Thinking about an outdoor kitchen? Find out more about beautiful materials suited to outdoor applications.

With summer’s imminent arrival, there’s no better time to think about creating a beautiful, functional outdoor space for grilling, relaxing, and cooking outdoors. Naturally, not all materials are going to hold up as well when exposed to the elements as they would indoors. While marble and granite are prone to etching when exposed to acidic rain, and  Luckily, there are several surfacing materials that will hold up extremely well for exterior countertops.

1.  Soapstone- Natural, beautiful, durable

Soapstone’s non-porous, non-reactive surface makes it highly resistant to staining or etching and since soapstone does not need to be sealed, there is no need to worry about the chemical sealer breaking down over time. Soapstone will not harbor bacteria, nor will it react with acidic substances. It is both heat- and cold- resistant, and can be subjected to great fluctuation in temperatures without any risk of cracking or scorching. The stone will develop a rich, dark patina over time, though you can always oil or wax your stone to enhance the colour and bring out the veins.

2. Vetrazzo- Eco-friendly, made of 100% Recycled Glass

Vetrazzo is another material been primed for exterior applications such as patios, pool surrounds, and outdoor kitchens. It is highly stain-, scratch- and scorch-resistant. The colours of the glass shards will not fade or change with exposure to UV, which means that Vetrazzo will retain its beauty year after year. Like granite and most other natural stone, it will require periodic re-sealing to reduce the risk of etching.

3. JadeStone- a new and exciting porcelain-like countertop

JadeStone, a new and exciting product on the surfacing market, makes an outstanding outdoor countertop that is nearly impossible to scratch, stain proof, heat proof up to 2,000 degrees and is unaffected by UV rays. It is completely non-porous and requires no sealer, won’t stain and is completely moisture and bacteria resistant.

For more information please feel free to contact us

www.laterasurfaces.com * 512-444-8600

East Fort Bliss, opened second Sam Adams Pub in the Army.

East Fort Bliss, in El Paso, TX opened the second Sam Adams Pub in the Army. The new pub, specializes in the Sam Adams line of craft beers, opened November 13, in a renovated part of the Centennial Club. 

The renovation includes new furniture, equipment, bar ware and new Alehouse Amber with patina, Vetrazzo countertops. The countertops are made of recycled beer bottles and is the perfect choice for a Sam Adams Pub. 

Planned for three years, the pub is meant to provide some casual dining options and enhance the quality of life on East Fort Bliss, said Tianna Bowden, food and beverage program manager for Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation, which will run the facility.

“Craft beers are extremely trendy right now, and people are getting away from the basic domestics,” Bowden said. The Army’s first Sam Adams Pub is located at Fort Irwin, Calif.

The new pub will serve a variety of imported and domestic beers in the bottle and different Sam Adams craft beers in the bottle and on tap. It will also serve wine and has a full liquor bar. It will be open to the public, but you need to be at least 21 to enter the premises.The pub will also feature a beer-inspired menu, Bowden said. ”A lot of the menu items are made with beer,” she said. “We have beer-battered fish, lager ketchup, beer chili, even our desserts. We have a beer and bacon pecan tart. ”The pub cost $275,000 to renovate and outfit with furniture, equipment, bar ware and other amenities. The money came from what are known as nonappropriated funds, meaning the money isn’t general tax dollars but was generated by Morale, Welfare and Recreation facilities at Fort Bliss, said Heather Wilburn, marketing coordinator for the morale-boosting organization.”I think it’s exciting to have something like this on Fort Bliss,” Wilburn said. “East Fort Bliss has expanded so quickly a lot of quality-of-life projects are just now catching up. We have gyms, the Soldier Activity Center. This is the first step for a food-dining-entertainment aspect.”The pub will also have an outdoor patio area with a separate bar and fire pit.A certified Sam Adams cicerone, or beer guide, was scheduled to visit the pub before it opens and train the staff on how to serve beer and talk about it.The pub will be open 5 to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays and 5 to 10 p.m. on Fridays, but may expand those hours in the future.

