options. For those seeking exclusive style and design, recycled glass countertops are a fantastic option. Recycled glass countertops cost about $55 per square foot.

Check any of the following leaders in recycled glass countertops for more detailed information and to find a local dealer: Vetrazzo.com, Icestone.com, Evniroglass.com, or Gilasi.com.

Additional glass countertop images:

Photo credit: thinkglass.com

Photo credit: icestone.com

Photo credit: thinkglass.com

Photo credit: thinkglass.com

Concrete Countertops

Photo credit: tsunamicountertops.com

Photo credit: kitchen-counter-tops.net

In the past five years, concrete countertops have become more popular as homeowners seek attractive and durable countertops for their kitchens and bathrooms. With granite considered too ordinary for many homeowners, concrete countertops provide a fantastic option for customized countertops that still have a quarried look. Everything about concrete countertops is customizable, from the size and shape to the color, thickness, edging and method of casting. Additionally, they resist all types of damage, including chipping, cracking and scratching.

The design options are infinite. Concrete countertop artisans can add small objects to the countertop, such as glass chips or sparkles. Homeowners can also choose to include an embedded soap dish or an integral sink. Integral sinks can be designed within the countertop. Dyes are added to the concrete to create just about any color combination desired. Concrete countertops are more expensive than recycled glass countertops. They cost $65-$100 per square foot. However, an additional benefit is that concrete countertops can increase the resale value of a home, and they have a lifespan of over 20 years.

Additional concrete countertop images:

 Photo credit: houzz.com

Photo credit: houzz.com

Other Innovative Kitchen Countertop Ideas:

Glass countertops and LED Lighting countertops by ThinkGlass.com:

Water texture glass countertops by Alchemy.com

Ribbon Glass Countertops by agsurfaces.com:

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Guest Blog: Innovative Countertop Designs

The following guest post was written by Marcy Tate, a home improvement blogger at Networx. She writes on many home improvement topics including concrete countertops and other innovative countertop materials.

The popularity of eco-friendly kitchen remodeling has contributed to the success of several new countertops successfully breaking into the mainstream market. Materials such as recycled glass and concrete are being used to make distinctive, one-of-a-kind residential countertops. Here is a rundown on why they are such a success.

Recycled Glass Countertops

Photo credit: treehugger.com

 Photo credit: green-living-made-easy.com

Recycled glass countertops have many advantages. Beside their wide color selection, they are strong, durable and have a long lifespan. Additionally, most recycled glass countertop manufacturers offer a 10-year warranty. Maintenance is simple and is comparable to granite countertops. The countertops are scratch resistant and less porous than concrete or marble countertops.

Recycled glass countertops are a combination of recycled glass and concrete. The glass content is usually 80% or higher, with the rest being concrete. One of the features that is drawing homeowners to recycled glass countertops is that every single panel is unique; no two countertops are the same. Some manufacturers offer an option whereby the countertop can be integrally colored or stained in order to help coordinate better with cabinetry and the wall color. There are also various edge and shape options. For those seeking exclusive style and design, recycled glass countertops are a fantastic option. Recycled glass countertops cost about $55 per square foot.

Check any of the following leaders in recycled glass countertops for more detailed information and to find a local dealer: Vetrazzo.com, Icestone.com, Evniroglass.com, or Gilasi.com.

Additional glass countertop images:

Photo credit: thinkglass.com

Photo credit: icestone.com

Photo credit: thinkglass.com

Photo credit: thinkglass.com

Concrete Countertops

Photo credit: tsunamicountertops.com

Photo credit: kitchen-counter-tops.net

In the past five years, concrete countertops have become more popular as homeowners seek attractive and durable countertops for their kitchens and bathrooms. With granite considered too ordinary for many homeowners, concrete countertops provide a fantastic option for customized countertops that still have a quarried look. Everything about concrete countertops is customizable, from the size and shape to the color, thickness, edging and method of casting. Additionally, they resist all types of damage, including chipping, cracking and scratching.

