Save money over granite and be kind to your home planet. How? Pick a green kitchen countertop material when you remodel your kitchen.
These three green kitchen countertop options earn high marks for durability and style. And for value, compare them to the ubiquitous slab granite, which costs $60 to $100 per sq.ft.
1. Recycled paper countertops
Cost | Starts at $30/sq ft And, easy install = labor savings |
Lifespan | TBD because new on the scene, but likely a long time. |
- PaperStone is a brand that meets Forest Stewardship Council certification requirements for materials made with sustainable forest management practices and is VOC-free.
- Squak Mountain Stone is made from recycled paper, recycled glass, reclaimed fly ash, and cement; the finished countertop slabs resemble limestone and soapstone.
- EcoTop countertops consist of renewable bamboo fiber, post-consumer recycled paper, and water-based resin glue.
2. Reclaimed wood countertops
Cost | Starts at $40/sq ft |
Lifespan | Lifetime |
Starting at $40 per sq.ft., manufactured countertops made from reclaimed wood are typically more expensive than regular butcher block.
Wood’s a beauty. But it’s prone to water damage, needs occasional re-sealing (or frequent applications of mineral oil, which can be a hassle), and shouldn’t be installed directly next to a sink or dishwasher. So you’ll need to budget for a second material to use in your kitchen.
- Craft-Art includes a line of wood countertops made of reclaimed wood from older barns, warehouses, and commercial buildings.
- Endurawood fashions wood countertops from reclaimed fir and oak, including old wine vats.
3. Recycled glass countertops
- Vetrazzo makes countertops that are 85% recycled glass. Almost all the glass comes from curbside recycling programs.
- IceStone, which is 100% recycled glass in a cement substrate, meets Cradle to Cradle gold certification standards, meaning the products contain no problematic chemicals, the materials can be reutilized, and 50% of manufacturing was done with reusable energy.
kevin smith says
There are usually two different types of connections used. One is a slot like railing attached to the underside of the sink edge, with a few places along the slot that are slightly larger than the rest of the run.
http://www.allevaconstruction.com/services/kitchens.html
Solid wooden worktops says
Using solid wooden worktops would be a pleasant experience, as they are completely stain-free and easy to clean.