Last updated on September 11th, 2025 at 06:18 pm
In a world saturated with mass production and sameness, true luxury lies in the art of the handmade. At Downing Designs, our handcrafted glass countertops are not just surfaces—they are creative statements. From sculpted glass countertops to bespoke bar tops, every piece embodies artistry and the unmistakable signature of human craftsmanship.
Exclusivity in Every Detail
No two Downing Designs pieces are ever alike. Unlike factory-made imitations, our work bears unique textures, subtle variations, and nuanced design details that can only be achieved by hand. These distinctions are not imperfections—they are the hallmarks of authenticity, elevating your space with individuality and character that no machine could ever replicate.
Each creation is a one-of-a-kind work of art, designed to reflect your taste and vision while carrying the timeless elegance of handcrafted luxury.
If you are in the market to buy a luxury Glass Countertops, Bar Top or a Vanity Top, a luxury experience awaits you at Downing Designs in Tampa, FL, USA with end-to-end care from the Artist/Designer/Installer who has only 5-Star reviews.
This guide is meant to illuminate the important differences between Downing Designs and other makers.
You can call us and have the quote, texture, fabrication, installation all done by one team…or…buy a foreign-made counter and then have a wood crate dropped off in your driveway for you to install, without damaging it, wiring the LEDs, hiring subs to install, insurance, criminal record check, etc.
Thats a BIG difference.
This post is intended to educate you and hopefully will steer you to the right fit for you and save on future frustration. Not all textured glass surfaces are created in America, and the lack of responsive support you receive may end up leaving you wishing you had an expert to assist you each step of the way. Ive fabricated and installed millions of dollars of custom Glass Countertops, Bar tops, stair treads and vanity tops. Im your guy.
We compete with mass-produced foreign commodity wholesalers (using stamped textures).
Each of our pieces by Hand-made in Tampa, FL USA (each design unique).
Before making a final decision, here are several important questions every client should ask before investing in a glass countertop. Here is a quick overview of the topics in this post:
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Original Artistic Designs vs Replicas
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We Interactively Design Textures with Our Clients
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Modern LED Lighted Glass Countertops
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Custom Supports
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Glass Color
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Back Painting Glass
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Edge polish on glass countertops is critical
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Timing
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Glass Countertops: Installation & Risk
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Buying American Glass Countertops from Downing Designs.
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Summary
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FAQ
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What types of custom glass countertops are available?
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Are Recycled Glass Countertops Right for You?
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Thicknesses of Glass Countertops
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Buying Glass Countertops : Price considerations
Original Artistic Designs vs Replicas
What design options do I have when buying a glass kitchen countertop from Downing Designs? One of the greatest advantages we offer is the sheer level of customization available. You are not limited to a few stamped textural choices. Instead, you can tailor almost every aspect of your countertop to suit your personal design preferences.
Do you want a sensual, free-flowing, hand-shaped texture created to complement your room—or a stamped replica mold used by countless others? Here is a video of how Jeff Downing of DowningDesigns.com creates his one-of-a-kind patterns.
See this video of Jeff Downing creating a seamless multi-piece artistic textured glass bar top longer than 125″. The seam transitions beautifully from piece #1 to piece #2.
Think of it as the difference between a bespoke suit and one off the rack. For about the same price, which would you choose?
We Interactively Design Textures with Our Clients
As we offer unlimited custom glass countertop textures, we feel it is incumbent upon us to listen to the voice of the customer. We prep a scale outline of the final countertop layout and start to sketch a few designs. You too can sketch and make the textures flow as you wish.
After the final texture is chosen, I then proceed to scale it in our kiln sand bed.
Using our hands and fingers to carve the suave texture to the correct depth desired. No 2 are ever the same. Unlike a stamped mold.
Our Glass backsplashes are made exactly the same way, and their flow is thoughtfully synced with the glass countertop as well.
Modern LED Lighted Glass Countertops
In luxury kitchen designs, your design will rely on accurate color matching. Downing Designs offers 8 million RGB color options to match your palette precisely. Did you specify LEDs where you see PIXELS? You will hate yourself for going cheap on this point. Over the years, “seeing the pixels” was the #1 complaint about old LED technology. Our old pictures show it as well. These modern LED lighting options are more expensive ($400 for a 15′ strip), but it matters tremendously. These are state of the art LEDs with a 5 year warranty. And they will light up any room fully from the internal refraction of the glass surface. Outdoor bars…got to have them for your Swim Up Pool Bar.
Why is this important? If your foreign wholesale glass top comes with a single color LED ,it is risky to assume it will match the other white shades in your home and is risky. Look below at 3 “white” colors…they are very different indeed.