For Vetrazzo Samples Please Contact Us 

512-444-8600 * consult@laterasurfaces.com

www.laterasurfaces.com

- For the full story please visit - El Paso Times

Whole Foods - Coffee & Tea Bar - Austin, Tx

Whole Foods - Coffee & Tea Bar - Austin, Tx

Who does't LOVE Whole Foods Market & Coffee? That's why we were more than thrilled when Vetrazzo was specified for the Coffee & Tea Bar in Whole Foods Market World Headquarters in Austin, Tx. Vetrazzo a 100% post consumer recycled glass counter top material was the perfect material for the project; not only because of the ascetics of the material but Whole Food's Green Mission of the 3 R's: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle is parallel to Vetrazzo's. "Everyone around here strives to honor this (3 R's) golden rule of environmental stewardship". So it was only a natural choice to use Vetrazzo. 

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle .... WELL .... Vetrazzo begins with you! When youRECYCLE dispose of your glass bottles into your curbside recycling bin, it ends up at a facility where it is processed by color and glass type. Once sorted, it's crushed and packaged for companies like Vetrazzo to purchase for REUSE. We source all our glass from post-industrial glass sources and demolition sites to get an array of options for making slabs but ultimately REDUCING all that glass into landfills. Vetrazzo is also made in Tate, Ga reducing any carbon foot print the product may have.  

A beautiful dark Charisma Blue with Patina was chosen for the entire Whole Foods Market Coffee & Tea Bar area. As you can see (in the photo to the right), the slab is mostly made of brown beer bottles, a few green wine bottles and there is a hint of a rich blue color which is from Sky Vodka Bottles. To give the counter top a rich dark background a was a patina stain applied to the entire slab at the factory. 

Vetarzzo counter tops are made up of over 85 percent glass, mixed with cement, water, and other proprietary ingredients which makes it a very durable work surface especially in high traffic areas.

The next time you are in the Austin, Tx Whole Foods 

make sure to grab a cup of Coffee and take a look! 

For samples or more information please contact us! 

512-745-5850 * consult@laterasurfaces.com

www.laterasurfaces.com

What Is Vetrazzo Made Up Of?

Vetrazzo. Recycled Glass... Brilliantly Transformed. 

Vetrazzo is one of the most eco-friendly surfacing option on the market today. Vetrazzo slabs are made of 100% post consumer recycled glass and is set in a cement binder, not a petroleum resin binder. As you can see below Vetrazzo is made from Skyy Vodka bottles, art glass production overruns, red gobbles, wine & beer bottles and clear bottle glass. Other unusual sources include window shields, shower doors and salvages windows.  

 

For samples or more information please contact us! 

512-745-5850 * consult@laterasurfaces.com

www.laterasurfaces.com

Dorado Still Bringing You The Best & Most Unique Products!

The company that you all have come to know and love, Dorado Stone Distributors has recently changed it's name to Latera Architectural Surfaces.   

Latera Architectural Surfaces will still provide all of your favorite products, including Dorado Soapstone & Vetrazzo Recycled Glass as well as carry several new additions; KarmaStone, JadeStone, PaperStone, Elements by Durcon and Tough Tops.  We are truly happy to better serve you with a wider and more complete range of products that will not only fill the niche of unique products but will also be your resource for Ecologically and Environmentally friendly products as well.

For Samples Please Contact Us 

512-444-8600 * consult@laterasurfaces.com

www.laterasurfaces.com

Chihuly Garden and Glass & Vetrazzo

Wondering around the amazing city of Seattle, I stumbled arcoss the amazing Chihuly Garden and Glass art exhibit. Located at Seattle Center, Chihuly Garden and Glass is a new art experience showcasing the most significant works of internationally acclaimed artist, Dale Chihuly. Chihuly has created more than a dozen well-known series of works worldwide and is a true inspiration.

The exhibit was a whimsical, colorful display of interrogate glass sculptures. With all the stunning glass pieces, it was hard not to be reminded of Vetrazzo. Especially, the #MilleFiori exhibit ... which was inspired by a "Thousand Flowers"; just like Vetrazzo's Millefiori color. 

 

So where does the glass for Vetrazzo's Millefiori come from? 

Their glass source is the world's largest art glass manufacturer and has patented a production process referred to as continuous ribbon, and what we know as stained glass. It connotes colorful ribbon candy and the rainbow of colors they produce is equally astounding. Rejects or over-runs of the glass give Millefiori its full bouquet and makes up beautiful Vetrazzo slabs.

