--- title: 5 Backyard Designs That Are Sharp As Glass description: Swim up bar, modern outdoor kitchen, and outdoor living furniture. All you need for a backyard design, and all with recycled glass countertops. Hello summer. --- Polycor Companies - [Polycor](http://www.polycor.com/) - [Rock of Ages](http://www.rockofages.com/) - [Swenson Granite](http://www.swensongranite.com/) - [Hardscapes & Masonry](https://hardscapes.polycor.com/) - [Shop](https://boutique.polycor.com/) # [![Vetrazzo](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/vetrazzo-en2X.png?width=177&height=31&name=vetrazzo-en2X.png)](https://www.vetrazzo.com/?lang=en) - [Professionals](https://www.vetrazzo.com/professionals/?lang=en) - [Architects / Designers](https://www.vetrazzo.com/professionals/architects-designers/?lang=en) - [Dealers / Fabricators](https://www.vetrazzo.com/professionals/dealers-fabricators/?lang=en) - [Consumers](https://www.vetrazzo.com/consumers/?lang=en) - [Contact Us](https://www.vetrazzo.com/contact-us/?lang=en) - [fr](https://www.vetrazzo.com) - [ko](https://www.vetrazzo.com/?lang=ko) ![Search](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ico-search-big.png?width=14&height=14&name=ico-search-big.png) - [Products](https://www.vetrazzo.com/products/?lang=en) - [Portfolio](https://www.vetrazzo.com/portfolio/?lang=en) - [Know-How](https://www.vetrazzo.com/know-how/?lang=en) - [About](https://www.vetrazzo.com/know-how/about/?lang=en) - [Handcrafted with Care](https://www.vetrazzo.com/know-how/handcrafted-with-care/?lang=en) - [Sustainable Development/LEED](https://www.vetrazzo.com/know-how/sustainable-development-leed/?lang=en) - [General Questions](https://www.vetrazzo.com/know-how/general-questions/?lang=en) - [Find a distributor](https://www.vetrazzo.com/find-a-distributor/?lang=en) - [Blog](https://blog.vetrazzo.com) - [Order a sample](https://boutique.polycor.com/product-category/samples/?pa_brand=vetrazzo) [![Vetrazzo](https://www.vetrazzo.com/content/themes/theme_vetrazzo/images/vetrazzo-en2X.png)](https://www.vetrazzo.com/?lang=en) - [fr](https://www.vetrazzo.com) - [ko](https://www.vetrazzo.com/?lang=ko) ![Search](https://go.polycor.com/hubfs/migrated/Vetrazzo/ico-search-big.png) Ouvrir navigation - [Products](https://www.vetrazzo.com/products/?lang=en) - [Portfolio](https://www.vetrazzo.com/portfolio/?lang=en) - Know-How - [About](https://www.vetrazzo.com/know-how/about/?lang=en) - [Handcrafted with Care](https://www.vetrazzo.com/know-how/handcrafted-with-care/?lang=en) - [Sustainable Development/LEED](https://www.vetrazzo.com/know-how/sustainable-development-leed/?lang=en) - [General Questions](https://www.vetrazzo.com/know-how/general-questions/?lang=en) - [Blog](https://www.vetrazzo.com/blog/?lang=en) - [Find a distributor](https://www.vetrazzo.com/find-a-distributor/?lang=en) - Professionals - [Architects / Designers](https://www.vetrazzo.com/professionals/architects-designers/?lang=en) - [Dealers / Fabricators](https://www.vetrazzo.com/professionals/dealers-fabricators/?lang=en) - [Consumers](https://www.vetrazzo.com/consumers/?lang=en) - [Contact Us](https://www.vetrazzo.com/contact-us/?lang=en) - [Order a sample](https://boutique.polycor.com/product-category/samples/?pa_brand=vetrazzo) Polycor Companies - [Polycor](http://www.polycor.com/) - [Rock of Ages](http://www.rockofages.com/) - [Indiana Limestone](https://www.indianalimestonecompany.com/) - [Swenson Granite](http://www.swensongranite.com/) - [Hardscapes & Masonry](https://hardscapes.polycor.com/) - [Shop](https://boutique.polycor.com/) # [Blog](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/) ## 5 Backyard Designs That Are Sharp As Glass Posted by [Steven Schrenk](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/author/steven-schrenk) Find me on: [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenschrenk/) [Twitter](https://twitter.com/DesigninStone) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) It doesn't matter if they're in Naples, Florida or Detroit, Michigan, when the temperature hovers at that delightful 80 degree mark, homeowners want to get out of the house and into outdoor living. And dream backyards are as lifestyle specific as indoor spaces. Some want a luxury, modern outdoor kitchen, others a tranquil fire pit, and some, even a swim up bar. *What they all share though is a need for a durable outdoor surface that looks amazing under summer sun and winter clouds* and that can withstand the intense rays down south and the cold weather up north. Summer and winter Vetrazzo's recycled glass slabs and mosaic tiles make a standout statement amid a world of brick pavers and speckled box store granites. **Here are 5 recycled glass countertop ideas to spark your next backyard design:**   ## For the mermaid   [![outdoor-installs-vetrazzo-img~3f41c99d007f17c2\_8-6438-1-81bace1](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/outdoor-installs-vetrazzo-img~3f41c99d007f17c2_8-6438-1-81bace1.jpg?width=500&height=376&name=outdoor-installs-vetrazzo-img~3f41c99d007f17c2_8-6438-1-81bace1.jpg)](http://www.houzz.com/photos/1784234/Outdoor-Installs-traditional-pool-atlanta)   Shouldn't all bars be swim up? From the happy hours of summer's past comes this swim up bar in [Charisma Blue](http://vetrazzo.com/product/charisma-blue/?lang=en), made from the recycled amber and green beer and wine bottles with a blue splash of Skyy vodka bottles.     ## For The barbecue master ![home-design](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/home-design.jpg?width=500&height=376&name=home-design.jpg)   We called it Alehouse Amber Patina but maybe this recycled glass slab should be *Grillhouse Amber* because this outdoor kitchen is a grill palace worthy of a 24 porterhouse, some portabellos AND a rich craft beer. [Photo courtesy of Ciot](http://www.ciot.com/usa/en/habitat/slabs/glass/habitatdallesverrevetrazzo/index.sn).       ## For The Sustainablity Stalwart [![vetrazzo-palladian-grey-pompeii-quartz-precioustone-vetrazzo-sapienstone-img~1c71342505f07ab3\_8-9158-1-9462335](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/vetrazzo-palladian-grey-pompeii-quartz-precioustone-vetrazzo-sapienstone-img~1c71342505f07ab3_8-9158-1-9462335.jpg?width=500&height=666&name=vetrazzo-palladian-grey-pompeii-quartz-precioustone-vetrazzo-sapienstone-img~1c71342505f07ab3_8-9158-1-9462335.jpg)](http://www.houzz.com/photos/39478713/Vetrazzo-Palladian-Grey-patio-other-metro)   Load up that grill with wild caught salmon from a well managed fishery and some organic kale from the farmers market, because this look is sustainable countertops and bamboo cabinets for the win. (And how great does that [Palladian Gray](http://vetrazzo.com/product/palladian-gray/?lang=en) counter look with those iridescent glass penny rounds?) [Photo courtesy of UMI (United Materials, Inc.)](http://www.houzz.com/pro/umithesource/umi-united-materials-inc)       ## For The hostess [![vetrazzo-bistro-green-ciot-stone-and-tile-img~06f15b45001c1214\_8-6926-1-e3a14c3](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/vetrazzo-bistro-green-ciot-stone-and-tile-img~06f15b45001c1214_8-6926-1-e3a14c3.jpg?width=500&height=666&name=vetrazzo-bistro-green-ciot-stone-and-tile-img~06f15b45001c1214_8-6926-1-e3a14c3.jpg)](http://www.houzz.com/photos/1307304/Vetrazzo-Bistro-Green-contemporary-patio-detroit) Why stop at just dinner outside? The hostess wants to keep the party going by the fire with a relaxed outdoor living room feel. And because you can't put your cold chardonnay next to that hot fire, a cocktail table is in order. Here in Vetrazzo's [Bistro Green](http://vetrazzo.com/product/bistro-green/?lang=en). [Photo courtesy of CIOT](http://www.ciot.com/usa/en/habitat/slabs/glass/habitatdallesverrevetrazzo/bistro-green-recycled-glass/index.sn)       ##  The B&B Hosts [![floating-blue-pompeii-quartz-precioustone-vetrazzo-sapienstone-img~9ab10bfa040b0e36\_8-0681-1-9ea8a1d](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/floating-blue-pompeii-quartz-precioustone-vetrazzo-sapienstone-img~9ab10bfa040b0e36_8-0681-1-9ea8a1d.jpg?width=500&height=342&name=floating-blue-pompeii-quartz-precioustone-vetrazzo-sapienstone-img~9ab10bfa040b0e36_8-0681-1-9ea8a1d.jpg)](http://www.houzz.com/photos/16788685/Floating-Blue-transitional-bathroom-other-metro)   They've got friends in London, family in the midwest and always a house full of people in summer, but this couple always manages fresh fluffy towels and extra s'mores for all. This poolhouse look in [Floating Blue](http://vetrazzo.com/product/floating-blue/?lang=en) is just right for travel toothbrushes and wet bathing suits. [Installation by Builders Studio, LLC. Photo courtesy of UMI (United Materials, Inc.)](http://www.houzz.com/pro/umithesource/umi-united-materials-inc)     *Need a sample of one of Vetrazzo's 25 color selections? They're free to members of the trade. Email [Steve@vetrazzo.com.](mailto:steve@vetrazzo.com?Subject=Vetrazzo%20sample)* Homeowners can order one for just $10 below. We'll also connect you with a distributor in your area.   [![Vetrazzo recycled glass countertop sample](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/401758/3d9564d0-bf0d-4365-ac3d-c298d9210b88.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/401758/3d9564d0-bf0d-4365-ac3d-c298d9210b88)  Topics: [Sustainable Design](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/topic/sustainable-design) ### Mindfully Made **Recycled Glass Countertops** Vetrazzo recycled glass surfaces were hatched in Berkeley, CA in 1996. With 16 of our colors boasting Cradle to Cradle Silver certification, our commitment to sustainability is more transparent than ever. Truly a great American innovation, Vetrazzo is the original recycled glass surface proudly made in America. ### Subscribe to Email Updates ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Topic - [Coastal Inspired (17)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/coastal-inspired) - [Sustainable Design (16)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/sustainable-design) - [Kitchen