The design options are infinite. Concrete countertop artisans can add small objects to the countertop, such as glass chips or sparkles. Homeowners can also choose to include an embedded soap dish or an integral sink. Integral sinks can be designed within the countertop. Dyes are added to the concrete to create just about any color combination desired. Concrete countertops are more expensive than recycled glass countertops. They cost $65-$100 per square foot. However, an additional benefit is that concrete countertops can increase the resale value of a home, and they have a lifespan of over 20 years.

Additional concrete countertop images:

 Photo credit: houzz.com

Photo credit: houzz.com

Other Innovative Kitchen Countertop Ideas:

Glass countertops and LED Lighting countertops by ThinkGlass.com:

Water texture glass countertops by Alchemy.com

Ribbon Glass Countertops by agsurfaces.com:

 Subscribe to ::Surroundings::

Bargain Hunting: Getting the look (and quality) for less

Contributed by Lori Dolnick

The Kitchen & Bath Industry Show, Chicago, IL

One of the big themes we saw at the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show this year was predominant use of the word VALUE. Value is different from CHEAP. Value is about something that perhaps lasts longer. Or provides better performance. Value is what happens when a product delivers more than expected for what you are paying. Today’s homeowners are on the hunt for VALUE. We see from the statistics that the look of today’s kitchen is changing. Less ornamental – more modern themes. More work done within an existing footprint versus blowing out walls and expanding the square footage - so every inch counts. Today’s Homeowner is remodeling for numero uno. It’s their home – since selling is not really an option. It’s no longer about return on investment – it’s about personalization and comfort.

So what were the big VALUES at the show?

The LINUS designer faucet from BLANCO starting at $425. Hundreds of dollars less for European made quality and a knock out style.

Aspen cabinet hardware from TopKnobs starting from $8 a knob. Half the price of competitive brands for solid bronze with a sealed finish that will last. Lifetime warrantee. Free sample program for consumers and designers.

One of the hidden treasures at the show was New River Semi Custom Cabinetry. All the features you’d pay more for in custom cabinets like soft close drawers but at a lower price. And believe me – I wish my cabinets had this stuff. And I paid a lot more per square foot for less quality. It’s worthwhile to seek out semi custom cabinet showrooms.

GE’s new hybrid GeoSpring water heater can save you $320 a year in energy. Of course it costs @ $1,500 but the payback would be in under 5 years. Assuming this lasts on average 10-15 years (per DOE), you are getting far more for your investment dollar in energy savings.

StoneSkin is an interesting product for Remodelers or DIY’ers. It’s real stone – but in a peel-and-stick format. Ultra thin and lightweight – it goes on other tiles or over dry wall. (Not saying this might be a permanent fix vs. real tile installed by a professional… but certainly worthwhile to try for the cost. And it beats the look of drywall. Really, drywall is terrible for work areas as it dents and stains.)

Contributed by Lori Dolnick


See all Lori's posts here.


 Subscribe to ::Surroundings::

Bargain Hunting: Getting the look (and quality) for less

Contributed by Lori Dolnick

The Kitchen & Bath Industry Show, Chicago, IL

One of the big themes we saw at the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show this year was predominant use of the word VALUE. Value is different from CHEAP. Value is about something that perhaps lasts longer. Or provides better performance. Value is what happens when a product delivers more than expected for what you are paying. Today’s homeowners are on the hunt for VALUE. We see from the statistics that the look of today’s kitchen is changing. Less ornamental – more modern themes. More work done within an existing footprint versus blowing out walls and expanding the square footage - so every inch counts. Today’s Homeowner is remodeling for numero uno. It’s their home – since selling is not really an option. It’s no longer about return on investment – it’s about personalization and comfort.

So what were the big VALUES at the show?

The LINUS designer faucet from BLANCO starting at $425. Hundreds of dollars less for European made quality and a knock out style.

Aspen cabinet hardware from TopKnobs starting from $8 a knob. Half the price of competitive brands for solid bronze with a sealed finish that will last. Lifetime warrantee. Free sample program for consumers and designers.

