Architect & Designer Guide

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An Introduction to Vetrazzo

Vetrazzo transforms recycled glass into exquisite, one-of-a-kind surfaces that show respect

for the earth and the environment.

Vetrazzo surfaces are:

Fabulous for countertops, vanities, tabletops, even flooring and wall cladding

Composed of more than 85% recycled materials (wow!)

Manufactured proudly in the U.S. by passionate, experienced craftspeople

The glass is thoroughly mixed throughout the full slab thickness. Polished edges reveal more

gorgeous dimensions of glass.

Vetrazzo uses 100% recycled glass including both post-consumer and post-industrial sources

such as beverage bottles and containers, glassware, windows, windshields, optical lenses,

traffic light lenses and a variety of other fascinating sources. There is, quite literally, a story

in every surface™.

Applications

Vetrazzo can be used in a variety of commercial and residential applications ; most common

applications include:

countertops

bar tops

hearths / fireplace surrounds

tub decks

shower surrounds

tables

flooring

wall cladding

outdoor kitchen surfaces

Product Dimensions

Vetrazzo is manufactured in 9’ X 5’ X 1.25” (approx. 3 cm) slabs weighing approximately 700

pounds

Tolerances

Joint (seam) widths

Between two slabs the joint should be 1/16”with a tolerance of ±1/64”

for a typical countertop application.

Lippage

Maximum permissible height difference should be 1/32” limited to

the center, front to back. The front planes need to align visually, the

rear planes need to align enough to allow for successful backsplash

installation.

Slab Thickness

Variance should be limited to 1/8” for slabs used in the same project.

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Slab Flatness

Individual slabs should be within 1/16” flatness when measured

with a 4.0’ straight edge.

Fabrication Techniques & Tools

To uphold the warranty and ensure the best results please use authorized fabricators, a

complete list is published on our website.

Vetrazzo has adopted the Fabrication and Installation Guidelines of the Marble Institute of

America, as stated in the MIA’s Dimension Stone Design Manual (version 6) and the

Technical Module for Residential Stone Countertop Installation (rev. 2005). Where

applicable, references to Granite should be followed over other stone types.

Fabrication equipment and tools used for granite fabrication, such as CNC machin es and

gantry saws may be used to fabricate Vetrazzo slabs.

Sink Reinforcement

Top mount and/or under mount sinks may be used. Under mount sinks can be mounted

using standard stone practices. If the material span in front of the sink is less than 4”, it

should be reinforced by insertion of an I-rod or other accepted strengthening practice.

Other Reinforcement

Fiberglass Mesh. An optional practice for reducing the possibility of breakage is adherence

of fiberglass mesh to the back surface of the pa nel. This would be applied immediately

following the sawing of the panel. An epoxy or polyester resin may be used.

Splines. Seams, particularly between narrow sections of the panel, may be splined together

with a steel or stainless key. Commonly, a large washer is used as the spline key. The metal

is fully encapsulated with polyester or epoxy resin and fitted to closely cut slots in the panel,

similar to the “biscuit” joint reinforcements used in woodworking.

Spans & Cantilevers

Spanning between supports shall be limited to 2’ 0”.

Cantilevers should be limited to 6”.

Cantilevers exceeding 6” should be supported by corbels at 12”.

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Patina (Stain)

Vetrazzo slabs are available with a “patina”; surface color added by applying an acid stain.

This simple technique increases the material’s aesthetic flexibility by enabling surface color

change post production.

Patina finishes must be completed prior to sealing.

Lithochrome Chemstains are used for the surface stain in factory production. Consequently,

we recommend their use to ensure proper color match, though fabricators may use their

discretion in choosing brands, provided post -production staining matches the factory stain. It

must be a reactive, penetrating and permanent concrete stain.

Lithochrome Chemstain guidelines can be found at:

www.scofield.com/stepguide_chemstain05.html

Edging

The profile edge of Vetrazzo offers another view of the incorporated glass; the cross section

has its own inherent beauty. Simple edge treatments best showcase this unique perspective.

Straight edges with small radii or eased edges are the most popular, semi and full bull nose

can also be offered. While you may choose a more complex or elaborate edge profile, be

aware that sharper edges are more prone to chipping and d islodging of glass. Vetrazzo does

not warranty glass chipping or dislodging. These edges are the responsibility of the

fabricator.

Note that the Vetrazzo Residential 10-Year Limited Warranty only covers glass chipping on

the these recommended edge prof iles; straight edge, double round, half bull nose, full bull

nose.

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Sealing

Vetrazzo MUST be sealed with a penetrating sealant. Apply sealant AFTER completion of

patina work.