The color of your LED will dramatically affect the appearance. If it doesn’t match, you’re stuck. Don’t go cheap on single color LEDs.
Custom Supports.
When it comes to the hardware and substrate options for glass countertops hardware, selecting quality mounting brackets is essential to maintain the integrity of your installation. Stainless steel and aluminum are excellent choices due to their durability and resistance to corrosion. Additionally, custom standoffs can be designed to align perfectly with your decor while offering a sleek, modern look. They not only support the weight of the floating bar top, but also add an artistic touch. Remember, the hardware and substrate you choose will not only bear the weight of your luxurious countertop but will also play a pivotal role in the overall style of your kitchen or bar area.
Enhanced Spaciousness
For In homes with open concept layouts, it is important to enhance the feeling of spaciousness. We do this with our custom standoffs that can span 96″ between supports! They are open underneath and allow light to freely pass. This expands the visual volume of the room. Notice the lack of pixels in the LEDs.
DowningDesigns uses a proprietary cantilevered stand off. This design requires just 2 supports for e.g. 125” x 20” x 1.5” thick bar top that weighs 320lbs . The cantilevers ~10” over your lower countertop, without drilling a hole . Holes are to be avoided if possible as they can be areas of weakness. This “floating bar” design works well with low iron raised bar tops where you want the true color of the backlighting to shine through without distortion. Unlike green, it won’t clash with or alter your existing color palette.
Old style supports
Our minimalist design is superior to others using numerous support stands, whose “Sherwood Forest” look is just plain unattractive. This piece is drilled EIGHT times in an 8′ segment, and has intrusive caps and highly visual supports on an otherwise nice looking surface. This is not pretty, and very user unfriendly.
Glass Color
Do you prefer a green-tinted or ultra-clear low-iron (“Starphire”)?
Low iron has the impurities removed and has a very slight bluish tint. The result is a stunningly clear and transparent material.
If you want the most neutral and clear canvas possible, go with low iron.
The thicker the surface, the more the inherent green color of “clear” is amplified —just look at the edge. Do you love that color? If not, buyer beware.
Modern “Jetsons” interiors rarely pair well with heavy green (Flintstones). Rarely.
What is the point of buying an expensive countertop if you’re not getting the exact color you want? LEDs cannot overpower the inherent deep Green color.
Downing Designs only uses Low-iron.
Back Painting Glass
Without back painting, you’ll see cabinet ribs and drawer contents. What will you see beneath your countertop? It usually is not pretty.
We always back paint to create a clean, refined appearance. Usually a metallic Silver since it is neutral and provides a better contrast agent for the LEDs. Many wholesalers skip this step—leaving clients disappointed. Look at this “clear” offering from the largest Canadian supplier. They will tell you to place a thin piece of Formica under your textured and uneven surface. That is fine until the gnats/moths/mosquitos gravitate to the LEDs and pepper your beautiful modern surface with their carcasses. Not Pretty!
I lost this order on price…and then because nobody even suggested backpainting this piece the client was not happy when it arrived from Montreal! Afterwards, they called me to install it! I ended up convincing them to backpaint it. But what a waste of time and money. It is malpractice…just look at the below picture to see my point.
Below is a Downing Designs backpainted sink. Notice that it is opaque to the supports underneath. It does not affect the beauty of the textured sink or the LEDs.
Edge polish on glass countertops is critical
Edges matter. Ours are hand polished with wet grinders to a lens-clarity. The top and bottom edges are softly rounded-over, and are highly chip-resistant—bringing depth and brilliance. What edge finishes are available for glass countertops? We prefer a square edge on glass tops with rounded over corners for softness.
Edges produced elsewhere often show CNC machine marks, leaving a dull finish that cheapens the piece. Why settle for “ordinary” when this is the centerpiece of your home? There is no comparison. Get the best finish on your edge. Its glass and these poor edge polishes really show up after dark when illuminated by an LED.
Timing
How soon do you want to enjoy your piece?
We can design, fire, polish, and deliver within ~17 days. Canadian imports face customs delays and shipping schedules that often add weeks. They also take many weeks to produce the product. When I worked for them, it was on the order of 29 weeks! We also keep select in-stock designs ready for even faster delivery.
Glass Countertops: Installation & Risk
Who will be handling your countertop installation—a local subcontractor, or the very artist and Certified Installation team who created it?
With us, you receive full-service delivery and installation: we drill and set the cantilevered supports, wire the LEDs, mount the sinks, and complete everything with true white-glove service.
