Year long counter top indecison. Help!

11 years ago

I've waited a year for counters, using plywood with clear contact paper in the meanwhile, because EVERYTHING seems so environmentally degrading it kills my heart. Soapstone would look great in our historic house but I cannot get past the eco issues. Everything is bad for the environment, and all I can see are the cons. It would be easier to care less about these issues, but that is like telling someone to care less about God. It just is a part of me. If anybody can find some pros or a way to help me move forward with this project, I'm all ears.

Regarding the picture: We will put 100 year old salvage subway tiles for back splash. Installed hand forged iron handles. Will donate old granite remnant you see in pic. It is temporary. We have a 100 year old farm table, vintage bench and chairs, and audubon print in this room too.

Here are my countertop cons:

* Granite, quartz, marble, soapstone: non-renewable resources, contaminated pools and run off, impacts downstream water quality, eyesore hack apart a mountain. (Google image soapstone quarries.)

* Corian, icestone, paperstone, and other composites: Synthetic plastic binders and resins, and/or energy intensive processes to make and transport. I question the longevity of paperstone. I have read poor reviews.

* Formica, laminate: Yes plastic, but a very thin layer - good. But, I cannot get past the look. People say you cannot tell. I have been to the show rooms and I can tell. Plus, the adhesives seem awful.

* Wood: Seems a great option but we have reclaimed wood floors, wood cabinets; I think wood counters will be too much. Much butcher block has overseas transit, unsustainable forestry. Reclaimed counter people never call me back. This is for a sink area and all the pictures I see are for islands. I worry about wear around the sink.

* Tile. Best eco option. Concerned about cracking and dirt in grout lines. Does not seem like fun to cook on and I love to cook.

* Salvaged: I have scoured craigslist for a year looking for salvaged tops. Nada.

There you have it. Thanks in advance for your input.

Featured Answer

PRO

Decorative Philosophy

11 years ago

We leave a footprint no matter how "eco" we try to be.
Our bodies are filled with poisons no matter how "organic" we eat.
If we would only change things when they are broken, soiled beyond cleaning or for reasons of accommodating loved ones, then the world would be a better place.
You are doing just fine with all your repurposing. Relax and be a little ( ok, a lot), kinder to yourself.
If 50% of us living in the US were 50% as conscientious as you are then we'd be living in such a better place.
Relax and get the counter you really want and feel good about all that you DIDN'T consume.
Regards,
Karen & Joseph
for Decorative Philosophy

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Comments (84)

Wendy Klein
11 years ago
I redid my condo kitchen just over a year ago. When it came time for the backsplash I was worried about the grout being damaged by my teenage son not cleaning up after cooking. I talked to a person at a tile company and they recommended adding a sealer to the grout-it added $50-$100 to the cost-and may not be completely environmentally perfect but it WORKS and grout is a small area relatively speaking. I think you should consider this for around your sink.

I redid my cottage kitchen this past summer with Maple countertops-oiled-but i havn't gotten arround to oiling them and wish we had done the area behind the sink with tile or cambria. In fact reading this i think if that part of the wood goes bad i will just replace a section around the sink with something more waterproof.

Note that the cambria countertop at our condo was dulled in front of the cooktop within 2 weeks by cooking oils.-I havn't gotten around to figuring out how to replace the shine or deshine the rest of the counter to match-(the shiny top is hard to keep shiny and you have to be careful with what you use on it, I would be just as happy with the less shiny finish)

Sometimes it is necessary to flip a coin and make a decision with the realization that there is NO PERFECT.

