Ecofriendly Materials: Kitchen Countertops
Going green in the kitchen opens the door to unusual countertop materials that are beautiful, durable and kind to the planet
I co-own departure: architecture planning interiors in Portland, Oregon, where I design both new residences and remodels. With a focus on forward-thinking sustainable designs, my preferred palette includes natural materials, simplicity, and playful contrasts.
I co-own departure: architecture planning interiors in Portland, Oregon,... More »
I recently learned that several universities now offer advanced degrees in Environmental Decision Making. I'm not surprised. Even after years of practicing sustainable design, I still find that sussing out the best green products can be challenging. There are many environmental factors to consider, plus there's a constant barrage of new, better, greener products. So, save for signing up for a postdoctorate program, what's a guy or gal to do?
Sorting through the countless choices of any building material can be made easier with the help of industry-independent organizations who give their approval, or certification, to products that meet the organization's guidelines for sustainability. For countertops, there are three meaningful certifications I seek:
Sorting through the countless choices of any building material can be made easier with the help of industry-independent organizations who give their approval, or certification, to products that meet the organization's guidelines for sustainability. For countertops, there are three meaningful certifications I seek:
- GreenGuard certifies building products for low chemical emissions, which improves indoor air quality.
- Cradle to Cradle focuses on products that are safe for both people and the planet, and are also designed for a long life cycle.
- The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) ensures that wood products come, in part, from responsibly harvested forests.
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by Kenny Grono
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| Salvaged Wood You'll feel good about your selection and add personality and richness from the wood's history. I look for wood that has a story — maybe it's salvaged from some iconographic building or even from the project's remodel. Just remember, wood is more susceptible to damage by water and heat, so it's best located away from the sink, dishwasher and range. An island is a good option. Cost: Varies More about wood countertops for the kitchen and bath |
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Butcher Block
Composed of smaller pieces of wood, butcher block can make great use of reclaimed or repurposed material. Sustainable butcher block can come from diverse sources, such as reclaimed shipping pallets or deconstructed buildings. Your knives will love this surface and, after it shows some age, you can just sand the wood a bit and refinish with a food-grade natural oil.
Cost: $30 to $85 per square foot for the material only
Composed of smaller pieces of wood, butcher block can make great use of reclaimed or repurposed material. Sustainable butcher block can come from diverse sources, such as reclaimed shipping pallets or deconstructed buildings. Your knives will love this surface and, after it shows some age, you can just sand the wood a bit and refinish with a food-grade natural oil.
Cost: $30 to $85 per square foot for the material only
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Bamboo
Bamboo's best green feature is that it's a rapidly renewable resource, plus it's naturally stronger and harder than most other hardwoods. Teragren, one of the best-known producers, offers an FSC-certified product called FSC-Pure. Be aware, though, that almost all commercial bamboo comes from China, so a lot of energy goes into transporting the product to the United States.
Cost: $26 to $36 per square foot for the material only
Bamboo's best green feature is that it's a rapidly renewable resource, plus it's naturally stronger and harder than most other hardwoods. Teragren, one of the best-known producers, offers an FSC-certified product called FSC-Pure. Be aware, though, that almost all commercial bamboo comes from China, so a lot of energy goes into transporting the product to the United States.
Cost: $26 to $36 per square foot for the material only
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| Recycled Paper Paperstone, one of several recycled paper countertop materials, is FSC certified and made of 100 percent postconsumer recycled paper, petroleum-free resin and pigment. It has a handsome monolithic appearance, and its feel is often compared to a warm, soft stone, like soapstone. The material is only heat resistant to 350 degrees, so you should exercise care with your hottest pans. Cost: $18 to $30 per square foot for the material only |
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| Squak Mountain Squak Mountain's countertop replicates the handsome and natural irregularities of stone with a mix of recycled paper and glass combined with cement. This is a stout and durable countertop; however, like stone or concrete, it is susceptible to staining and etching, so either use extra care or embrace the patina. Cost: $30 to $40 per square foot for the material only |
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| IceStone Recycled glass countertops vary greatly in appearance. IceStone, which is Cradle to Cradle certified, provides an opaque, refined character with its fine glass particles set in pigmented cement. Because the material is porous, recommendations call for sealing twice a year, so make sure you're up for the maintenance. Cost: $40 to $54 per square foot for the material only |
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Bio-Glass
Bio-Glass, another recycled glass countertop material with Cradle to Cradle certification, has an ethereal, translucent appearance, as it's made of 100 percent glass. As with all glass-based counters, it's not knife friendly, so keep your cutting boards handy.
