DIY Recycled Glass Concrete Countertops

If you’re looking for a way to make your next concrete countertop stand out, look no farther than recycled glass aggregates. Glass adds texture, color and design elements to both indoor and outdoor countertops. Glass aggregates come in many colors and four sizes from fines to pieces as large as 70mm. If you’re not sure how to use glass aggregates in your next concrete project, read on!

Step 1. – Glass Aggregate Size Matters

Smaller aggregates are used differently from larger sized glass. Allow for at least 1/16” between size 1 and 2 glass to ensure good adherence, especially when later polishing to reveal. The larger pieces, Size 3 and 4, should be ½” to ¾” apart. Use different glass sizes and colors together to create your own unique look. Mix Size 0, fines and light bulb glass directly into the countertop mix for a “sparkly” appearance after polishing.

Crushed Glass Aggregate Ruler — Crushed Glass Aggregate Size Ruler

Step 2. – How Much Crushed Glass Aggregate Do I Need?

You’ll need 1lb. of glass aggregates per 1.5 sq. ft. Size 1 requires ¼” dispersion and Size 2 1/2”. In other words, you’d need 5 lbs. for a 7.5 sq. ft. If including light bulb glass, fines and/or size 0 aggregates to the countertop mix, add 15 lbs. per 50lb. box of countertop mix. Larger pieces can be pressed into place as desired.

Step 3. – Inspect, Wash and Allow to Dry.

Though great care is given to sizing and sorting glass aggregates, they are reclaimed from municipal recycling programs and industrial waste glass. Check your glass carefully for paper, metal and undesired glass colors that might have been unintentionally mixed in. Wash and allow to dry completely before use.

Step 4. – Getting Started

If you’re pouring a pre-cast countertop, trowel a 1/8” of mix into the form for Size 1, ¼” for Size 2 and up to ½” for the larger glass aggregate sizes. For a poured-in-place countertop, pour the countertop mix into the form according to the instructions, trowel smooth, press glass into place the appropriate distance apart for the glass size and trowel again. Once the countertop has cured for 21 days and is out of the forms, polish to reveal with a 50-grit and continue polishing up to a 200-grit level. If desired, apply acid stain at this point and seal with the Penetrating Sealer before polishing to the 1500-3000 grit level. If sealing with a polyurethane or epoxy, polish up to 800-grit level and apply. Though countertops can be dry sanded, wet sanding is by far the better option because the polishing pads last longer and create a smoother, more streak-free finish.

Other Concrete Project Ideas:

Recycled glass aggregates aren’t just for countertops. Consider adding the glass to your next concrete paver project. Press the larger glass pieces into the surface for a fun and colorful outdoor look. Glass aggregates also make an attractive landscaping edition to flower beds, gardens or as fill between concrete patio pavers. Replace or accent mulched or stone-filled areas with any size or color glass for beautiful and long-lasting surface treatment.