In the world of granites, quartz, Corian, tile, and concrete … there’s a new kid on the block. Glass! Featured in many kitchen and bath magazines right now, it is definitely an unconventional choice – but full of potential to become the next big wave in contemporary design. Glass countertops have been around for about 4 years. The manufacturing method is “thermoforming”, much like Corian (which can be molded into almost any shape). A Canada based company called Think Glass offers seven beautiful textures for an underlying pattern in the glass, and two colors (Aqua and Crystal). For total customization, any piece of art can be worked in under the glass countertop. Think Glass provides assistance and recommendations to local installers, and assures me that installation is no more difficult than your regular granite countertop.Let’s get into some specific characteristics: – Transform your countertops into a piece of art by adding artistic rendering – The most hygienic countertop on the market – Highest density for surface (exceeding stone) – Maintenance free – Pricing comparable to quality granite countertops – Totally unique design with a distinct contemporary look - 

Dimensions: countertops up to 86×130” can be manufactured. Thickness 1.5” – Edges can be polished or texturedOne downside: the cut-outs to be done for under mount sinks can be costly.Think Glass also offers innovative glass creations for showers, doors, or furniture.My research for local sources have only unearthed one company in the San Jose area. Original Glass unfortunately does not offer brochures, pictures, or online information. Their recommendation was to go to their store to check out their offering

CaesarStone® is the original quartz-based engineered stone primarily used for kitchen countertops and bathroom vanities. CaesarStone is 93% crushed quartz, one of nature’s hardest minerals. The quartz is combined with high-quality polymer resins and pigments and then compacted under intense vibration, vacuum, and pressure into dense, non-porous slabs. The slabs are post cured, gauged to precise thickness, and polished to an enduring shine. Although long used for the finest residential countertops, CaesarStone is now offered as an attractive and versatile finish for commercial and institutional buildings. Our quartz surfacing is tough enough for the wear and tear on just about any interior surface, and beautiful enough for every architectural and decorating scheme.

By Matthew Marin
August 04, 2008 – With the increase in sales volume of granite countertops and more stone being imported from numerous countries, reports of countertops with elevated levels of radon, a radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer, are coming from the more exotic and strained stone varieties from Brazil and Namibia, The New York Times reports. Today, the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) addressed concerns, stating that it has long recognized the carcinogenic effects of radon in the home and, as a result, recommends that consumers planning to remodel a kitchen or bath consult with an NKBA-certified designer.The Natural Stone Council (NSC) recently announced its support for granite as a safe, natural material for indoor use based on research including an independent study funded by the Marble Institute of America (an NSC member) and newly issued U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) statements reaffirming that granite poses no health risk. Makers and distributors of competing countertop materials have made allegations periodically over the past decade that granite countertops may emit dangerous levels of radon and radiation. The Marble Institute of America has disputed such claims, stating that granite contains uranium and other radioactive materials like thorium and potassium, but the amounts in countertops are not enough to pose a health risk.