The sealant used should be hydro and oleo-phobic, protecting against water and oil based

stain agents. Though the fabricator may use their discretion in selecting a comparable

sealant, we recommend one of the following sealants:

Stone Tech Heavy Duty Impregnator Pro

http://www.stonetechpro.com/products/protect/hds/

CHENG Concrete Countertop Sealer –TWO coats

http://www.concreteexchange.com/pdfs/info/Sealer_Instructions.pdf

CEMENTONE Clear Sealer

http://www.scofield.com/techdata_cementone.html

Always follow manufacturer’s recommendations, which can be found at the links provided

above.

We suggest applying the sealant in the shop prior to installation, reducing the release of

fumes on site. Sealant must be applied to any surface area exposed during installation,

including any field edge cuts.

Honed finishes require an additional coat of sealant due to the greater exposed surface area.

STRAIGHT EDGE

DOUBLE ROUND

FULL BULL NOSE

HALF BULL NOSE

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LEED Point Contribution

Created by the US Green Building Council, the Leadership in Energy and Environmental

Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™ is the nationally accepted benchmark for the

design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings. Learn more about

this increasingly adopted standard at www.usgbc.org.

Use of Vetrazzo can contribute to a variety of LEED points depending on job site particulars.

Consult a LEED Accredited Professional for calculation o f specific point contribution.

Can contribute to earning up to 5 points or more toward LEED 2.2 certification:

Recycled Content Credit MR Credit 4.1 or 4.2 (1 to 2 points)

Regional Materials MR Credit 5.1 and/or 5.2 (1 to 2 points) within 500 miles of Richmond,

CA

Low Emitting Materials – Adhesives and Sealants EQ Credit 4.1 (1 point) (Please check

with Vetrazzo, sealant testing underway. We do recommend low-VOC adhesives.)

Innovation in Design– extensive use of Vetrazzo in flooring or walls could contribute to

additional points

Residential 10-Year Limited Warranty

Vetrazzo, LLC, manufacturer of Vetrazzo surface products, will warrant to the ori ginal

purchaser of installed Vetrazzo surface products for a period of ten (10) years from the

original date of installation that the surface products will be free from manufacturing defects,

provided the surface products are fabricated and installed by a Vetrazzo Authorized

Fabricator.

A list of Vetrazzo Authorized Fabricators can be obtained by calling Vetrazzo, LLC at

(510) 234-5550 and is also available at www.vetrazzo.com. This warranty covers the repair or

replacement of the failed surface product that has been permanently installed in a single

family residence. This warranty includes direct labor charges necessary to repair or replace

the product covered by this warranty. The Residential Limited 10-year warranty is available

only to the owner of a single-family residence in which the surface product is originally

installed or, in the case of a newly constructed single family residence, to the first owner

acquiring the residence from the builder thereof with the surface product already

permanently installed.

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Color Matching

Every panel of Vetrazzo is unique. Variations in the pattern and distribution of glass are an

inherent part of its beauty. While every effort is made to ensure visual and color consistency

between slabs, no assurances can be mad e due to the changing nature of recycled glass

supply.

As glass variations are greater between batches, materials throughout an installation should

be from the same batch and sh ould bear labels with same batch number to improve color

consistency. Visually inspect materials to be used for adjacent pieces to assure acceptable

color match. Inspect in lighting conditions similar to those at the installation site.

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CARING FOR VETRAZZO

REFERENCE GUIDE FOR VETRAZZO OWNERS

The Basics

Vetrazzo is an extremely durable and easy-to-maintain surface. It’s comparable to granite in

strength, scratch resistance, heat resistance, durability, and care & maintenance.

Will it stain? Vetrazzo is less porous 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.

Need a lot of maintenance? No. It’s mostly glass. Keep it clean with soap and water, (avoiding

harsh abrasives). When the mood strikes you, buff it with a wax a few times a year and reseal it

once every year or two. Pretty simple.

Can you cut on it? Sure, but you’ll ruin your knife.

Can you put a hot pot on it? Yup. It’s glass and concrete. As with any sealed surface, prolonged

excessive heat could compromise the sealant. So if you do this often, be sure to reseal

periodically.

Durable? You bet. Vetrazzo installations are in buildings that have seen millions of visitors since

they’ve been installed and show no signs of wear.

Can you dance on it? We’ll leave that up to you. (Careful not to slip!).

Dwell magazine referred to it as “a superhero of the countertop world.” Need we say more?

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Caring for Vetrazzo

Caring for Vetrazzo surfaces is easy and comparable to caring for natural stone. The following

are suggestions for keeping your Vetrazzo as gorgeous as when it was first installed.

Sealing

Sealants are used on a variety of surfaces such as granite, concrete and Vetrazzo to create a

barrier to common household staining agents like red wine and coffee. When your Vetrazzo is

fabricated and installed by an Authorized Vetrazzo Fabricator, this sealant will be applied during

or prior to installation in your home.

We recommend you re-apply the sealant every year or two, depending on the color of the

Vetrazzo mix you choose and just how carefree you prefer to be. It’s as easy as wiping it on,

letting it sit for 20 minutes or so, and wiping it off.

Good sealants are also available VOC-free if you’re concerned about off-gassing.

