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Dazzling surfaces for where you live, work and play.

Frequently asked questions

Below are answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Vetrazzo®. Click on the question to jump directly to the answer. If you don’t find the answer to your question on this list, please send us an e-mail at info@vetrazzo.com.

What is Vetrazzo?


How can I use it?


How do I get it?


Care and Maintenance


Environmental Questions


What is Vetrazzo?

1.
Q: What is Vetrazzo?
A:  Vetrazzo is a line of exquisite surface materials crafted from recycled glass and used anywhere natural stone is used; countertops, tabletops, flooring, architectural cladding and more. Vetrazzo surfaces offer a stunning and lively signature for residential or commercial projects. With over 85% recycled glass content, Vetrazzo allows homeowners, architects, designers, and builders to exhibit both their style and their respect for the earth and environment.
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2.
Q: What is it made of?
A:  Vetrazzo is composed of a patent-pending, proprietary formula that combines recycled glass with a binder of cement, additives, pigments and other recycled materials such as fly ash - a waste by-product of coal burning power plants.

Conversely, most manufactured countertop materials on the market, such as engineered stone (also referred to as “Quartz”), utilize a synthetic, petroleum-based resin binder.
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3.
Q: Are Vetrazzo surfaces smooth or textured?
A:  Vetrazzo surfaces are smooth, just like highly polished granite. Check out "Where to Buy" to find out where you can run your hand across Vetrazzo and experience it for yourself.
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4.
Q: Where does the glass come from? How much is recycled?
A:  All of the glass used in Vetrazzo is recycled, and it makes up approximately 85% of the final material. Our largest source of glass is the neighborhood curbside recycling programs. (See if you can spot last night’s Heineken bottle…)

Other glass comes from post-industrial usage, windows, drinking glasses, stemware, automotive glass, stained glass, laboratory glass, reclaimed glass from building demolition, and other unusual sources such as decommissioned traffic light lenses. Because of the unique nature of the glass used in the production process, every Vetrazzo surface has its own history. For more info on the stories behind each of our current mixes, visit "A story in every surface".
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5.
Q: How does Vetrazzo compare to granite?
A:  Vetrazzo is comparable in strength, scratch resistance, thermal resistance, durability, and care and maintenance to granite. Vetrazzo can be used wherever granite or other natural stone surfaces are used.

One key difference between granite and Vetrazzo is that, because Vetrazzo is made entirely in the US and is composed of more than 85% recycled material, Vetrazzo is one of the most environmentally friendly surface materials on the market. Most granite sold in the US, on the other hand, is imported from developing nations where it is quarried under unacceptable worker and environmental protection standards and a tremendous amount of energy is used shipping it around the world. For more information, please see question #28, Why is Vetrazzo a better choice than granite?
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6.
Q: How does Vetrazzo compare to other surface materials such as Corian (Solid Surface) or Quartz?
A:  Take a look at a comparison of the commonly available surface materials.
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How can I use it?

1.
Q: How is Vetrazzo used?
A:  Almost any surfacing requirement can use Vetrazzo. The most popular applications include countertops, vanity tops, tabletops, bar tops, hearths/fireplace surrounds and tub decks. Vetrazzo has even been used for flooring, wall cladding entryways, and shower surrounds.
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2.
Q: Can it be used outdoors?
A:  Yes. If you live in a northern climate, consult the Freeze/Thaw section of our Technical Specifications.
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3.
Q: How much of a surface can be unsupported (cantilevered)?
A:  It depends on the particular use, but generally speaking it has similar dimensional limitations to granite or marble. Refer to the Technical Specifications document for more information.
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4.
Q: What finishes are available?
A:  The standard finish is high-gloss polish, but Vetrazzo is also available in a honed finish by special order.
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How do I get it?

1.
Q: How do I buy Vetrazzo?
A:  Select a retailer and fabricator and discuss your job with them.
Since Vetrazzo panels must be fabricated to your specific dimensions before installation, we do not sell directly to homeowners. You can purchase Vetrazzo through your local retailer or fabricator (look at the “Where to buy” section of our website). They will help you understand the measurement, fabrication and installation aspects of your job. Then, based on the dimensions of our Vetrazzo panels (9 feet by 5 feet by 1.25 inches) they will be able to confirm the total amount of Vetrazzo that will be required and will provide an estimate for your job, complete with installation costs.

