10 Trendy Ways to Use Glass Block in Your Home Design
- Dress Up Your Deck. Sections of glass block pavers can visually break up dark decking material and make a space feel...
- Define Your Garden. Create a striking tableau by using glass blocks to define a patio space. Mixing sizes adds to the...
- Belly Up to the Bar. Cap a short glass block wall with a countertop, and you...
Can you use glass blocks for landscaping?
While glass blocks are most commonly associated with uses inside of a home or business, you can also use these blocks outdoors in several types of landscaping and design projects. You can use glass blocks to make an edging for walkways, driveways or similar elements on your property.
How do you use glass blocks for hanging plants?
Glass blocks can also be used to create stands or hangers for potted plants by sitting the pots directly on the blocks, constructing stands that include the blocks or building brick or concrete hanger posts that incorporate glass blocks in the post itself and metal arms that hanging pots can hang from.
How do you use glass blocks in interior design?
Erect a wall of glass blocks to serve as a room divider. The glass block not only provides an interesting design element, it also allows light to filter through to interior spaces. A single row of glass block makes a smart backsplash for a kitchen island.
How do you use glass blocks to build raised beds?
The blocks can be used individually as accents or in groups to create a larger glass surface. You can build raised flower beds using glass blocks, either using the blocks to accent other bed wall materials or constructing the full bed wall out of the blocks.
How do you use glass blocks outside?
Glass Block Wall or Partitions Use your favorite colors and patterns to build a glass block wall or partition at the edge of your patio, or to define a garden space. At the patio edge, the glass wall will provide privacy. And, if you do it in a stair-step formation, it can also give you space to place decorative items.
How do you use glass blocks?
0:353:56How to install Glass Blocks - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd simply press your bra block into the spacer again leaving about a quarter of an inch between theMoreAnd simply press your bra block into the spacer again leaving about a quarter of an inch between the block and the and the sill plate remove. The excess mortar.
What do you fill glass blocks with?
1:2113:56How to make a lighted Glitter glass block - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStore I do recommend polycrylic versus most of the other adhesives. Just like with the ChristmasMoreStore I do recommend polycrylic versus most of the other adhesives. Just like with the Christmas ornaments you are going to want to use a good quality product and I find polycrylic to be the best.
Are glass blocks out of style?
Glass block windows may have been a staple in older buildings with outdated style, but some modern builders are giving them a little comeback in newer homes.
How many glass blocks do I need?
CALCULATE NUMBER OF BLOCKS: Divide the height and width by the nominal dimensions of the glass block you are using. Example: Using 8" x 8" glass block with a panel height of 80" and a panel width of 64": Height 80" ÷ 8" = 10 blocks Width 64" ÷ 8" = 8 blocks.
How do you clean glass blocks?
Spray the glass block shower thoroughly with the white vinegar. Allow it to sit for five to 10 minutes to loosen any soap scum.Wipe the glass block shower with a damp microfiber cloth.Rinse the glass block with the shower head or fill a cup with water and pour it over the shower.
How do you frost inside a glass block?
1:224:58How To Make A Frosted Glass Block - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipJust like spray paint you hold the kid. About. You know eight or ten inches or so away from theMoreJust like spray paint you hold the kid. About. You know eight or ten inches or so away from the glass block. And it sprays very clear it looks like it's just wet. As you spray it.
How do you light up glass blocks?
0:5811:11How to Decorate a Glass Block with Vinyl and Lights! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSubscribe. So you're gonna use the frosted glass spray paint and spray the block completely I justMoreSubscribe. So you're gonna use the frosted glass spray paint and spray the block completely I just was back about a foot and just sprayed back and forth and back and forth and then just rotated around
What are those glass blocks called?
Glass brick, also known as glass block, is an architectural element made from glass. The appearance of glass blocks can vary in color, size, texture and form.
How much do glass blocks cost?
Ice glass blocks typically cost roughly $15 per block but can go up to $30 per block. Ice glass block windows, due to the way they offer privacy, are commonly installed in bathrooms.
Can you see through glass block at night?
Glass block windows are opaque. People assume that the cloudy glass provides total privacy and that people can't see through it. But in reality the amount of privacy depends on the way that the glass is made.
Are glass blocks making a comeback?
“Glass blocks are synonymous with Miami Art Deco. They are certainly making a comeback. I have seen them used in homes more as an accent rather than large-scale settings, much like you would see in old Art Deco buildings or as a fashion trend in the '80s.”
What kind of mortar do you use for glass block?
