COUNTERTOPS: More on EnviroGLAS & IceStone eco-friendly countertops
August 7, 2007
Since our first postings, many of you have written and asked us about the difference(s) between the EnviroGLAS and IceStone countertop offerings. (Note these are the products we’ve discussed previously in our EnviroGLAS and IceStone article). After short discussions with both manufacturers, we wanted to provide you further information on these great eco-friendly stone alternatives for your kitchen and/or bathroom remodel!
The EnviroSLAB from EnviroGLAS is made from 100% recycled glass, and this glass comprises 75% of the total countertop. An ‘agricultural-based epoxy resin binder’ bonds the materials together and makes up the remaining ingredients. The countertop requires no sealing. When no sealing is required then there is less effort at installation, and less maintenance over the life of the product. EnviroGLAS in manufactured in Texas, and recycled materials the U.S. The EnviroGLAS team has done an independent assessment of their products, and you can the read the LEED report here. EnviroGLAS’s EnviroSLAB retails for $50 per square ft. for the materials, and installation varies depending on your local contractor rates.
The IceStone residential countertop surfaces are made from 100% recycled glass, and like EnviroSLAB this glass makes up 75% of the product. Cement bonds the glass together, and thus requires sealing - IceStone recommends annually on their website. The product is plastic free and VOC-free. The product is Petrochemical free, and IceStone is working to on using soy-based lubricants in all of their manufacturing processes in their U.S. based factory in New York. As far as green certifications and processes, IceStone has gone a green step further, and received MBDC’s Cradle to Cradle Silver Certification* for the IceStone durable surface, and the production processes used to produce it. IceStone compares their pricing to mid-to-high end granite, and notes that fabrication and installation very depending on your local contractor rates.
More on McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry (MBDC): MBDC is a private consultancy recognized by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) as providing a legitimate tool to help architects and designers select building and interior products that impact/impact less on human health, on the environmental and on life cycle attributes. Cradle to Cradle Certification is now included within USGBC’s LEED Green Building Rating System, and eligible for earning “Innovation in Design” points.
Save to Browser Favorites
Ask
backflip
blinklist
BlogBookmark
Bloglines
BlogMarks
Blogsvine
BUMPzee!
CiteULike
co.mments
Connotea
del.icio.us
DotNetKicks
Digg
diigo
dropjack.com
dzone
Facebook
Fark
Faves
Feed Me Links
Friendsite
folkd.com
Furl
Google
Hugg
Jeqq
Kaboodle
kirtsy
linkaGoGo
LinksMarker
Ma.gnolia
Mister Wong
Mixx
MySpace
MyWeb
Netvouz
Newsvine
PlugIM
popcurrent
Propeller
Reddit
Rojo
Segnalo
Shoutwire
Simpy
Slashdot
Sphere
Sphinn
Spurl.net
Squidoo
StumbleUpon
Technorati
ThisNext
Webride
Windows Live
Yahoo!
Email This to a Friend
If you like this then please subscribe to the 
Print This Post
When talking about recycled glass countertops, you should also mention Vetrazzo. Vetrazzo is the original recycled glass and cement surface material (it’s been around for more than a decade). Like Enviroglas and IceStone, it’s made from 100% recycled glass, but Vetrazzo has a much higher percentage of recycled glass (it’s 85% glass). Like IceStone, Vetrazzo uses a cement binder so there is no plastic in the product, but Vetrazzo also substitutes flyash to replace cement to the greatest extent possible. In addition, Vetrazzo makes a concerted effort to use glass that would otherwise end up in the landfill, like buiding demolition glass and industrial waste glass that wouldn’t be recycled elsewhere, and also to use as much post-consumer recycled glass as possible (e.g. recycled beverage containers).
I looked for Vetrazzo and there are no retailers
on the eastern seaboard.
disappointing
I think one of the green projects here in Las Vegas is using Enviroglass countertops. We have several green projects under construction currently. I have a list on my site lvrealty.net if you’re interested. There are some commercial green projects as well, one of them was the first green commercial building in downtown Las Vegas.
I s there a list of local vendors for this product. We live in ft. lauderdale and would like an alternative to granite etc.
Thank you for your comments and interest in our line of products from EnviroGLAS. Please find below some helpful information that relates to ‘where to purchase, pricing, shipping and installation’ of our product line. We welcome your imagaination!
EnviroGLAS® offers a variety of post-use recycled glass and porcelain products for decorative use. Affordable and unique EnviroSLAB™ countertop slabs and EnviroPLANK™ floor tiles are custom manufactured with 100% recycled glass and/or porcelain and color pigmented epoxy resin in Texas and can be shipped directly to local professional intallers throughout the USA and internationally.
ENVIROSLAB™
Suitable for kitchens, bathrooms, or any other countertop application, EnviroSLAB countertops are 1” thick, 27” deep and 84″ long (nominal). A reputable local countertop fabricator will be able to complete the installation. We recommend an installer experienced with granite and marble. Another option is to locate a Silestone® or Zodiaq® dealer, and they can be found at distribution centers, Home Depot and Lowes Home Centers, through an internet search. The fabricator/installer can easily cut the polished slabs to size and then seam pieces together if necessary (1/32”inch) to fit just about any layout. The installer will also measure for and complete sink cut-outs and edge detailing. We do have a number of schematics available on our website to assist in the installation and can send a sample template for testing the EnviroSLAB material.