One of the hidden treasures at the show was New River Semi Custom Cabinetry. All the features you’d pay more for in custom cabinets like soft close drawers but at a lower price. And believe me – I wish my cabinets had this stuff. And I paid a lot more per square foot for less quality. It’s worthwhile to seek out semi custom cabinet showrooms.

GE’s new hybrid GeoSpring water heater can save you $320 a year in energy. Of course it costs @ $1,500 but the payback would be in under 5 years. Assuming this lasts on average 10-15 years (per DOE), you are getting far more for your investment dollar in energy savings.

StoneSkin is an interesting product for Remodelers or DIY’ers. It’s real stone – but in a peel-and-stick format. Ultra thin and lightweight – it goes on other tiles or over dry wall. (Not saying this might be a permanent fix vs. real tile installed by a professional… but certainly worthwhile to try for the cost. And it beats the look of drywall. Really, drywall is terrible for work areas as it dents and stains.)

Contributed by Lori Dolnick


See all Lori's posts here.


 Subscribe to ::Surroundings::

What do designers look for in a sink or faucet?

Contributed by Lori Dolnick

To the average homeowner – a sink or faucet may look like – well – just a sink or faucet. But there’s so much more to know. Here are a few quick tips from real kitchen design experts on what they look for when selecting a sink or faucet and what’s important.


Outstanding Trend Point: While you expect designers to go for “look” first, they really came out strong for durability, quality and material as the most important considerations. “Pay More!” seemed to be nearly an anthem. Trust the designers to know – they are the ones who get to replace lesser products that don’t last.

The kitchen sink below is a BLANCO and was used in a recent project by Cheryl Kees Clendenon, owner/designer In Detail Kitchen and Bath, Pensacola, Florida

1. The Sink Fits The Project
“I want the sink to fit the project. I do not have a one-size-fits-all sink in mind when I design,” says Cheryl Kees Clendenon, owner/designer In Detail Kitchen and Bath, Pensacola, Florida. Cheryl likes the deeper 10” or more sinks. “I can tell you what I think is a ridiculous size, the sinks where you have the tiny bowl on one side that is quite shallow. I think this is nuts because people put their disposal on the shallow small side,” comments Clendenon.

2. Accessories
According to designers, like Cheryl Kees Clendenon, sink grids for protecting stainless are a must!!

3. Pay a little more
“As far as product selections go, I think you truly get what you pay for when it comes to faucets,” states Nick Bajzek, The Product Guy (product editor for Professional Builder, Professional Remodeler and Custom Builder magazines). Spend a little extra and go for a higher-end model, one with a quality cartridge. You generally won’t have to worry about leaks or wearing out the knobs like you would with a cheap faucet.”

4. Material Matters
“What I look for when I’m specifying a sink is the material,” states Paul Anater, blogger and designer at http://www.kitchenandresidentialdesign.com/. “I have a strong preference for stainless steel, so that’s where I go first. Once I have a client sold on stainless I look for a single bowl, large sink. If I have the budget, I spec flat-bottomed sinks because I think they look better. If I can’t afford a flat bottom, I then look for the heaviest gauge steel I can find that will fit into my budget. Once I have my sink options narrowed down, I then look for other features such as accessories. Brand name doesn’t figure into it nearly as much as quality and I never shop by price. I set a budget for my clients and then we go find the best we can find in that budget. BLANCO rises to the top in many cases I’m pleased to report.”

5. Durability Now! Painless Later.
“When I’m asked to consult on which kitchen sink a client should choose I usually suggest they go for excellent durability and great looks,” says Gerry Snapke of CadKitchenPlans.com. “It’s no secret that the drop in sink has been out of favor in the kitchen for many years now. Under mount sinks and farmhouse apron fronts make up the bulk of styles popular with consumers and they look great. But consider what replacing one of these sinks involves. If it’s an under mount style replacement is difficult without replacing or at least doing major damage to the existing countertop. Farmhouse sinks pose a similar replacement challenge and often times involve cabinet modification as well. Bottom line here… pick a sink that you know will last for many years and avoid the pain of replacement costs.”

Contributed by Lori Dolnick


See all Lori's posts here.


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