Live Wire: Glass countertops are durable, pricey

Catherine Pritchard

Q: I'm trying to find some recycled glass countertops. Is there a place in Fayetteville that carries them? - P.M., Fayetteville

A: Olive Glass & Marble sells recycled glass countertops.

The business is at 714 Robeson St. The number is 484-5277.

Be aware: Recycled glass countertops aren't cheap. An employee at Olive Glass & Marble said the price is comparable to that of the most expensive granite countertops.

He said people who choose recycled glass countertops typically do so because they are environmental friendly. They're made from all sorts of recycled glass - bottles from curbside recycling programs, windows, decommissioned traffic lights and so forth, according to CountertopShopper.com.

Broken glass is mixed with a polymer or concrete binder and color pigments. Then it's baked at a super-hot temperature to create a hard, dense final product that's strong and durable, according to the website. Though made with broken glass, the countertops are, of course, smooth and safe.

They can also be eye-catchers. Glass countertops made with shards have a 3-D effect and a contemporary look, while countertops made with finely ground glass are more similar to solid surfaces.

Countertops made with concrete as a binder should be resealed yearly, says Absolute Stone Corp. in Raleigh and Cary, which sells stone and recycled glass countertops. Its number is 919-462-8084.

Q: Over the past several years, I have made the best salad dressings from recipes in your paper.

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Live Wire: Glass countertops are durable, pricey