QUIKRETE® Glass Block Mortar is used for laying glass block for both interior and exterior walls. It can also be used for tuck-pointing, stucco, or other decorative applications where white mortar would be appropriate.
How do you decorate inside a glass block?
0:3930:38How to Decorate Glass Blocks with Lights and Vinyl (with your Cricut!)YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you can decorate them in a lot of different. Ways many people paint them but i think most peopleMoreAnd you can decorate them in a lot of different. Ways many people paint them but i think most people put vinyl decals on them the glass is the perfect surface for self-adhesive vinyl.
How do you install glass block windows?
2:387:13Clearly Secure Glass block Window Installation - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSet the glass block window on top of the wedges and tilt it into place and it's a good idea to haveMoreSet the glass block window on top of the wedges and tilt it into place and it's a good idea to have somebody on the inside to steady the window. While you're securing it so it doesn't fall through.
How do you attach a bow to a glass block?
0:366:42How To Wrap A Lighted Glass Block Christmas Present - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMake sure they're the same length. And then I just want to twist it like so and then I want to holdMoreMake sure they're the same length. And then I just want to twist it like so and then I want to hold on to it. And then I want to turn this over. And I want to twist it one more time.
How to add glass to outdoor living space?
Should you wish to add some glass to an outdoor living space, check out the following ideas. 1. Colorful Container Mulch. A perfect way to integrate recycled glass into an outdoor living space is to use it as a topping for container plants in lieu of rock or wood mulch.
How to use wine bottle for irrigation?
It’s possible to upcycle a wine bottle into a surprisingly efficient irrigation system for container plants that is perfect for the busy or traveling gardener. Fill the wine bottle with water all the way to the brim, quickly turn it upside-down and shove it into the container planting at least 6-8″ away from the base of the plant as not to damage the root system. As dirt dries, water will seep into it to keep the plants hydrated. Refill the bottle as necessary.
What is the best topping for an outdoor fire pit?
Small pieces of glass or recycled glass make a contemporary topping for an outdoor fire pit (or an indoor fire place). If the fire pit is gas, the glass does an excellent job of dispersing the flame as air pockets between glass pebbles allow gas to seep around it.
Can you use recycled glass for plants?
A perfect way to integrate recycled glass into an outdoor living space is to use it as a topping for container plants in lieu of rock or wood mulch. A layer of glass tumbled glass usually doesn’t have sharp edges and can last much longer than wood mulch which tends to biodegrade or blow away. Glass looks particularly stunning when placed around succulents of contrasting color.
Can you use recycled glass in an outdoor space?
Recycled glass can be practical, decorative or both when incorporated into an outdoor living space. It adds unexpected texture and a pop of color to any style of yard and homeowners use it as lighting, pool tiles and even upcycled irrigation. Should you wish to add some glass to an outdoor living space, check out the following ideas.
Can you hang a bottle light from a pergola?
While these lights are indoors, it could very easily be hung from a pergola or other outdoor shade structure. A San Diego company called Bottles and Wood makes smaller scale recycled bottle pendants out of Skyy Vodka bottles and similar.
Is it safe to walk on recycled glass?
Recycled blue glass pebbles are the focal point of this space as one might expect gravel or other pebbles in a natural color to be used instead. Glass, when purchased for an outdoor application like this, is perfectly safe for even kids and pets to walk on.
What is Tumbled Glass Mulch?
Glass mulch is a commonly used synthetic, or inorganic mulch. Using tumbled glass mulch made from used glass bottles, old windows and other glass products keeps glass out of the landfills. The ground, tumbled glass, which may display minor flaws common to recycled glass, is available in various shades of amber, blue, and green. Clear glass mulch is also available. Sizes range from very fine mulch to 2- to 6-inch (5-15 cm.) rocks.
Can you use tumbled glass mulch in a garden?
Using Recycled Glass in Gardens. Tumbled glass mulch has no jagged, sharp edges, which makes it useful for a variety of uses in the landscape, including pathways, fire pits or around potted plants. The mulch works well in beds or rock gardens filled with plants that tolerate rocky, sandy soil.
Why do we need a wall of glass blocks?
Erect a wall of glass blocks to serve as a room divider. The glass block not only provides an interesting design element, it also allows light to filter through to interior spaces.
What is a glass block in an entryway?
Embed glass blocks in an entryway for a modern twist on traditional sidelights. The blocks' textured finish provides privacy while still admitting light into the foyer.
What is glass pavers?
