Cost of Glass Countertops: Prices and What to Know Before Buying

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If you are considering your countertop options and are looking for something that is modern and stylish, consider installing a glass countertop. While you may have concerns regarding the strength of a glass countertop, there is no need to worry. Most glass countertops are constructed in a way that incorporates binders to make the surface strong. 

How Are Glass Countertops Made? 

The majority of glass countertops are made by combining roughly 85 to 95 percent glass with the remaining percentage of polymer resin or cement. These binders create a surface that is incredibly dense, which will put to rest any concerns you may have about the surface being fragile. You can have a glass countertop that is all glass if that is what you want; however, that will be more fragile than your mixed material options. 

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What Are Your Options for Glass Countertop Materials? 

There are two primary types of glass countertop materials: all glass or mixed material. All glass, as its name implies, has not undergone any special treatment to increase its strength. Most glass countertops fall under the mixed material category, meaning they are made from mostly glass but are mixed with polymer resin or cement to enhance the strength of the surface. There are many different types of glass countertops that you will be able to choose from. Listed below are three of the most popular types. 

Recycled Glass Countertops 

Recycled glass has rapidly risen in popularity in recent years. This style is gorgeous and trendy, in addition to being eco-friendly. 

Solid Glass Countertops 

You can have a glass countertop that is made from solid clear glass. If you choose this option, you may want to have some sort of underlay that covers the cabinets beneath. 

Textured Glass Countertops 

Textured glass is another option you can choose. You can even choose to have a textured bottom and smooth top if you don’t want the texture on the top side. 

How Strong Are Glass Countertops? 

Glass countertops vary in strength depending on the material. There are three grades of glass strength for countertops: 

• Tempered 

• Non-Tempered 

• Annealed 

Tempered Glass Countertops 

Tempered glass is the most popular type used for glass countertops. Tempered glass has been treated to increase its durability and strength. 

Non-Tempered Glass Countertops 

Non-Tempered glass has not had any treatment to increase durability or strength. These all glass countertops will be more fragile than tempered glass. 

Annealed Glass Countertops 

Annealed glass is modified to have increased hardness. 

How Much Do Glass Countertops Cost? 

In general, glass countertops tend to fall in the range of $75 to $105 per square foot. This price does not include any backsplash that you may choose to install. This price can be impacted by many factors, including the specific material you choose, how much of it you need for the job and how complex the installation will be. 

Advantages of Glass Countertops 

Heat Resistant

Glass countertops are able to handle heat, which makes them a great choice for the kitchen. 

Stain Resistant 

Another benefit of glass countertops is stain resistance. Despite this, you should still clean any spills that happen on the countertop. 

Scratch Resistant 

Scratch resistance is another benefit that glass countertops will offer. 

Moisture Resistant 

Glass countertops are also moisture resistant – which can be helpful in a high moisture room like a bathroom. The moisture resistant properties of glass countertops can be beneficial in the kitchen as well. 

Mold Resistant 

As if they weren’t already resistant to enough, glass countertops are also mold resistant. This can be particularly helpful in the bathroom. 

Easy to Clean 

Glass countertops are one of the easiest surfaces to clean. All you need is a damp cloth or regular glass cleaner. Stay away from any abrasive cleaners. 

No Sealing Required 

Unlike many other countertop options, such as most types of natural stone, there is no sealing required for a glass countertop. 

Environmentally Friendly 

Glass countertops are environmentally friendly, especially if they are made from recycled glass. 

Many Variations to Choose From 

Glass countertops come in many different styles, so you will certainly have several options to choose from. 

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Disadvantages of Glass Countertops 

High Cost 

One of the major disadvantages to glass countertops is the material’s high cost. Glass countertops cost much more than other countertop alternatives, like solid surface, granite and many more. However, if you are looking for a countertop that is trendy and pleasing to the eye, glass may be worth the high cost. 

Marks Can Be Visible 

Another disadvantage to glass countertops is the inability to hide marks from dirt or fingerprints. You will have to make sure you keep up with cleaning if you do not want to see marks such as these on your countertop. 

As with any other countertop material, glass has its advantages and disadvantages. If you are looking for something that fits well with a modern design, whether in the kitchen, bathroom or both, glass countertops are a great choice. While the cost of glass countertops may be on the higher end, the aesthetic and functional benefits can make it well worth the cost.

Why you can trust Marble.com

When it comes time to get the job done, our fabrication and installation teams have the equipment and expertise it takes to get your project cut and delivered the right way, every time. We at Marble.com are known for our incredibly quick turnaround, as we understand having countertops and other mainstays installed quickly and properly is important to our customers. We value your time, and our goal is to create the best work possible and have you enjoying it as possible.

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