Details on Vetrazzo Care & Maintenance can be downloaded at our website: www.vetrazzo.com.

Maintenance

Of course, the best way to maintain any surface is to wipe up regularly and not let the common

household offenders - such as coffee, tea, red wine, vinegar and citrus - sit too long. Dark

Vetrazzo mixes, such as any patina mixes, show little sign of wear and hide nearly anything you

may throw their way.

To keep the “just like new” finish, apply a protective wax to the surface after installation, and a

couple times a year thereafter. We recommend Goddard's Marble Wax or a comparable product.

These products are inexpensive and readi ly available at your local hardware store. The wax

barrier provides additional reaction time for wiping up staining agents before they can do

damage.

A simple test can help determine the state of the wax layer – if a bead of water is absorbed by the

surface, it’s time to apply a coat. Follow the product manufacturer’s recommendations.

Some common household chemicals and solvents can damage the surface. The worst offenders

are:

Abrasive cleaners (like Comet and Spic and Span)

Rust/paint removers

Lacquer thinner

Fingernail polish remover

Other Solvents

Oven/metal/toilet/tile and drain cleaners

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If contact with any of these materials should occur, wipe up immediately and wash the area

thoroughly with a mild soap solution. Rinse with water.

Removal of difficult spills

Vetrazzo is resistant to common household stains but, like granite, it can be damaged or stained

by prolonged exposure to foods that are highly acidic or have staining properties, such as lemon

juice, other citrus juices, berries, wine and coffee. These substances may etch the surface causing a

dull appearance, or discolor the surface. This can be easily repaired by an authorized fabricator.

If you do stain your Vetrazzo, you may want to try removing the stain yourself by applying a

poultice – an absorbent material applied to a surface to draw out a stain.

The following is a common, effective poultice recipe. More than one application may be

necessary.

Talc powder, non-scented/non-oiled which can be found at supermarkets or drugstores

Hydrogen Peroxide-full strength

Mix together creating a thick paste, apply to stain and cover with cling film, e.g. Saran Wrap.

Tape edges of film to surface; this slows the drying time allowing the poultice to draw out the

staining agent. Be sure to use a low tack tape that will not leave a residue.

It may take 2-3 days to allow the poultice to dry completely. Once dry, scrape off the poultice

with a razor blade; be careful not to scratch the surface, inspect the area and repeat if necessary.

Please be sure to re-apply sealant after stain removal in accordance with the process outlined by

the sealant manufacturer, or contact your authorized fabricator. See Recommended Products

below.

After the process is completed and sealant dry, apply and buff a protectiv e wax. We recommend

Goddard's Marble wax.

If you don’t want to try and remove the stain yourself, or if your poultice isn’t completely

effective, you may want to hire an authorized fabricator to do so. The fabricator will probably

want to know what caused the stain, and how old it is to help determine the best removal

technique. See www.vetrazzo.com to find one near you.

Repairs

Vetrazzo is extremely durable, and may never need repair. However, should it become damaged

and you need it repaired, contact your Authorized Fabricator.

Just like if an edge of granite was damaged, if a piece of glass chips out of the edge, keep the glass

if you can. The fabricator can re -adhere it. If the glass is not available, don’t worry. The

fabricator can still repair it.

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Chemicals & Cleaners

Choosing supplies for surface care & maintenance these days can be confusing. The best thing

you can do for any surface is be selective in your choice of cleaners. Most mass -market products

are corrosive to all surfaces. Here are some chemicals and cleaners we recommend. For maximum

performance, we suggest you reapply according to the schedule noted.

Cleaners: Mild soap and water. (Use as often as necessary)

Wax: Goddard’s Marble Polish (A few times a year). May be substituted with any

good quality marble polish.

Sealant: Any high-quality granite or concrete countertop sealant can be used. We like

Impregnator Pro by StoneTech or Cheng Concrete Countertop Sealer. (Every year or

two)

For more information on how to use these products, see “Caring for Vetrazzo” on our website,

www.vetrazzo.com.

Keep in mind that these are some of the nastiest chemicals to avoid:

Abrasive cleaners (like Comet and Spic and Span)

Rust/paint removers

Lacquer thinner

Fingernail polish remover

Other Solvents

Oven/metal/toilet/tile and drain cleaners

Other acidic solutions

If contact with any of these materials should occur, wipe up immediately and wash the area

thoroughly with a mild soap solution. Rinse with water.

RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS

1) POLISH- Goddard's Marble and Granite Polish

http://www.goddards.com/html/productDetail.php?id=16

2) SEALANTS

Stone Tech Heavy Duty Impregnator Pro

http://www.stonetechpro.com/products/protect/hds/

CHENG Concrete Countertop Sealer

http://www.concreteexchange.com/pdfs/info/Sealer_Instructions.pdf

CEMENTONE Clear Sealer

http://www.scofield.com/techdata_cementone.html

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