Best of luck in your decision.
Janet Holmes
11 years ago
I applaud you for your conscientious environmental concerns! That being said, every day we consume products that impact our environment in some manner. Whatever countertop you choose, you will get many years of use. As you love to cook, I suggest you choose something that will endure abuse over time, be aesthetically pleasing and will not cause you maintenance headaches that will require use of more environmentally harmful products to maintain or necessitate replacement in less time.
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PRO
Business_Name_Placeholder
11 years ago
i do love the fact that you are conscientious of the environment. there are pluses and minuses to all the options. the harder surfaces increase the possibilities of glassware and dinnerware shattering if they slip out of your hands. the softer surfaces can be difficult to keep clean. in the past i have had tiles and did not like the choice. now i have corian and i love it. it does not meet your environmentally friendly requirements but i wanted to share my thought if it might help.
snowedin1
11 years ago
Transceramica makes a great tile that is 5 feet by 10 feet. It is called 'Maximum". You can fabricate counter tops and have no grout lines. There are many choices, some look like marble. You must find a fabricator that knows what they are doing to get the edges properly supported.
diyer59
11 years ago
There is a point when you have make the best decision. Make it, enjoy it.
qam999
11 years ago
Rectified ceramic with epoxy grout....it is much more resistant to stains. (Just a little more challenging for the installer but no problem for a tile pro.)

And thanks for all you are doing, and your leadership in sustainability. You are a great example to all of us.
ohsuyque
11 years ago
No tile, you will eventually hate the grout and wonder if there are germs harboring there. I vote for concrete or stainless steel. then you know you can keep it germ free.
Rosanne
11 years ago
Beth, that vetrazzo site is great! Love how they tell you where the glass comes from. Bookmarked for my next house :)
Gayle Falkenthal
11 years ago
I wholeheartedly, enthusiastically endorse Vetrazzo. I was forced (!) to remodel a kitchen gutted down to the frame due to mold. I had to be budget conscious, but the one splurge I made was for the Vetrazzo countertops. I have never made a better remodeling decision. It's eye popping, it's durable, it cleans like a dream, it's low maintenance and it's eco friendly. I've had it five years and it still looks brand new. I barely even wipe it off! I took a few photos just now so you can take a look. This is a very average small suburban cookie cutter kitchen, and not even cleaned up from today's meals.
Gayle Falkenthal
11 years ago
The color is Charisma Blue with Patina. Yes, I have a black sink. It's awesome.
Beth H. :
11 years ago
Love that Gayle!! I have the Vetrazzo in Bistro Green in my bathroom and just love it!! I scored and got a remnant. Had a piece left over and made a table!! Made the mirror frame too (chestnut)
Gayle Falkenthal
11 years ago
Fantastic, Beth, it's stunning. I should have done my bathroom too, but it would have been a bit pricey. Oh well, in my next life!
nanumac
11 years ago
My last house had glass tile countertops made from recycled glass with epoxy grout. Grout maybe not so green but does not absorb any liquid and does not stain. Easy maintenance. But tile is lumpy. I prefer a surface I can work on. Now I have a line of the Zodiaq quartz countertops made with recycled glass fragments besides the quartz. Per manufacturer: 'Quartz is a common by-product of the mining and glass industries. When we collect and process it, we're using waste that would otherwise end up in a landfill.' ( That's my justification anyway). Absolutely the easiest care ever. Is somewhat brittle compared to granite, though - I have a small chip in edge in the kitchen counter.
queenbee333
11 years ago
Have you considered a terrazo countertop using recycled glass? It uses less new product in its installation and is incredibly durable. Plus, it is one-of-a-kind, since you are adding the colors and shapes of glass you want.
User
11 years ago
Have you considered zinc? Could be a nice fit for your heritage home. See https://www.houzz.com/magazine/think-zinc-for-kitchen-countertops-stsetivw-vs~3065082 We're considering zinc for our island countertop- but admit to not having hands-on experience (yet!)
RotoMetals has some good Youtube how-to videos if you are into DYI. Prices on website seem reasonable. http://www.rotometals.com/ZINC-SHEETS-s/29.htm
iztheliz
11 years ago
We have ECO countertops from Lowes. Their made from 75% recycled product such as glass, bottles and porcelain. We love them. Their very durable and stain resistant. I would highly recommend it. Usually you can catch it on sale which is a better deal.
Mary Bogdanovich
11 years ago
I really like using very large porcelain tiles with tiny grout lines. I think the use of cork is very fascinating and am going to exoeriment. Granite has its upside, too. But, don't dare drop a glass. I, personlly, like clean looks, few grout lines, easy care. I'm through with slavery as a choice! Nicht gut. Life is good. Worth living to the max every second. Time flies by soo fast. I am the opposite of a "trendie." Live, love, laugh and be happy and grateful! (I explored uing zinc as counter tops many years ago. Then it was very difficult to accomplish.)
coolelk
11 years ago
So many choices and too many imaginary worries! You're going to worry yourself to an early grave. My 1st choice would be the soapstone & then 2nd would be concrete. I see beauty in stone quarries and the imagination and ingenuity of man. Just think of the engineering involved. How much more gorgeous can it get?
Lanitra Bynum
11 years ago
Light gray Quartz would be nice
User
11 years ago
Didn't read through comments.
Have you considered slab porcelain?
pcmom1
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Zinc, or large tiles, or.... sooner or later you just have to make a choice and stop beating yourself up. What does hubby vote for?
siouxxie
11 years ago
I'd stay away from grout--nothing environmentally safe about what it takes to keep it clean. Corian is great but...it's a petroleum product. The recycled glass is a fine idea but...every one I've seen is so busy.