Select your mix.
Select your mix from our current palette. You can browse our mixes online or at your local retailer. Check back often as many Vetrazzo mixes are Limited Editions based on unique, small quantity sources of discarded glass.

Order your Vetrazzo.
Your retailer or fabricator will place your Vetrazzo order for you.

Register for your 10-Year Limited Warranty
Be sure your fabricator registers your installation online so that you receive your 10-year Limited Warranty and your official Certificate of Transformation.
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2.
Q: How long will it take to get my Vetrazzo?
A:  If your retailer or fabricator is working with a distributor that has Vetrazzo in stock, your fabricator will probably receive your Vetrazzo within a week. If not, they will probably receive it in 3-4 weeks. Please note: the timeline may also vary depending on the size of the job, the chosen mix's glass availability and our current production pipeline.
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3.
Q: What size are Vetrazzo panels?
A:  Vetrazzo panels are 108” x 60” (9’ x 5’) and 1.25” (approx. 3 cm) thick
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4.
Q: What if my project is less than a full panel?
A:  Generally, Vetrazzo is only available in full panels, however some retailers or fabricators will sell remnants. Please discuss this with your retailer or fabricator.
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5.
Q: Can I buy it in tiles?
A:  At this time, Vetrazzo is not manufactured in tiles. Ask your fabricator if they are willing to fabricate tiles to your specifications out of our panels.

Please note that in the near future we will be manufacturing tiles, which will be available via your local retailer or fabricator, so please check back often.
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6.
Q: Do you work with any distributors or fabricators outside of the Northern California area?
A:  We have steadily built up a network of retailers and distributors nationwide and the list is growing. Check our “Where to Buy” for the list of current retailers and fabricators.
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7.
Q: What if I can’t find a retailer or fabricator in my area?
A:  Please contact us at info@vetrazzo.com and we will refer you to a retailer or fabricator that can assist you in shipping Vetrazzo out-of-state.
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8.
Q: Can I get a sample?
A:  We do not provide samples directly to the public. Please contact your local retailer or fabricator to obtain a sample.
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9.
Q: Will my Vetrazzo look like the sample I saw?
A:  Because of the unique nature of Vetrazzo, no two pieces are exactly the same. We endeavor to reproduce panels of the same mix as close in color match as possible. Your Vetrazzo will likely exhibit variations in color, shade, glass size and glass particle distribution that are part of the inherent character and beauty of mixing post consumer and/or post-industrial recycled glass.

Any samples of your chosen mix should be considered a general representation of the final appearance of your surface. These variations are not structural and are part of the beauty and distinctive pleasure of having a genuine Vetrazzo surface. Be assured, no one will have a surface exactly like yours.

If it's important to you to select your specific Vetrazzo panel, many stocking suppliers will allow you to pick your Vetrazzo from their inventory.
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10.
Q: Will you create custom mixes?
A:  We will create custom mixes for larger projects, and for select smaller projects. Contact your retailer or fabricator, or info@vetrazzo.com for a special quote. Please appreciate that the complexity of custom orders requires special pricing.
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Care and Maintenance

1.
Q: How do I clean and maintain it?
A:  The surface should be wiped clean with a damp cloth. For dried spots or rings, use mild liquid soap or detergent with a damp cloth.

Maintain the finish on your Vetrazzo by applying marble polish (such as Goddard’s) two or three times a year.
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2.
Q: Does my surface ever need to be re-sealed?
A:  We recommend that you reseal it every year or two to keep it like new. Wipe on the sealant, let it sit for 20 minutes or so and wipe it off. Nothing to it. Zero-VOC sealants are also available.
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3.
Q: Will it stain?
A:  Vetrazzo's porosity is better than marble and concrete and equivalent to some granite. But you do have to care for it.

