Healthy and Sustainable Countertop Ideas

If you’re planning a kitchen remodel and want to replace your countertops in the process, there’s good news: there are quite a few options out there that are manufactured with sustainability and health in mind, while not compromising on performance and style. We’ve pulled together a list of five options for you that are distinct in their design while they have less of an impact on the environment than other countertop options.

Lapitec Sintered Stone

Lapitec is durable and long lasting, as well as being heat and scratch resistant. It also resists acid and alkalis (which can etch some other natural stones), and has no porousness which makes it resistant to moisture, stains, bacteria and mold. It’s long lasting and low maintenance and requires no special seals or cleaners. Another benefit: unlike engineered quartz and granite, Lapitec contains little to no crystalline silica in its composition. Crystalline Silica can be toxic if its inhaled in the form of dust, which has become a growing concern for workers in the industry as they manufacture it. Instead, it’s created when natural minerals are exposed to extreme pressure and temperature, and requires no binding agents, inks, or dyes. It’s color stable and recyclable! Plus, it comes in nine finishes and a range of colors. Finishes range from smooth and velvety to a rugged look that emulates natural stone.

Altrock Solid Surface

Altrock is a solid surface that combines byproducts of marble manufacturing — marble dust, chips and chunks — with pigmented resin. Slabs are cast by hand in all shapes and sizes, then sealed with a wax oil that dries to a matte finish. The wax finish deepens and highlights the veining of the marble chunks, and provides a durable, waterproof finish that can handle heat and resist stains. Altrock is available in a wide range of colors. The marble part of it is subject to availability because it’s reclaimed, but the background can be customized. Altrock fits well in any home: it can add drama to a minimalist design or it can add interest to an eclectic space! Care for it like you would a marble surface: acidic spills should be wiped up immediately, and clean with soap and water or a mild cleaner (no bleach).

IceStone Recycled Glass Countertops

IceStone is made from three core ingredients: cement, recycled glass and nontoxic pigments. The recycled glass gives IceStone its terrazzo look. While it’s strong, it’s not as durable as Durat or Lapitec. Acids and strong alkaline cleaning products will etch it, and it’s porous like natural stone and must be periodically sealed. The good news is that it’s available in 17 colors ranging from contemporary jewel tones to classic neutrals!

Richlite Paper Countertops

Richlite is made from 65% recycled paper and 35% resin. Workers saturate rolls of paper with resin, then stack and compress them under heat and pressure. The process bonds the layers of paper together and cures the resin, resulting in a solid, stable material. Richlite can withstand heat up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, is fire resistant and extremely durable in high-traffic areas. Darker substances like wine and beets could stain it if they’re left on the countertop. Over time, Richlite will show scratches, similar to stainless or wood countertops. You can always sand and reseal the countertop if it bothers you. It’s available in three colors and several different finishes. All you need to clean it is warm water and a sponge with mild soap.

Durat Solid Surface

Durat contains up to 30% recycled plastic collected from the medical and cellphone industries. The waste is granulated, giving Durat its distinct speckled look. The final product is also 100% recyclable. In fact, the company reclaims its own material from old client projects and uses it to make new slabs of recycled Durat. Its solid surface is resistant to wear, heat, humidity and various kinds of chemicals and household substances. Scratches and other marks can be removed with a quick polish. Deeper scratches can be lightly sanded, and cracks can be filled to make the surface look like new. There are more than 300 standard background colors in a range of textures and with different color speckles, as well as the option to create custom colors

There are a lot of countertop options out there, which makes choosing the perfect counter for your lifestyle a lot easier (or harder, if you’re not a fast decision maker!). Hopefully, this blog either introduced you to five new options or taught you a little bit more about some options you may have already been aware of. If you’re still unsure of what could be the best fit for you, you can always give us a call. We can walk you through what options would be best for your lifestyle!