What is Recycled Glass Flooring?

Recycled glass flooring, as you might imagine, is a flooring material made from recycled glass. There are a variety of ways to manufacture recycled glass flooring, ranging from creating new glass tiles with recycled glass to generating terrazzo flooring, a type of flooring aggregate which can look quite attractive. Numerous companies make recycled glass flooring, and if you're feeling adventurous, you can also make it yourself; it is a very cost effective and environmentally friendly flooring which happens to also be easy to care for.

One of the most common forms of recycled glass flooring is flooring made with glass tiles. Glass tiles are made by melting down glass from both consumer and industrial sources and remolding it, creating tiles of a wide range of sizes, shapes, and colors. Such tiles can be extremely sturdy, and they can have a wide variety of finishes, from high gloss to frosted. The glass tiles are then set into a floor with the assistance of grout; they can also be mounted on planks of material which can be fitted together.

It is also possible to use recycled glass in terrazzo flooring. Terrazzo floors are made by embedding chunks of material in concrete or resin and then sealing it, creating a smooth surface. The Venetians are credited with the invention of terrazzo, which was originally developed as a cheap flooring material for worker's homes. Modern terrazzo can be quite beautiful, with complex patterns and interesting inserted elements which keep it visually intriguing.

Several companies make terrazzo planks, which are fitted together to make a complete floor, and many of these companies are also agreeable to custom orders, which can be designed to fit a specific space or have a particular look. It is also possible to hire a contractor to install terrazzo, or you can do it yourself, using recycled glass from local sources. For safety, you may want to use tumbled glass, which has been shaken in an abrasive tumbler to grind down the sharp edges.

There are a number of reasons to choose recycled glass flooring, between the obvious desire for a particular look. Recycled glass is good for the environment, reusing a product which could otherwise end up in the landfill, and it is superior environmentally to things like hardwood floors. It can also be made all natural, for people who are concerned about chemicals in their flooring, and it is extremely easy to keep clean; for really easy cleaning, you can even install a slanted floor with a drain. Recycled glass also has another distinct advantage: you can install underfloor heating before you put in the recycled glass flooring, which will allow your floor to radiate heat in the cooler months.