Glass pavers are different from glass blocks used in vertical applications , and they must be installed in a special grid apparatus—but they achieve the same stunning design. Photo: prweb.com.
What is a glass block backsplash?
A single row of glass block makes a smart backsplash for a kitchen island. Install according to manufacturer’s instructions and trim with a piece of wood or countertop. Here, the glass blocks add the perfect finishing touch to a cooktop, delineating the food prep space and separating it from the rest of the kitchen.
How to make a night light out of glass?
Light Up the Dark. Transform a glass block into a night light by painting or gluing a graphic onto it and then inserting a light or a strand of twinkle lights. (Drill a hole in the back of an architectural block to thread the cord; for a craft block, simply remove the insert.) Now you’re ready to light up the night.
Can you put glass blocks together?
Cap a short glass block wall with a countertop, and you have yourself a bar. Glass blocks are typically joined together with mortar, much like a brick wall. Alternatively, many glass block manufacturers offer a mortarless system, which lets DIYers achieve a professional look without professional masonry skills.
Do glass blocks work in a bathroom?
Glass blocks work especially well in the bathroom, because they provide privacy while still letting light pass through. A bonus: They are easy to clean! A solution of warm water and mild dish soap does the trick; clean the grout the same way you clean any other grout in the bathroom. Related: Top Tips for Cleaning Grout.
Can concrete be used as a dog house?
An insulated concrete slab could capture and retain the heat. A large roof with generous overhangs would stop the summer sun from making the dog house into an oven. I'm sure you will uncover lots of cool projects to use this new glass block system if you stop and think about it.
Can you use caulk to install glass block?
Yes, there's an alternative way to install glass block using caulk and plastic spacers. Instead of taking years to acquire the skills of a master mason, you can master installing glass block in minutes. The better method is to put the glass block together the way I did when I recently built a glass block greenhouse for my wife's orchids.
Do Glass Block Have Suction?
Glass blocks have no suction whatsoever. The mortar mix must be the perfect consistency - neither too wet nor too dry. You can usually only lay a few courses and then must stop so that the accumulated weight does not squeeze out mortar in the first courses you laid.
Can Glass Block Create Other Projects?
Do you want to know how easy and fun it really is to use this new system? When my daughter and I installed the last block we both looked at each other and said, "What can we do next!" We started thinking of cool projects and yours was one that was discussed. The glass block system has special 90 degree outside corners that would allow you to easily build a square or rectangle playhouse for your children. I used special 45 degree angle block corners to create a cool clipped corner inside my greenhouse.
Can you grout glass block?
Once all of the glass block are in place and the silicone has cured for a short time, you grout the spaces between the block with a mortar-like material. It is nearly identical to sanded grout you might use for ceramic tile floors. Because of the super-smooth surface of the glass block, is very easy to wipe the excess grout film from the surface of the glass block.
Can you put a glass block together?
The better method is to put the glass block together the way I did when I recently built a glass block greenhouse for my wife's orchids. The glass block is the exact same one that has been used for years, but the manufacturer developed precision plastic spacers that create perfect horizontal and vertical spacing for the block.
Is It Hard to Install Glass Block with Mortar?
Yes, it's incredibly hard to install glass block using traditional brick or block mortar.
How to use glass bottles in garden?
One of the simplest ways to use glass bottles in garden design is to make path edging. You can use a wide range of different bottles to create different effects, to mark the place where your growing area ends and your path begins.
How to make a vertical garden out of glass bottles?
Cut the bottom off glass bottles, turn upside down and attach to a fence or wall for a quick and easy vertical garden.
What to use for candle holders?
For more rustic lighting to enjoy in your garden, or inside your home, after dark – use glass bottles as simple candle holders. Glass bottles make perfect, rustic candle holders for your homemade beeswax candles, or eco-friendly candles you’ve bought online or at a store.
What can glass bottles be used for?
Glass bottles can also be used to help garden wildlife. For example, you could consider making a glass bottle bird feeder. Some examples of such a project can be found by following the link below.
Why are glass cloches important?
Small cloches like these might be helpful, for example, to protect seedlings from mice in early spring. Glass cloches will stay in place more effectively than plastic ones (especially in windy conditions).
How to make a higher garden bed?
If you want to make higher garden beds, you can also consider using glass bottles to form higher walls by simply stacking them on their sides. The soil/ growing medium behind them helps to hold them in place.
How to get bottles to protrude?
Dig a narrow trench that is deep enough to allow bottles to protrude to the required height.