With others, your countertop often arrives in a crate at the curb. Any shipping damage, installation problems, or lack of insurance quickly become your responsibility—and waiting on overseas service is uncertain at best.
Buying American Glass Countertops from Downing Designs.
I speak English, not French.
Im an American and have lived and worked in Florida since 1989, creating luxurious designs for over 25 years. I have worked as a distributor for the French Canadian maker. I know how they operate. That is why I started my own business here in the USA.
I hope that in urging you to buy american glass countertops, especially Florida-made—you’re not just buying a product, you’re investing in craftsmanship, supporting local jobs, and fueling our local economy. Plus, you avoid the unnecessary 35% tariffs tacked onto Canadian imports. It’s something you can feel proud of.”
Who will answer your call when you need advice or support? I give you my cell phone #.
You ask what is the difference in these Canadian suppliers and Downing Designs? Try calling me on Saturday or Sunday. I answer my calls. That is the difference.
I respond personally—texts, calls, and emails, seven days. Our 100% 5-star Houzz reviews reflect the integrity and care I bring to every project. They are well-written personal memos that reflect the integrity and care I embed into each client project.
Summary
Selecting a maker for your new luxury kitchen or bar counter involves careful consideration of various aspects, from design choices to practical installation and repair factors. By asking the right questions, you can ensure that your countertop not only complements your space beautifully but also meets your functional needs.
Don’t hesitate to reach out for a free consultation to explore your options!
I have painted a picture of two very types of offerings.
One is characterized by a consistent caring and is focussed upon understanding of your needs to tailor a solution to your budget. The other is purely a low-ball effort to win orders with commodity glass textures and lack of critical finishing touches to keep costs down. Dont settle for less than the right solution.
FAQ
What types of custom glass countertops do we recommend?
When exploring a custom glass countertop or glass bar top, you’ll find several styles:
- Slab Glass Countertops – Large, seamless panels that showcase a dramatic and contemporary look.
- Tempered Glass Countertops – Highly durable, though usually thinner (1/2″ thick or less)
- Recycled Glass Countertops – Usually embedded in cement or resin. Vetrazzo is a good brand.
- Bio-Glass – Made from recycled Chinese bottles, but limited to ¾” thickness and often fragile. Be careful! We’ve replaced several installations by others over time due to breakage.
If you want a surface that balances beauty with long-term durability, Downing Designs glass countertops are the most reliable options.
Are Recycled Glass Countertops Right for You?
- Recycled Glass Countertops – Usually embedded in cement or resin. Vetrazzo is a good brand.
- Bio-Glass – Made from recycled Chinese bottles, but limited to ¾” thickness and often fragile. Be careful! We’ve replaced several installations as others have noted, this is a fragile product.
Can a glass bar top be repaired if damaged?
Yes. One of the benefits of a glass bar top is that scratches or edge chips can often be polished out, restoring the smooth, illuminated finish. If it is cracked, there is no fix that will render the reapir invisible.
How durable are glass countertops compared to other countertop materials?
Glass is a Mohs hardness rating of around 6-7 , but far below a diamond’s 10.
We have installed many glass bar tops and sinks in commeercial settings wit great success and they are durable.
Thicknesses of Glass Countertops
Thick glass countertops offer strength and a visual appeal unlike thin glass counters. It allows you to see a magnified vision of the interior of the texture. 1.5″ thick countertops are the most common because they provide enhanced durability. The right thickness often depends on the intended use.
Yes we can do 2″ or 4″ or even 8 “. But what is the point? You have to anneal these glass pieces for a few week , and for in our opinion very little gain with a much greater price tag. Longer Kiln time = Higher price. In residential settings, thinner glass can create a sleek look ideal for kitchen glass countertops or bathroom vanity installations. Homeowners should consider functionality and aesthetics when choosing, ensuring the selected thickness complements their cabinetry and overall design vision.
Buying Glass Countertops : Price considerations
How much do glass countertops typically cost? Glass countertops can vary in price depending on factors such as size, thickness, and customization, but they typically range from $150 to $700 per square foot, with additional costs for features like integrated led lighting, sink cutouts, supports.
Buying glass countertops is expensive. Done right they will give you decades of pleasure. But before you run, let’s talk about how to maximize your expenditure.
💡 Design Tip: You don’t need to cover your entire kitchen in glass to make a statement. Many clients use a glass bar top as a dramatic focal point, paired with Extra Extra white quartz or Corian for the main surfaces—achieving a luxury look without overspending.
Quotes are free. Let us show you how a custom glass countertop or bar top can transform your space into a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Just call or text or email your needs to me Jeff Downing at (813) 784 5211 Jeff@DowningDesigns.com