Among the best upgrades to a house: A kitchen remodel. And if you don’t have the time/cash/stomach for a major overhaul, updated cabinets and countertops are the way to go. What we’re talking about here is countertops – those seemingly simple surfaces for preparing the food, storing the coffee maker and stacking the dirty dishes.
But, like all home décor, counter materials slip in and out of vogue (while laminate is the cheapest option, few homeowners actually like the stuff these days; pricey marble and granite are among top picks). And different materials have vastly different levels of effectiveness: scratch resistance, bacteria resistance, heat resistance, and wearability.
Warning: Popular granite spells home resale value, but its high price also buys some serious problems. The material contains uranium and may release radon gas as it decays; the quarrying, processing and shipment of granite leaves a large environmental footprint, and the delicate material may require chemical treatments even after installation.
Alternatives include recycled glass and concrete. Icestone is one such product, manufactured (according to the company) with “100% recycled glass in a cement matrix, diverting hundreds of tons of glass from landfills each year.” The marble-look countertops come in two collections and a total of 31 color choices including an oceanic “Sapphire Snow” and a South of the border-inspired “Persimmon.”
One downside is that hot pots can burn the sealer on Icestone. Eco Terr, made from natural stone aggregate and/or recycled glass in a cement binder, promises high heat resistance. Slabs, in 14 earthy tones, look something like scattered beach glass.
Paper Composite sounds like an unlikely match for even the least-utilized kitchens, but in fact the material — a combination of waste paper, recycled paper, cellulose and resin –has a consistency similar to hardwood and can usually handle hot pots and pans up to 350 degrees. Richlite is made of paper pulp from managed forests and recycled paper. The material has been used in the aircraft tooling industry and skateparks, and the 5-feet by 12-feet sheets mean some kitchen islands can be installed without seams. Another option, Paperstone comes in three series including a 100% post-consumer recycled cardboard product and one that is made from 100% post-consumer recycled standard office paper and is certified to FSC standards. Colors in the later line include “Chocolate,” “Gunmetal” and “Plum.” The finish is made from beeswax, palm tree resin and food-grade mineral oil, none of which spew the harmful substances that are common in the standard issue products that off-gas toxins that have a detrimental effect on your indoor air quality (meaning your health).
Among the least expensive options? Laminate. Only this is not your 80s-era generic-looking counter top. Green-certified laminate, sourced from recycled plastic, nontoxic glues, and formaldehyde-free substrate, is easy to clean, stain resistant, and costs easily half the price of other countertops. Some research suggests that because plastic laminate is so dense, it’s unlikely to emit synthetic odors and so is safe for most chemically-sensitive people. However, the particle board to which laminate is affixed can release formaldehyde. VT Industries offers products that are made with no VOC adhesives, 100% post-consumer recycled cores and are GreenGuard Certified. So, the countertops may look like what you’re used to (though colors like “Coral Boomerang” and “Pumpkin” go a long way toward updating the finished product) but with greener, healthier materials, it’s a far cry from that same old kitchen.
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