At the 2002 Kitchen and Bath Industry show and the 2003 International Building Show, glass countertops were singled out as the material for countertops that is enjoying rising popularity. And it is no wonder, since glass counter tops give a sleek, modern design to any room of the home.

The best glass countertops are made from glass which is ½ inch to 1 inch thick, with polished sides and rounded edges for safety. Most glass countertops have brackets for support or can fit onto a standing console table.

Usage

A glass countertop can be used on almost any surface. You can put glass shelves in your bathroom or make your entertainment center tinted glass with wooden bases and cabinets. The glass used for glass countertops usually has a greenish tinge, but you can select glass in a variety of shades.

The best kind of glass to use is a non-porous and durable slab that can bear 300 lbs of weight. Having said this, if you smash a pot into the glass, it will probably break, so it best not to assume that durable means break-proof.

Glass countertops do require a lot of care and cleaning, so make sure you are prepared to wipe fingerprints off of the surfaces periodically with a towel. Make sure that you handle the glass with care, because any cracks cannot be repaired, and avoid scratching the surface of the glass.

Glass countertops can be placed on vanities or in display cabinets easily. It is best to find custom glass countertops for the best quality, and to have your glass countertops installed by someone who has a proven track record of success. Since glass is such a delicate item, it is worth looking around for the best product and the most qualified person to install it.

Most glass countertops can be cleaned easily with Windex, and streaks can be avoided by using towels. Some even suggest wiping the glass with newspaper to prevent streaking. The more care you put into your glass countertops, the more beautiful they will be and the longer you will last. Once you start installing glass countertops in your home, you may want to keep going and fill your house with elegant, high quality glass.