Seems like zinc or stainless would be the best choice.

Btw, what kind of carpeting do you have? Talk about not Eco-friendly! Haha. We did find (and have installed in all of our carpeted rooms) a carpet made by Monsanto (I know i know !) called Everstrand that is 50% recycled plastic water bottles. It's great, and good for my asthma and allergies too.

Good luck!
PRO
Wyland Interior Design Center
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
I didn't get a chance to read all of the posts above. However, if you go with a tile there is ABSOLUTELY NO WORRIES with Laticrete Spectralock Epoxy grout. It NEVER needs to be sealed. Permanently resistant to stains, mold and mildew. This grout is extremely hard and doesn't crack or chip out like your old grout. I specify it for kitchens and bathrooms all the time. This brand is far easier to work with than other epoxy brands. It is considered a commercial grout. I have used it for years, in many of my restaurant interior design projects and is considered environmentally safe.

* Stainproof.*
* Inhibits the growth of stain-causing mold and mildew in the
grout joints with Microban® antimicrobial product
protection.
* 80 minutes working time at 70°F (21°C).
* Ideal for installations at wide temperature ranges.
* Uniform color—no blotchiness or shading.
* Easy to maintain, cleanable to the original color.
* Tough, durable, and crack resistant.
* Outperforms cement based grout.
* Non-sag formula for walls and floors.
PRO
Wyland Interior Design Center
11 years ago
I'm an authorized dealer for J. Aaron Wood Countertops.
http://www.jaaronwoodcountertops.com/

Their website states............In the production of our wood countertops we use wood from sustainably harvested forests with much of it certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. This process is still in its infancy so not all lumber is certified due to complications in the procedures and storage of the lumber. In efforts to go beyond this we offer Lyptus, a brand name lumber which is 100% sustainably grown in special forests. Even the mills that process the boards are operated on the unusable remnants of the trees. We also offer reclaimed lumber which has been gathered from construction tear downs and from river beads.

J. Aaron Wood Countertops offer several different sealing options for their wood countertops. They have one that they warrant to be used around a sink area.

Sealing information: http://www.jaaronwoodcountertops.com/wood-countertop-product-information/sealing-butcher-block-countertops.html#.VETCDhaRP8Q
magada
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Well carole, at some point you are going to have to accept the fact that whatever you decide on is going to have a negative environmental impact to some degree.
Also tiling isn't that friendly either as it takes at least one hour in a kiln at well over 1000°C to produce, but if you have a local manufacturer then that solution will balance out a bit.