EnviroSLAB is a signature countertop that allows one to make an artistic and environmental statement. Still, many people inquire about how EnviroSLAB compares to granite. The short answer is: very favorably. The beauty and durability of granite and EnviroSLAB are comparable – both are stunning and will last the lifetime of a building. Yet people concerned about the natural environment appreciate that while granite must be taken from the earth, EnviroSLAB honors the earth by diverting trash from the landfill. EnviroGLAS also compares favorably to Zodiaq®, Corian®, Silestone®, IceStone® and Vetrazzo™.
EnviroSLAB is highly resistant to common stains and can be cleaned easily by applying neutral cleaners and maintained by applying a professional grade marble/granite polish. EnviroSLAB is heat and scratch resistant. EnviroSLAB weighs approximately 16 pounds per square foot. We do recommend using a cutting board under sharp objects and a heat-proof trivet under hot cookware. EnviroSLAB emits no VOC’s and does not require a seal.
Standard EnviroSLAB countertops retail for $50 per square foot. Safety-enhancing EnviroGLO aggregate or other specialty aggregate or clear or another custom pigmented epoxy resin increases the cost to $70-$90 per square foot. Installment costs may range from $25 a square foot and up.
ENVIROPLANK™
These sustainable and unique 6″ x 36″ x 3/8″ (nominal) Terrazzo flooring planks are also custom manufactured with 100% recycled glass and/or porcelain and color pigmented epoxy resin. The planks are laid out in a staggered or random bond fashion, and so achieve a look similar to that of a wood floor. The seam can be as small as 1/32”. A reputable local tile installer will be able to complete the installation using a thin set mortar, epoxy grout and a wet saw with a diamond blade. EnviroPLANK is a great application for foyers, kitchens, bathrooms (including showers) and laundry rooms and is compatible with radiant heating systems. EnviroPLANK weighs approximately 4 pounds per square foot. It’s a great solution for pet owners and it can be used on walls and countertops as well.
Care and maintenance of EnviroPLANK is cost-effective and simple — a neutral cleaner and water will keep the tile looking great. EnviroPLANK is scratch resistant, but please use caution when moving heavy objects across the floor. Custom EnviroPLANK Terrazzo in standard colors retails for $20 dollars per square foot, and will last the lifetime of a building. A custom size (24”x36”x3/8”), specialty epoxy resin and/or aggregate increases the price to $30 a square foot.
Custom EnviroSLAB and EnviroPLANK orders usually arrive within 6-8 weeks. Shipping and crate charges will vary based on quantity and weight. On average the cost will run $0.50 cents per pound of total weight shipped plus the cost of the crate(s). One EnviroSLAB crate ($300) can package up to (7) slabs. One EnviroPLANK crate ($300) can package up to (275 sq ft).
ENVIROTRAZ™
If the flooring area is larger than 5000 square feet, you may want to consider poured-in-place EnviroTRAZ. On-site terrazzo installation costs average $15-$30 per square foot and up depending on the local economy and size/scope of the project. Due to low maintenance and durability, EnviroTRAZ is one of the most economical flooring applications for long term asset buildings. Working with a local installer in your area, we offer endless color and design possibilities. Join EnviroGLAS in revolutionizing terrazzo!
ENVIROSCAPE™
EnviroSCAPE is the newest trend in decorative, eco-friendly, sustainable landscaping! EnviroGLAS offers a variety of post-use recycled glass and porcelain aggregate options for decorative use as landscaping groundcover or mulch, in aquariums and fountains, and anyplace sand is used. The proprietary process produces post-use recycled glass and porcelain in a variety of sizes with virtually no sharp edges. Glass and porcelain ground cover works especially well in garden pathways where drainage and erosion is a factor. Prices range from $25 to $35 per bag depending on the quantity and color/type of aggregate.
At one inch of depth, one 50 lb bag will provide coverage over 7 square feet, or .5 cubic feet. A simple calculation: square footage x depth x 7 = total number pounds needed to cover area.
In keeping with environmental stewardship, we don’t produce catalogues or sample binders. Prospective clients can visit our sample gallery at http://www.enviroglasproducts.com/formulas.asp. We look forward to working with you!
Tim Whaley
Founder
EnviroGLAS
5048 Tennyson Parkway – Suite 202 – Plano TX 75024 - 972.473.3725
I am very interested in your products. Searching for options to redo my kitchen. I did click on the website above for colors, gallery etc. Said “not found”. I am in California. How can I get more info and colors etc?
Is this stuff safe? Thanks
Varni - Did you find a list of vendors? We are doing new countertops in a remodel and need to order now. I also live near Santa Barbara. Who sells them around here?
I fell in love with icestone when I saw it and the fact that it is a green product sealed the deal for us. That is until we got the price! Unbelievable $130 a square foot. We picked a mid level color. I have seen many sites say that the price is comprable to high end granite, I’m not sure that’s true. We were quoted $13,500.00 for our kitchen for icestone and $8800 for the “high” end granite we also considered. *Sigh* we will not be using the beautiful Icestone. My husband about fell over with the icestone quote. He said “Are we getting platinum or concrete and recycled glass”? I guess it’s not easy being green (unless of course you manufacture icestone, lol).
Hello everyone. Though we might want to introduce ourselves as well. We are a manufacturer of architectural elements, sinks and countertops. All of our products are made with recycled glass, fly ash and our mineral binder (not portland cement or epoxy resins). A very low embodied energy. http://www.Aberrant-USA.com