How much do recycled glass countertops cost?
How much do recycled glass countertops cost?
$60 – $250 cost per square foot installed
$1,800 – $10,000 average total cost installed (30 – 40 SF)
Recycled glass countertops cost
Recycled glass countertops cost $1,800 to $10,000 total or $60 to $250 per square foot with installation. Material prices alone are $50 to $200 per square foot. Popular options include crushed glass, sea glass, and glass slabs. Recycled glass countertops are expensive but durable, eco-friendly and low maintenance.
| Kitchen size | Countertops square footage | Average cost installed |
|---|---|---|
| Small kitchen (70 – 100 SF) | 20 – 30 | $1,200 – $7,500 |
| Average kitchen (100 – 200 SF) | 30 – 40 | $1,800 – $10,000 |
| Large kitchen (200+ SF) | 40 – 60 | $2,400 – $15,000 |
| Kitchen island or bar top | 4 – 20 | $240 – $5,000 |
Glass countertops cost per square foot by type
| Recycled glass type | Cost per square foot installed |
|---|---|
| Crushed glass countertops | $50 – $150 |
| Sea glass countertops | $100 – $250 |
| White glass countertops | $150 – $250 |
| Tempered glass countertops | $80 – $150 |
Sea glass countertops cost
Sea glass countertops cost $100 to $250 per square foot with installation and are made with resin or concrete. Sea glass is somewhat rare and features unique blue and green tones.
Crushed glass countertop prices
Crushed glass countertops prices are $50 to $150 per square foot installed. This choice also uses glass pieces and resin or concrete.
Tempered glass countertop prices
Tempered glass countertops prices are $80 to $150 per square foot installed. This type of glass is heat-treated and durable but hard to find.
Annealed glass countertop costs
Annealed glass countertops use a chemical treatment instead of heat to strengthen the glass. This option is stronger than standard glass but not as strong or heat resistant as tempered glass.
Recycled glass countertop installation cost factors
| Item | Cost per square foot | Average cost (30 – 40 SF) |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $50 – $200 | $1,500 – $8,000 |
| Labor to fabricate & install | $10 – $50 | $300 – $2,000 |
| Total cost to install | $60 – $250 | $1,800 – $10,000 |
The following factors affect the installation cost:
Glass color – Blues, greens, and other colors tend to cost more than clear or white glass.
Custom vs. stock – Custom countertops cost more than prefabricated counters but are ideal for counters with unique shapes or complex angles.
Edge & corner treatments – Square edges are not recommended for glass countertops as they’re more prone to chipping. Ogee and Dupont are the most expensive edge designs.
Back painting or lighting – The underside of transparent countertops can be painted to hide cabinet interiors. LED backlighting costs extra.
Labor cost to install recycled glass countertops
Installing a recycled glass countertop costs $10 to $50 per square foot in labor costs alone. The following options may increase final costs:
Fixture cutouts – Contractors may need to cut holes in the countertop to fit a sink, faucet, cooktop, or outlet.
Plumbing – Plumbing replacement costs $450 to $1,800 to switch out old fixtures, replace small sections of piping, or extend plumbing to raise a vanity top. The contractor may need to disconnect and reconnect the water line.
Removing existing counters – Most countertop installers include removing and disposing of the old countertop in their labor estimate.
Sink removal and installation – A sink replacement costs $330 to $1,300 for labor, materials, and old sink removal.
Faucet install – A faucet installation costs $200 to $600, depending on the type and location.
Cooktop – Cooktop installation costs $700 to $1,600 for labor and materials.
Permits – A bathroom or kitchen remodel permit costs $200 to $1,500 and is required for structural, electrical, plumbing changes. Some cities may not require a permit for replacing countertops.
Warranty – Many manufacturers and contractors offer warranties with varying lengths and conditions. Confirm your contractor warranties the labor.
Tile vs. slab glass countertops cost
Recycled glass tile countertops cost $50 to $100 per square foot with installation, while recycled glass slabs cost $100 to $250 per square foot. Glass tiles are cheaper but harder to maintain, depending on the type of grout used.
Cost of recycled glass countertops by brand
Popular recycled glass countertop brands include IceStone, Curava, and Vetrazzo. Prices vary by brand depending on the manufacturing method and the specific blend of glass, resin, and other materials.
| Manufacturer | Material prices per square foot* | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Bio-Glass | $100 – $150 | Melted into a solid sheet; multiple colors and styles |
| Curava | $50 – $100 | Glass, quartz, and resin composite |
| ECO by Cosentino | $70 – $120 | Doesn’t require surface sealing |
| Environite | $70 – $200 | Combines glass, epoxy, and other recycled materials |
| GEOS Recycled Glass Counters | $60 – $150 | Glass with a resin binder |
| IceStone | $50 – $100 | Glass, cement, and pigments |
| ThinkGlass | $200 – $400 | Melted into a solid sheet; backlighting options |
| Vetrazzo | $100 – $200 | Makes 16 handmade slabs per month |
| Vetrostone | $100 – $150 | Blends glass, quartz, and sometimes seashells |
*Not including installation.
Recycled glass countertops cost vs. granite & quartz
Recycled glass countertops cost $60 to $250 per square foot installed, in comparison to the average cost of countertop installation at $50 to $150 per square foot for other materials. Granite and quartz are slightly more durable on the Mohs scale than glass.
| Material | Average cost per square foot installed |
|---|---|
| Recycled glass countertops | $60 – $250 |
| Granite countertops cost | $80 – $150 |
| Quartz countertops cost | $50 – $200 |
| Quartzite countertops cost | $65 – $150 |
| Marble countertops cost | $40 – $150 |
Pros & cons of recycled glass countertops
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Frequently asked questions
What are recycled glass countertops?
Recycled glass countertops are made by either melting down glass into a slab or combining glass pieces with resin, quartz, or concrete. Some styles also incorporate fragments of seashells, porcelain, and other recycled materials.
Are recycled glass countertops durable or do they chip?
Recycled glass countertops are durable but not completely immune to damage. Rounded edges can reduce the risk of chipping or scratching, but overall strength depends on the manufacturer.
Where to buy recycled glass countertops
You can buy recycled glass countertops from online suppliers or at local countertop specialty stores.
Getting estimates from recycled glass countertop installers
When hiring a countertop company, make sure to:
Look for a company specializing in glass countertop installation.
Get at least three detailed estimates to compare.
Hire a licensed, bonded, and insured company that has been in business 5+ years.
Check out reviews from other customers on HomeGuide and Google.
Ask for a portfolio of previous glass countertop installations.
Ask for references with contact information.
Get a detailed contract and warranty in writing before the project starts.
Follow a payment plan instead of paying in full before the job is complete.
Questions to ask
What experience do you have with glass countertop installation?
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
Do you recommend a specific brand of glass countertop, and why?
What does the quote include?
What added costs should I expect?
How long will the installation take?
Does this installation require a permit? If so, will you handle it?
How do you handle any on-the-job damages?
Do you require a deposit? If so, how much is it?
Do you offer a warranty? If yes, what does it include?