85% of the surface is glass, which is impervious to stain. However, acids (like red wine, lemon juice, and vinegar) will etch the matrix of the surface (the concrete area between the glass) if not cleaned up right away. And staining agents, (like coffee and tea) will leave a trace if allowed to remain on the surface.

Luckily, like aged butcher block, marble, and concrete, signs of living can actually enhance the character of the surface. If you clean messes up quickly, your Vetrazzo will remain unchanged. If you are more carefree, you may appreciate the natural patina that develops as you live with and enjoy your Vetrazzo. Also, dark mixes and those with patina hide the signs of a carefree lifestyle remarkably well. See what one Vetrazzo customer had to say.
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4.
Q: Will it chip, crack or scratch?
A:  Vetrazzo is extremely strong and durable and will withstand years and years of normal use. In the unlikely event of damage, it can be easily repaired by your fabricator.
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5.
Q: How does it handle really hot pans placed on it?
A:  Extremely well, thank you. It’s glass and concrete, remember. Some customers even make Vetrazzo trivets. Note, however, that prolonged heat can weaken the sealant. If you do this often, be sure to reapply sealant more frequently.
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6.
Q: How does it handle high traffic use?
A:  We have several installations in high traffic areas with absolutely no problems. Of note is one of our first installations in 1996 with The Solar Living Center in Hopland, California which installed our countertops for their bathrooms. Used by several million people over the last seven years, the countertops show no signs whatsoever of wear or structural deterioration.
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7.
Q: What about prolonged exposure to wine spills or food?
A:  Vetrazzo is resistant to common household stains such as wine spills but, like granite, it can be damaged or stained by prolonged exposure to foods with high acidic content such as lemon juice, other citrus juices, wine and coffee. These acids may etch the surface causing a dull appearance. And staining agents (like berries, coffee and tea) will leave a trace if allowed to remain on the surface. This can be easily repaired by an authorized fabricator.

We simply recommend you wipe up spills as they happen and wash with mild soap and water. Wax and reseal as directed.

In the event the spill is left unattended, leaving a stain, it can be removed following the same techniques as the stone industry has used for centuries. Download the instructions here.
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8.
Q: Can I cut on it?
A:  Yes, but you’ll very quickly dull your knife as Vetrazzo is one of the hardest countertop surfaces on the market!
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Environmental Questions

1.
Q: How environmentally friendly is Vetrazzo?
A:  We take great pride in the environmental integrity of both the Vetrazzo product and our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. Both conform to strict green building and environmental standards.

  • Vetrazzo is approximately 85% recycled material.
  • All of the glass used is recycled.
  • We use fly ash and equivalent recycled materials in the binder to the greatest extent possible.
  • Vetrazzo produces no off-gassing or VOCs.
  • And we do it all without the irresponsible practices so common in overseas granite quarrying.
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2.
Q: Why is Vetrazzo a better choice than granite?
A:  People often have the misconception that granite is "green" because it is natural stone, extracted directly from the earth.

Years ago, no one thought anything about clear-cutting a forest. Yet much of the granite quarrying worldwide follows a similar model.

Almost 60% of all granite is shipped internationally at a tremendous energy cost.

Many people are surprised to learn that quarry workers are laboring under abhorrent working conditions in India, China, Turkey and Brazil to provide cheap granite for the U.S. Conditions in these countries often include:

  • Unfair wages, and loans against future wages with exorbitant terms, that create the equivalent of bonded labor.
  • Weak worker health protections that subject workers to a variety of hazards, including a greater occurrence of accidents, inadequate access to health-care, a greater likelihood of lung disorders including silicosis and tuberculosis, and various spinal and other skeletal disorders.
  • Weak or non-existent environmental protection measures that result in severe negative environmental impact.


So if you look deeper, granite isn't so green.

We're proud to be a US-based business that uses only US-based raw materials and uses 100% US domestic labor paid a living-wage. We strive for our plant to set a leadership example in Sustainable Manufacturing. So if you're going to be in the San Francisco Bay Area, give us a call and see if you can make one of our regularly scheduled public tours. You'll be glad you did.

Now that's green.
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