Paperstone counters

17 years ago

Has anyone installed Paperstone counters? I was at the home of an acquaintance, and complimented her on her black counters and asked them what they were. She told me that they had done the kitchen "green" and that the counters were Paperstone. They looked like any other counter to me. When I did a web search later, I read that they are made of 100% post-consumer recycled paper.

My architect told me that the only negative she knows about it is that you have to purchase it in standard sizes, so depending on the size of the counter, that might or might not work well for someone.

Does anyone have any experience with this?

Thank you!

Here is a link that might be useful: FAQs on Paperstone by its manufacturer

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Comments (4)

smilingjudy
17 years ago
I have Richlite, which is basically the same thing by a different manufacturer. I don't understand your architect's point about 'standard' sizes. I purchased slabs and my fabricator fit them to my kitchen. In one area, my top is extra deep (probably 29") and that was no problem either because the slabs are wider than that. Maybe Paperstone is different.

My fabricator (who owns a green building supply store) opts for Richlite because even though it isn't AS green as Paperstone, he believes it's a more stable product.

"finished" thread with pics of my tops

HTH
hestia_flames
17 years ago
Make sure that you get samples - we did, and found that the Paperstone varied considerably depending on color. Some were much more durable than others (some scratched very easily.) We also looked at EcoTop, which is a new product created by the initial creator of Paperstone. Be sure to research the binder - the EcoTop binder was much more Earth and people friendly (this may have changed in the half year since we did the research.) We very much liked the samples of the EcoTop. They were very durable. We also liked all the information on line about them being very consumer doable. However, it is now only being sold through distributors which sell to fabricators, which made the price point fall out of our reach - if we disregarded the environmental benefits, why not just get soapstone slabs and do it ourselves at that cost? So we ended up with butcher block from Ikea, making sure that the wood was a sustainable species. I was disappointed that they no longer sold to individuals, as I really liked their black which looked very much like and oiled soapstone (they can be fabricated with runnels) so I am linking to the EcoTop so you can see their product as well.

Here is a link that might be useful: EcoTop gallery
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plants4
17 years ago
The Paperstone samples are horrible -- they are small pieces that look like plastic (and cost $5!). But if you see Paperstone installed, it's beautiful. It has a soft warm feel to it and the slight scratches I've seen didn't bother me -- it was patina not problem (like soapstone). I think the black is the only color that doesn't change over time; I believe that's what the Paperstone website says.

It is expensive, however, and apparently so if shipping is involved.
palimpsest
17 years ago
By 'standard sizes' I believe the architect means 'by the full sheet' so, if a full sheet is (and I don't know off hand I am selecting a size:)

So, if a full sheet is 36" x 120" (30 sq feet), and you you need 40 sq feet, you are going to have to buy two sheets totalling 60 sq feet and eating the cost of the 20 extra square feet.