Another thing is that your work surface seems to be pretty small so won't be using an enormous amount of whatever.
I also have the same concerns as you do and my future new house will also have the smallest kitchen space possible and the 3M or so of countertop (not counting cooktop and sink) will consist of a stainless steel surround for the cooktop for heat resistance to hot pots and pans, and the rest will be fitted in seasoned recycled hard wood by a local carpenter, part of it end grained, butcher's block style, quoted at just 260 € which was a very pleasant surprise.
Apart for being esthetically pleasing, these choices are the most hygienic, long lasting and sustainable that i've been able to narrow down to and i don't at all mind eventual patina and a used look. Ask any chef and butcher about these two materials, theres a good reason why they are time honored professional preferences.

Another best good solution for you could be to have a concrete top fabricated in situ if your budget can run to it.

One thing that struck me though, and i don't mean to offend you at all, but does'nt that oversized fridge cause you any qualms about it's fabrication and energy voracity ?
I myself would just love to have a blue+white Big Chill standing proudly in my kitch but it's totally out of the question for me for these very reasons, plus of course the fact that i'm in Europe, so that shipping UGH.

Anyhow, as has been already said, ease up a bit on this one, your heading in the right direction and this is far from the worst compromise to your ethic that you'll have to be making in life.
You're stressing yourself out and making your life miserable when you could be investing positive energy in far more important issues.
Mary Lee
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
I agree with the woman from Wyland Design Center. I've had formica (twice), tile (twice), and granite (three times). The tile was the best! I don't know what grout was used (it was in the house when we bought it) but there were absolutely no issues, and we were in that house for 17 years. I have granite now and feel as if my kitchen looks like everyone else's. We plan a remodel and will use tile.
norfolkbroad
11 years ago
I would definitely go for a safe recycled product if acceptable and available. Otherwise I've been told that polished concrete is a good option. No idea why this is eco-friendly or not.
magada
11 years ago
Well i think that as long as the concrete top is made on site it can be one of the lesser evils.

What i find funny about it is that a decade ago it was totally unacceptable, ecologically speaking, but since, the cement barons having done a massive greenwashing process of the product and i don't know about the USA, but in France it's actually now been acclaimed as a "noble" material in the architectural world, term which was recently reserved for wood, stone, adobe and other natural materials which do not pollute and/or use massive amounts of energy for production.
magada
11 years ago
Anecdote :

A couple of years ago, Bouygues, our major cement manufacturer, was contracted for the construction of the base of one of our nuclear reactors.
After inspection this was found to be faulty, reason : a few tons of the cement used had become inert due to careless storage conditions.
Not only were there no sanctions but they didn't even lose the contract or have any financial penalization whatsoever.
Martin Bouygues just happens to be best buddy of Nicholas Sarkozy, our then Monsieur le President, but of course that was just sheer coincidence.

Reassuring to know that our lives are in such capable hands.
pcmom1
11 years ago
Lots of good advice here. Bet your head is exploding. Did find some of the posts warning about tile, and germ laden grout, a little humorous as that I prepared meals for 20+ years on tile (small tiles and wide grout) and somehow my family never got food poisoned.
Nellie
11 years ago
Thank you to all who responded to my query about counter tops. We are pretty much set on our choice - quartz.
goodewyfe
11 years ago
Someone else mentioned stainless steel and I think that might be the solution. It is not too expensive and it is used in restaurant kitchens - I assume that means it is durable and easy to keep clean.
pcmom1
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
You will love the quartz. I waited 24 years before remodeling our kitchen (hated the busy orange oak cabinets). We reused the cabinets and painted them to be "green", but we also choose quartz for both the countertop and the island. Zero maintenance and many choices. Zodiaq has the widest slab width in case you are doing a very large island.

If you choose a style with much movement, be sure to inspect the slab (that is what I learned from another posting!). We choose Cambria Sussex and a creamy one by Zodiaq. I love them both!