Vetrazzo - Millefiori

Millefiori: "the sweet scent and dazzling colors of a hillside covered with wildflowers. For centuries, Italians have made glass in brilliant colors called Millefiori – "a thousand flowers." This mix captures that beauty with salvaged glass from a renowned art glassmaker" - Vetrazzo. 

www.chihulygardenandglass.com
www.vetrazzo.com

RUBY RED IS BACK IN PRODUCTION!

RUBY RED IS BACK IN PRODUCTION! 

Limited Editions come and go as we scavenge for our version of a raw material, recycled glass. Red Glass is pigmented using Gold Oxide, these days it’s a valuable find when we uncover a trove.

No telling how long it will last or when we’ll see it again, so don’t delay to use Ruby Red in your next project!

http://www.vetrazzo.com/eng/products/view/Ruby-Red/112#projectdetails

Raise Your Glass To The Sea ... The New Vetrazzo COLORS!

Inspired by Coastal Design, Created From Nature (and last night's party).
So What is so unique about the new Vetrazzo Coastal Edition? South Carolina Oyster Shells and Georgia White Marble, both local, both recycled.

Amethystos
Celebrate the land and sea with a mix that reimagines an azure coast with architectural “float-glass”, iridescent oyster shells and Georgia white marble. We dare you to dip your toes in it.
Glass source story:
Ingredients: oyster shells, architectural “float-glass”, crushed marble

Amethystos

Umbo White
Our message in a bottle to recycle comes to life in this crisp white mix. Oyster shells shine alongside curbside recycling and crushed marble to create a carefree look of coastal living.
Glass source story:
Ingredients: oyster shells, soda and beer bottles, condiment jars, baby food and jam jars, crushed marble.

Umbo White

Bretagne Blue
Celebrate the land and sea with a mix that reimagines an azure coast with architectural “float-glass”, iridescent oyster shells and Georgia white marble. We dare you to dip your toes in it.
Glass source story:
Ingredients: oyster shells, architectural “float-glass”, crushed marble

Bretagne Blue

CREATE YOUR COASTAL LIVING TODAY

For more Vetrazzo Blogs - http://vetrazzo.blogspot.com/ 

Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays

Message In A Bottle ... Vetrazzo

Message In A Bottle ... Vetrazzo is a new blog that recently we came across.

"Vetrazzo® is a recycled glass surface comprised of 100% recycled glass. Vetrazzo is truly a work of art—that becomes the centerpiece for your home or project. A high glass content ( 85% by volume), expansive color palette, and story in every surface. From architectural to art glass, to beer bottles and jars, each mix is a signature blend of color and life that tells a story about you, too."

This blog highlights so many fantastic Vetrazzo installed jobs and has tons of useful information! 

www.vetrazzo.blogspot.com

 

Message In A Bottle: Floor Made From Pennies Is Priceless

One of our new favorite blogs is Message In A Bottle. This blog is all about Vetrazzo recycled glass. Vetrazzo is made up a recycled beer bottles, wine bottles, Skky Vodka bottle, glass from a toren down building .... really any recycled glass! The blog has some great information and really cool projects. The project below is just one example! 

Message In A Bottle: Floor Made From Pennies Is Priceless: 

A hammered copper sink and Vetrazzo counter complement the floor of pennies in the bathroom of 

New Braunfels resident Doreen Fisher.

Photo: Tracy Hobson Lehmann / SA

Over the years we can seen some pretty unique and creative projects but this penny floor bathroom remodel in New Braunfels, Tx  was a first. We came across this story on www.mysanantonio.com and love how this remodel came together.  Doreen Fisher got the idea on facebook and when it was time for her bathroom remodel she went to the bank and got 10,000 pennies. After 20-40 hours of patience, time and labor of love her master piece floor was complete and on to the finishing touches. She choose a hammered copper sink which tied in nicely with the patina pennies and the Charisma Blue with Patina Vetrazzo counter top. The Charisma Blue with Patina was a perfect choice for fisher because the brown recycled beer bottle nicely compliment the cooper sink and floor. The hints of green from recycled wine bottles and the blue from the recycled Skky Vodka bottle in the counter top give the small space a little splash of color and really make the counter top stand out. From the floor to the counter top to the hammer copper there are so many great textures in this bathroom. Yes, visually there is a lot going on in this room but that is what makes it so fun, unique and one of our favorites! 

