Eco Friendly Countertops

When discussing countertops, you should also know that there are some eco friendly options.  Today, we will explore some of the options so you have a general awareness of what is available.

 

IceStone is one of the most popular recycled countertops out there. Recycled glass countertops vary greatly in appearance. Cradle to Cradle certified, it 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 prepared for the maintenance. Cost: $60 to $100 per square foot for the material

 

Cosentino’s Eco line consists of 75 percent postindustrial or postconsumer materials, such as mirror, glass, porcelain, earthenware, and vitrified ash. Even 94% of the water used in its manufacturing process is re-used. These properties nabbed them a Cradle to Cradle Silver and Greenguard certification. Its nonporous surface needs no sealing. Cost: $60-120 per square foot for material

 

Concrete counters can be a terrific green choice if they are sourced locally or cast in place. Cost: $60 to $75 per square foot for the material

 

Recycled paper countertops such as Paperstone, is FSC certified and made of 100 percent postconsumer recycled paper, petroleum-free resin and pigment. 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 hot pans. Cost: $30-$50 per square foot for material

 

Squak Mountain Stone started as a grad school project on sustainable design. The hand-cast slabs are made of recycled paper and glass bound with low-carbon cement.

This is a heavy duty 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

 

Bio-Glass, another recycled glass countertop material with Cradle to Cradle certification, has a 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

 

Tell me: What is your favorite ecofriendly countertop? Email me at jessica@webbercoleman.com

Unique countertops: Copper

            Besides quartz, granite, marble and wood, there are many other materials being used for countertops today. One of the more unique materials being used is copper. Copper countertops can be used to create a traditional old-world feel or a more modern design.

 

Color: It is reddish brown in color that changes and develops over time. Copper tops are a living surface and will react to its surroundings and develop a patina depending on use and care. You can polish it on a weekly basis to keep a rich brown color or allow it to develop a patina of burnished brown-black with green flecks.

 

Care: Copper has natural antimicrobial properties. A recent British study discovered that E coli survived on stainless steel for 34 days while it only lasted for 4 hours on copper. A light application of olive oil keeps copper tops relatively stain-free. Nothing can prevent acids from etching and discoloring copper. You must be ok with the changing color as part of its natural charm. It may sound surprising, but copper is relatively simple to clean. A mixture of lemon juice and salt will scour it well (be sure to rinse afterward), but you can also get by with warm water and a squirt of ordinary dish soap. Dry the surface thoroughly and wax or oil it periodically to keep it in the best possible shape.

 

Cons: Because it's soft, copper is easily marred by knives and heavy pots and is susceptible to everyday wear and tear. Although these often can be buffed out, some people enjoy the sense of age that results. If you're really concerned about dents, opt for a hammered or otherwise distressed finish, which won't show them nearly as prominently.

 

Cost: Copper countertops don’t come cheap. The average cost ranges from $100 to $175 per square foot installed. It takes skill to affix copper sheeting properly to a substrate. It’s probably best to leave this project to the professional.

 

Cool: You may have seen some floor or countertop pictures floating around where pennies have been used. This is a unique application, as well, though time consuming. Hammered or left smooth, the variety of looks you can achieve with copper countertops is endless.

So, what do you think about copper countertops? Would you consider using them in your kitchen? Shoot me an email and share your thoughts at Jessica@webbercoleman.com