Countertops

by Christi Graham

Is there such a thing as a "green" countertop?

Most common countertops are built using Corian, plastic laminate (Formica), tile, and granite has been growing in popularity. Because of it's petroleum base, Corian and other solid machine-able counter materials are a poor ecological choice. Granite countertops, despite their great looks, are less-than-sustainable due to environmental damage caused by quarrying practices and the high embodied energy incurred by shipping this heavy item.

The ideal countertop material would have a solid, nonporous surface that is stain and scratch proof. This counter would be attachable by mechanical means - directly to the cabinet framing, avoiding the need for underlayment and adhesives. Of course, it would also be beautiful, inexpensive and available in a wide variety of colors. Unfortunately, all of these characteristics are not easily found in many single countertop options. However, recycled glass / lightweight cast concrete, recycled glass ceramic tiles and recycled plastic are excellent environmental choices for durable, nontoxic, resource efficient countertops.

Alternative Counter tops

Recycled glass / cast concrete

Counter Production, in Berkeley, manufactures counter tops called "Vetrazzo" made from recycled glass and cast concrete. The glass used is both post consumer as well as post industrial. Surfaces are polished as with terrazzo. The final product contains 80 to 95% post-consumer recycled content.

Uses

Include kitchen backsplashes, counter tops, bathroom counters, fireplace surrounds, shower bases or any other flat surface, such as a table top. The only limitation associated with this product is the custom fabrication.

Attributes

Health - These counter tops are an excellent option for those who would like to avoid glues used to adhere conventional countertops such as plastic laminate.

Environmental - Low impact environmentally as both the cement and glass used in this product contain recycled content. These countertops also help create end uses for hard to recycle types of glass.

Functional Characteristics

Features - Recycled glass countertops are available in a wide variety of colors - both single color and mixed for the glass, and several color choices for the cement it's embedded in. The size of the glass pieces are also optional.

Installation - A representative from Counter Production will conduct on-site measurements and install the finished countertop.

Maintenance - Minimal maintenance is required. To clean recycled glass countertops use a nontoxic all-purpose cleaner.

Performance / Durability - Recycled glass/cast concrete countertops are as durable as granite and less porous than marble. They also withstand heat, which makes it an excellent choice next to a stove.

Cost Factors - Recycled glass countertops are comparable in price to marble, granite or Corian.

Recycled Content Ceramic Tiles

Recycled content ceramic tiles can contain up to 70% recycled glass, are very durable, and often more moisture and stain resistant than traditional tiles.

Uses - include kitchen backsplashes, counter tops, bathroom counters, fireplace surrounds, shower bases or any other flat surface, such as table tops.

Attributes

Health - These counter tops are an excellent option for those who would like to avoid glues used to adhere conventional plastic laminate countertops such as Formica. Recycled content ceramic tiles offer an excellent solution for a healthy home.

Environmental - This material has a relatively low impact environmentally, as the glass used in this product contains recycled content.

Functional Characteristics

Features - Ceramic tiles are available In a wide variety of colors, sizes and textures to choose from. Choosing the largest tiles available will reduce the number of grout joints - as grout is subject to staining and mold growth.

Installation - Ceramic tiles with recycled glass install with standard tools. Use a low VOC, water based grout sealant to increase resistance to moisture and staining.

Maintenance - Minimal maintenance is required. Tiles with integral color will disguise chips that occur during use.

Performance / Durability - Ceramic tiles offer a very hard, scratch resistant surface

Cost Factors - Recycled content ceramic tiles are considered equivalent to a mid-priced tile.

Manufacturers

Blazestone - by Bedrock Industries. Blazestone tiles are made from 100%recycled glass, most of which is post consumer content.

Environmental Stone - by Environmental Stone Products is manufactured from 100% post-consumer recycled glass. Standard colors and textures are available including looks that resemble natural stone

Decorative Architectural Tiles - by Peak Creations makes tile of 100% recycled post consumer waste glass. Tiles come in blue, green and clear.

Terra Stone - by Terra Green Ceramics. Terra green ceramic tiles are made with 58% recycled aviation glass. Terra Classic and Terra Traffic (slip resistant) are both available in 17 colors and several sizes. Terra Stone is available in four hand-rubbed colors, two sizes and with matching trim.

For current contact information for manufacturers and distributors, please visit < georgebeeler.com >

Recycled Plastic

Recycled plastic countertop material can be obtained in a wide variety of colors, patterns and textures. Some plastic countertop manufacturers provide a product that looks similar to a terrazzo, while another compresses yogurt containers and aluminum to produce a look that is entirely unique. These offer a very durable, moisture resistant alternative to traditional counters. The percentage of recycled content will vary, depending on the manufacturer and your style preference.

Uses - include kitchen backsplashes, counter tops, bathroom counters, fireplace surrounds, shower bases or any other flat surface, such as table tops.

Attributes

Health - These counter tops are an excellent option for those who would like to avoid glues used to adhere conventional plastic laminate countertops such as Formica. Solid plastic countertop material is fairly stable and has not been identified as a source of indoor air pollution.

Environmental - Using Recycled plastics keeps plastics and other non-biodegradable materials out of the waste stream and landfills.

Functional Characteristics

Maintenance - Minimal maintenance is required. Counter surfaces with integral color will disguise any chipping that occurs during use. Minor scratches can be sanded out.

Performance / Durability - Recycled plastic countertops offer a very hard, durable surface that is moisture resistant. Countertop material should last 10 years minimum.

Cost Factors - still researching price ranges for this material

Manufacturers

Avonite - by Avonite is a non-porous solid surface countertop made from a blend of acrylic or polyester resins and a mineral filler. This creates a surfacing material that looks like stone but cuts like wood. The grain pattern goes all the way through allowing for three dimensional shaping. Avonite is available in over 65 colors.

Armstone Splask! - by PermaGrain Products, Inc. is a terrazzo-like cast marble made of waste Tennessee marble chips and pieces of brightly colored recycled plastic bound in a resin. The counter slabs are cut and finished with a variety of edge profiles and are available in two patterns.

Other Suggestions

Other sustainable countertop options include using natural linoleum - (see < jan's doc > for further information on this product), butcher block counter tops, or bamboo, which is resilient even in high moisture areas of the home. (see < cg's doc > for further information) Of course, salvaged material such as copper or wood provide greener alternatives to traditional counters as well.

Considerations

If choosing granite countertops, use locally quarried and dressed stone.

If selecting Formica, or other plastic laminates, fasten to carcass with metal fasteners and seal all exposed edges and surfaces of particle board with at least two coats of a low VOC vapor barrier.

References

Architectural Resource Guide - David Kibbey / Architects/Designers/Planners for Social Responsibility

Prescriptions for a Healthy Home by Paula Baker, AIA, Erica Elliot, MD and John Banta

Green Spec - Environmental Building News Product Directory and Guideline Specifications