Design (15)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/kitchen-design) - [Palladian Gray (12)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/palladian-gray) - [Interior Design (11)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/interior-design) - [Millefiori (11)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/millefiori) - [Floating Blue (9)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/floating-blue) - [Alehouse Amber (8)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/alehouse-amber) - [Made in America (8)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/made-in-america) - [Ruby Red (8)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/ruby-red) - [Vetrazzo recycled glass (8)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/vetrazzo-recycled-glass) - [Bathroom Design (7)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/bathroom-design) - [Cubist Clear (7)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/cubist-clear) - [Bartops (6)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/bartops) - [Bistro Green (6)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/bistro-green) - [Charisma Blue (6)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/charisma-blue) - [Chivalry Blue (6)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/chivalry-blue) - [LEED (6)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/leed) - [Martini Flint (6)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/martini-flint) - [Neutrals (6)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/neutrals) - [Bretagne Blue (5)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/bretagne-blue) - [Amethystos (4)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/amethystos) - [Cobalt Sky (4)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/cobalt-sky) - [Countertops (4)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/countertops) - [Fair Pearl (4)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/fair-pearl) - [Glass House (4)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/glass-house) - [Aqua Current (3)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/aqua-current) - [Coffee House (3)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/coffee-house) - [Destination Inspiration (3)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/destination-inspiration) - [Outdoor spaces (3)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/outdoor-spaces) - [Patina (3)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/patina) - [Umbo White (3)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/umbo-white) - [interior (3)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/interior) - [Commercial Projects (2)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/commercial-projects) - [Emerald Coast (2)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/emerald-coast) - [Environmental Impact (2)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/environmental-impact) - [restaurant design (2)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/restaurant-design) - [Cool Titanium (1)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/cool-titanium) - [Islands (1)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/islands) - [Outdoor living (1)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/outdoor-living) - [Polycor (1)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/polycor) - [Renovation (1)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/renovation) - [Sea Pearl (1)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/sea-pearl) - [To the trade (1)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/to-the-trade) - [beach house (1)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/beach-house) - [coastal living (1)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/coastal-living) - [designer (1)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/designer) - [outdoor kitchens (1)](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/tag/outdoor-kitchens) [![Vetrazzo](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/vetrazzo-footer.png?width=182&name=vetrazzo-footer.png "Vetrazzo")](https://www.vetrazzo.com/?lang=en) ### NEWSLETTER Keep up with the latest trends - [![Facebook](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/hubfs/2016/facebook-ico.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/vetrazzo/) - [![Twitter](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/hubfs/2016/twitter-ico.svg)](https://twitter.com/vetrazzo) - [![Instagram](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/hubfs/2016/instagram-ico.svg)](https://www.instagram.com/vetrazzo/) - [![Pinterest](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/hubfs/pinterest-ico-1.svg)](https://www.pinterest.com/crhomedesign/vetrazzo-recycled-glass-countertops/) - [![Houzz](https://blog.vetrazzo.com/hubfs/houzz-ico.svg)](http://www.houzz.com/vetrazzo) [![A Polycor Inc. 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