Cost: $85 to $115 per square foot for the material only
Bio-Glass, another recycled glass countertop material with Cradle to Cradle certification, has an ethereal, translucent appearance, as it's made of 100 percent glass. As with all glass-based counters, it's not knife friendly, so keep your cutting boards handy.
Cost: $85 to $115 per square foot for the material only
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Resin
The recycled-content resin-based counter options from 3-Form never fail to spark imagination with their countless colors, finishes and patterns. Their products are all PVC free, and GreenGuard has certified the Varia EcoResin, Chroma, 100 Percent and Alabaster lines. The company walks the green talk by working toward zero waste and being carbon neutral.
Cost: $28 to $105 per square foot for the material only
The recycled-content resin-based counter options from 3-Form never fail to spark imagination with their countless colors, finishes and patterns. Their products are all PVC free, and GreenGuard has certified the Varia EcoResin, Chroma, 100 Percent and Alabaster lines. The company walks the green talk by working toward zero waste and being carbon neutral.
Cost: $28 to $105 per square foot for the material only
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Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is made of 60 percent recycled content and, because it can be recycled again and again, has an extended useful life. This product offers top-notch durability that stands up to even commercial kitchens and their rigorous standards for cleanliness. Perfectionists take note: Keeping stainless steel free of smudges and watermarks can be a chore.
Cost: $45 to $65 per square foot for the material only
More about stainless steel kitchen counters
Stainless steel is made of 60 percent recycled content and, because it can be recycled again and again, has an extended useful life. This product offers top-notch durability that stands up to even commercial kitchens and their rigorous standards for cleanliness. Perfectionists take note: Keeping stainless steel free of smudges and watermarks can be a chore.
Cost: $45 to $65 per square foot for the material only
More about stainless steel kitchen counters
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Concrete
Concrete counters can be a terrific green choice if they are sourced locally or cast in place (transporting heavy slabs great distances consumes a lot of energy). Also, look for low-impact aggregates, such as increased coal fly ash, and recycled glass or paper.
Cost: $60 to $75 per square foot for the material only (precast slabs)
Tell us: What is your favorite ecofriendly countertop?
More:
Kitchen Countertops 101: Choosing a Surface Material
Alternatives to Granite Countertops
Concrete counters can be a terrific green choice if they are sourced locally or cast in place (transporting heavy slabs great distances consumes a lot of energy). Also, look for low-impact aggregates, such as increased coal fly ash, and recycled glass or paper.
Cost: $60 to $75 per square foot for the material only (precast slabs)
Tell us: What is your favorite ecofriendly countertop?
More:
Kitchen Countertops 101: Choosing a Surface Material
Alternatives to Granite Countertops
Ideabook updated on Sept. 10, 2012.
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And I agree completely, carolynadk - source location is very important, especially with heavier materials, like concrete slabs and stone. Sounds like you were careful and well-informed. Nice work!
Keep breathing easy,
Mary
For the other surfaces recycled glass or wood is what I would use. Wood is especially useful for baking and looks handsome as well as has natural antiseptic properties.
The kitchen is a work space not a place for viewing. In other words a few scratches here and there just adds charm!
As it is translucent, it can be lit from underneath for a wonderful effect.
The sources I've found are not low cost- in the short run.
BUT, glass is not porous, needs no special maintenance, is heat PROOF, highly resistant to cracking, scratching... Should a problem occur, imperfections can be polished or buffed out.
It can be used as a cutting surface (although it may dull knives, it won't be harmed); can handle pots hot from the stove / oven.
I just wish it was included more often in your articles. With the high price-point, it is still not easily available.
As it is translucent, it can be lit from underneath for a wonderful effect.
The sources I've found are not low cost- in the short run.
BUT, glass is not porous, needs no special maintenance, is heat PROOF, highly resistant to cracking, scratching... Should a problem occur, imperfections can be polished or buffed out.
It can be used as a cutting surface (although it may dull knives, it won't be harmed); can handle pots hot from the stove / oven.
I just wish it was included more often in your articles. With the high price-point, it is still not easily available.
Local is the best. I had homeowners wanting eco friendly countertops made in Cali and wanted them shipped to Atlanta. That being said I explained to them that the carbon footprint would totally out way any eco friendly benefits. I have made concrete countertops with broken traffic light lenses as a mix and first started that back in 2001. Attention to Detail Home Remodeling has make custom wood countertops from fallen trees for our clients to just the simple granite.
One must understand that each type of countertop has it's PROS and CONS and here at ATD we really make the homeowner understand just this so it's not a surprise to anyone.
http://www.web-don.com/news/geos-recycled-glass-countertops/
David-