Kitchen Countertops
Kitchen countertops are one of the most important visual and practical aspects of your kitchen.
Nowadays, there are several eco-friendly alternatives to traditional quarried or plastic-based materials. These green kitchen countertops are typically known as composite and/or recycled countertops.
Environmentally friendly kitchen countertops come from a variety of sources, such as recycled sinks, tubs and toilets, recycled glass and porcelain, and even recycled paper. Some also use scrap aluminum chips. These materials can be combined with cement or fly ash (one of the residues from coal production that would otherwise end up in landfills) to manufacture the kitchen countertops.
Combinations of the above materials are bonded together using a resin or epoxy-based glue and then finished off into the classic smooth, hard kitchen countertop surface.
Paper-Based Kitchen Countertops
These countertops, such as Richlite® and PaperStone™, are made by treating tree pulp with resin, then pressing and baking it to form solid sheets. The amount of recycled paper varies by product - in some cases, all of the paper comes from managed forests while others use up to 100% post-consumer recycled waste. The finished product is similar in consistency to hardwood but is much more durable. They are heat resistant up to 350F and generally scratch and stain resistant under normal use. These products come in solid colors only, some with a slightly mottled effect. The color is consistent all the way through the material.
Glass-Based Kitchen Countertops
These countertops, such as Vetrazzo® and EnviroSLAB™, use recycled glass and porcelain as their primary materials. The resin used to bind the materials can be colored as required, resulting in a wide array of color options for your kitchen countertop. With a smooth, polished finish similar in many ways to granite, this type of countertop is a great eco-friendly alternative to quarried stone. The material is heat and stain resistant, although use of cutting boards and heatproof pads is recommended (as with many other materials).
Cement-Rich Kitchen Countertops
These countertops, such as VitraStone or Lithistone, use a customized eco-friendly cement combined with other recycled materials such as glass and fly ash. They come in a variety of colors and, like the other kitchen countertop materials described above, offer a high degree of heat and stain resistance. As with stone-based countertops, regular sealing can help to protect the surface.
With a variety of different styles, these environmentally friendly kitchen countertops are a great alternative to traditional materials and can give an innovative look to your kitchen.
Sources: Various
Kitchen countertops are one of the most important visual and practical aspects of your kitchen.
Nowadays, there are several eco-friendly alternatives to traditional quarried or plastic-based materials. These green kitchen countertops are typically known as composite and/or recycled countertops.
Environmentally friendly kitchen countertops come from a variety of sources, such as recycled sinks, tubs and toilets, recycled glass and porcelain, and even recycled paper. Some also use scrap aluminum chips. These materials can be combined with cement or fly ash (one of the residues from coal production that would otherwise end up in landfills) to manufacture the kitchen countertops.
Combinations of the above materials are bonded together using a resin or epoxy-based glue and then finished off into the classic smooth, hard kitchen countertop surface.
Paper-Based Kitchen Countertops
These countertops, such as Richlite® and PaperStone™, are made by treating tree pulp with resin, then pressing and baking it to form solid sheets. The amount of recycled paper varies by product - in some cases, all of the paper comes from managed forests while others use up to 100% post-consumer recycled waste. The finished product is similar in consistency to hardwood but is much more durable. They are heat resistant up to 350F and generally scratch and stain resistant under normal use. These products come in solid colors only, some with a slightly mottled effect. The color is consistent all the way through the material.
Glass-Based Kitchen Countertops
These countertops, such as Vetrazzo® and EnviroSLAB™, use recycled glass and porcelain as their primary materials. The resin used to bind the materials can be colored as required, resulting in a wide array of color options for your kitchen countertop. With a smooth, polished finish similar in many ways to granite, this type of countertop is a great eco-friendly alternative to quarried stone. The material is heat and stain resistant, although use of cutting boards and heatproof pads is recommended (as with many other materials).
Cement-Rich Kitchen Countertops
These countertops, such as VitraStone or Lithistone, use a customized eco-friendly cement combined with other recycled materials such as glass and fly ash. They come in a variety of colors and, like the other kitchen countertop materials described above, offer a high degree of heat and stain resistance. As with stone-based countertops, regular sealing can help to protect the surface.
With a variety of different styles, these environmentally friendly kitchen countertops are a great alternative to traditional materials and can give an innovative look to your kitchen.
Sources: Various