Full Story 

Message In A Bottle: Floor Made From Pennies Is Priceless:

     

Millefiori - "A Thousand Flowers"

Millefiori - "A Thousand Flowers"

Millefiori .... "the sweet scent and dazzling colors of a hillside covered with wildflowers. For centuries, Italians have made glass in brilliant colors called Millefiori - "a thousand flowers." The Millefiori mix captures that beauty with salvaged glass from a renowned art glassmaker.

Millefiori gets a lot of attention in our office. Not only is it a conversation starter but it is by far the most unique colors when it comes to recycled glass counter tops. There is nothing else like it on the market. So where does it come from and why is it so unique?

The world's largest art glass manufacturer patented a production process referred to as continuous ribbon, and what we know as stained glass. It connotes colorful ribbon candy and the rainbow of colors they produce is equally astounding. Rejects or over-runs of the glass give Millefiori its full bouquet.

 

     

So sit back, close your eyes imagine a thousand flowers on a Italian hillside and enjoy the Millefiori, Vetrazzo Mixture.

 

For More Information About Vetrazzo Please Visit the Blog "Message In A Bottle". Message In A Bottle: Millefiori - "A Thousand Flowers":

The Granite Gurus: The Stories in Vetrazzo Surfaces

The Granite Gurus is one of our favorite bloggers. They provide great info about the stone world, design and expertise. This post - is reposted from them and it is about Vetrazzo. 

The Granite Gurus: The Stories in Vetrazzo Surfaces: 

The Stories in Vetrazzo Surfaces

Vetrazzo is a collection of recycled glass and concrete slabs that can be used in almost any application where you would use granite or marble. The color palette is diverse and offers something for everyone, from  the very subtle like the Flint Glass collection to the very bold like the Ruby Red. ... 

Ruby Red Vetrazzo
photo by Granite Gurus - MGS by Design

For the rest of this post and photos - The Granite Gurus: The Stories in Vetrazzo Surfaces:

Drink Responsibly. Recycle Responsibly. Vetrazzo.

Happy Labor Day. 

Drink Responsibly. Recycle Responsibly. 
VETRAZZO

                          





Texas-Style Labor Day Drink Recipes

Recycled Skyy® Vodka Bottles Emulate Water at the Parkway Hills Baptist Church.

Project: Parkway Hills Baptist Church Children's Area 

Architect: HH Architects, Dallas, Texas

   

Who would ever thought that "a festive evening with friends sampling savory treats and drinking top-shelf spirits poured from a lovely cobalt blue Skyy® Vodka bottle" would become the Parkway Hills Baptist Church Children's Area centerpiece? An innovated, passionate glass scientist in Berkley, CA did. More than 15 years ago he was the first to create a 100% Post Consumer Recycled Glass countertop called Vetrazzo®.   

The inspiration for  Children's Area at Parkway Hills Baptist Church was the salt water fish tank which was existing and was the idea for the "water" theme. The vision behind the design of the Check-In Desk was "stimulation" and "interactive". Using one of Vetrazzo's signature color, Colbalt Blue Skyy®; made from ACTUAL Skyy® Vodka bottles was a perfect color to emulate blue water. 

 

The primary color "windows" on the face of the desk are at child height so the children can touch them and reach inside them.  The fish tank adds visual interest,  and "thinking" and "seeing" stimulation. HH Architects & Nan Gammon thought the Vetrazzo counter added visual stimulation and of course color to the desk. 

Enviably, Parkway Hills Baptist Church was on budget but it was interesting when interior designer Nan told us "although we went through a number of value engineering exercises with this client, cutting the Vetrazzo counter was never approved.  The client agreed that it was the centerpiece of the Check-In Desk, and they liked that it was recycled glass".  

 

Project Credits  

  HH Architects: Principal -Jerry L. Halcomb

  Project Manager - Tom Willis

  Interior Designer - Nan Gammon

  Construction Administrator - Dale Smith 

  GC: Beck Group/Principal Robert Hodges 
  Project Manager - Elliot Bevers

For more information about Dorado Soapstone or HH Architects please visit the webistie! 

DoradoStone Distributors or HH Architects