Cambria Sussex:
Calvert Residence · More Info
pcmom1
11 years ago
Cambria Aargon:
https://www.houzz.com/photos/1960s-lake-oswego-home-traditional-kitchen-portland-phvw-vp~344737
alicejean
11 years ago
Loved the comments by Jan Moyer. Geez, make a decision!
pcmom1
11 years ago
Sounds like the poster and husband have made a decision.
Rachel H
11 years ago
I don't know if you're anywhere near NJ but there's this awesome place that sells recycled/pre-owned kitchens, complete with countertops:

http://greendemolitions.com/find/

Kitchen Trader appears to be expanding to more locations as well:

http://www.kitchentrader.com/
PRO
User
11 years ago
Concrete, hands down.
lbberry1
11 years ago
I'm surprised no one mentioned Marmoleum.
Debra Handel
11 years ago
Use the soapstone. It will last over 100years making it a lot less wasteful than other materials.
Kendrah
Original Author
11 years ago
I BOUGHT COUNTER TOPS TODAY!

Hurray. Thank the lord. Break out the champagne. Want to know what they are? Drum roll please... Salvaged marble taken from the shower stall walls of a very old fire station that was being demolished just a few miles from my house. They are an inch thick and will need to have a seam. They have some scratches and look quite imperfect, which makes me really happy as I will not have to worry about messing them up; they come pre-blemished. When I look at them, I will not think of chopped apart mountains but rather strapping young firemen. I feel very good about them.

It is so true what people wrote about how ridiculous it is that I spent so much time thinking about this. It is not that it was on my mind daily for a year. I'd leave it for a few months and then come back. I do think that pondering (frankly obsessing sometimes) over my house is where I store my anxious energy over other serious life matters. I wonder if anyone else can relate? It is my outlet. A guilty pleasure that sometimes feels out of control neurotic. Better than heroine or booze I guess!

Here is an up close picture of the marble, mind you it needs some cleaning. I will post when they are finally installed. And by the way, PCmom1, I think your green tile was fabulous! Thanks everyone for so much input.
boundsgreener
11 years ago
Oh, if those soon-to-be countertops could talk!!! Great find, good decision. Enjoy.
pcmom1
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Love the story behind those countertops! Maybe add some turn of the century firehouse art to the walls.
Firehouse House Kitchen · More Info
PRO
Cancork Floor Inc.
11 years ago
Yeah Carol! Sounds like a perfect fit! The 3 Rs are just that "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle". You've done all of them! Enjoy your marble. No more delay. Whew!
knorine
11 years ago
What is wrong with granite? Comes from the earth, goes back to the earth when crushed and recycled.
Better than plastic, which is man made and does not make Mother Earth happy!
printesa
11 years ago
@knorine, granite comes from the earth, but it's not renewable. Once it is removed, that's it. It's not the greenest option
Maribeth
11 years ago
I'd love to see the finished product. LOVE the story of how you acquired your marble.
Cheyenne Hallie
9 years ago
Thank you for your question. Let's keep asking them.

My tile countertops are beautiful and durable, take our hottest pan don't stain. The grout, though. That grout! We aren't great at maintenance and the tiles were installed directly on plywood. It has molded, cracked, fallen out, stained. I have read that you can use stronger-than-grout (forget the name) although I can't vouch for its eco-cred. Good luck
Ann DeLuca
4 years ago
Another con for granite is that it can emit radon and radon gas into the home and therfore, cause possible health problems such as cancer. Radon is a top cause of cancer in non-smokers. If you have granite, you should be doing radon checks.
Ann DeLuca
4 years ago
Make certain that you read about radon in granite countertops from a source that is not vested in ”selling” radon. Moreover, granite often comes from the Granite Mountains in New Hampshire where there are high levels of radon. Please discount information from those that have a vested interest—those selling granite countertops. Quartz has zero emissions of any radon. It’s a safer and less concerning choice. Further, you do not have to seal quartz every year. Do your research before you buy.

Year long counter top indecison. Help!

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