Recycled Glass in Concrete

Concrete is part of our life and has been for some time. Isn’t it odd that so often it is poured and left to cure in it’s normal state of drab gray? By adding colored glass to your concrete surface, you can create your own mosaic of color and style.

WHERE TO PURCHASE
In most localities, you can find a manufacturer of crushed recycled glass. You will find that some of these manufacturers are actually created as entities to provide jobs for the disabled. These enterprises sort bottles by color before running them through crushers. The glass can typically be purchased in 5 to 50 lb. bags and is separated by granule size and color. In the Midwest you should be able to find glass for around $5-$10 per 50 lb. bag. It should be noted that you may have to soak your glass in water to remove any labels that made it through the crushing process. The remnants of paper will float to the top and can be skimmed off.

SIZE AND COLOR
Recycled glass is typically brown, green, blue, red, clear, and mirror. i love to mix, especially with the mirrored glass. Sunlight will dance off of your concrete like it was made of diamonds. You can purchase the glass in sizes ranging from sand granules to quarter size segments. It can be handled safely with your hands but gloves are recommended to reduce the risk of minor cuts. Many home owners and institutions find that crushed glass provides a great stand-alone landscaping element. The glass can be arranged around flower beds and walkways.

CONCRETE APPLICATION AND TOOLS NEEDED FOR GLASS IN CONCRETE
Adding decorative glass to your concrete patio or walkway is easy and requires only a few steps more than your typical pour.

When you have poured and strike off your concrete, bull float the entire surface once. It is important not to float too much as you may end up with an undesirable amount of “cream”. This can weaken the top of your slab.

Next, you should let the concrete stiffen up just a bit but NOT TOO MUCH. This can be tricky if you’re not accustomed to working with concrete. If you have any doubts find someone to help, (this usually works best if you find them before you start the project!). When the concrete is set up a bit but NOT DRY, broadcast your recycled glass chips over the surface in whatever density you desire. You can also add small colored pebbles to give a textural and color variety to your patio.

After broadcasting the glass you will need a Fresno float to press the chips beneath the surface of the concrete. Work the float back and forth across the slab until the glass is no longer visible.

The next day when the concrete has cured enough to walk on you will need to take a hard wire brush, preferably one with a handle, and remove the top layer of cream. use a water hose in conjunction with the brush to clear away the cement residue as you work. This is the most labor intensive part of the job but also the most satisfying. You will have complete creative control to expose as much glass as you desire. Prior to the exposition of the glass you may find some of it flaking away with light foot traffic. Don’t be alarmed this is normal. Make sure and sweep it away frequently before sealing your pad.

SEALING AND MAINTENENCE
It is recommended that you seal your concrete after giving it about thirty days of cure time. Make sure you concrete is clean and free of any debris.

The addition a recycled glass patio or walkway will be envied by neighbors and friends!