5 Eco-Friendly Countertops for your Remodeling Project

Homeowners have a multitude of choices to make when taking on any remodeling project. Price, color, and durability are all factors in the homeowners’ choices. The earth-conscious home remodeler now has more options than ever for eco-friendly countertops with advances in manufacturing and materials. These 5 earth-friendly materials are among the most popular choices today:

Glass

Recycled glass can come in many different forms, and various brand names help designate the amount of reused materials. Icestone, for example, is composed of 100% recycled glass mixed with cement. Other brands mix crushed glass with a binder, such as concrete or clear acrylic. Glass countertops offer high heat, stain, and scratch resistance. Suggested maintenance does require applying a sealant twice a year. Glass countertops can cost upwards of $50 per square foot, a price comparable to granite or quartz.

Cork

Cork is harvested from cork trees, and its natural purpose is to act as the tree’s defense and immune system. It also makes a high-quality and sustainable countertop surface. Cork is scratch-resistant and advertised as “self-healing” because of how the material adapts to impacts and scratches over time. One big downside is that cork is porous, and stains easily and can harbor bacteria if not maintained through application of mineral oil or beeswax at least twice a year. The look and feel of cork is comparable to bamboo or other woods. Pricewise, cork is rather affordable, starting around $30 per square foot.

Bamboo

Bamboo is a warm option that comes at a higher cost, and also comes with some serious negatives. The material can warp, stain, and scratch if not treated gently. One recommendation to help remove stains is to apply salt to the stain and then drip a bit of water over the salt, let sit for a few minutes, and then wipe away. Bamboo does require application of a mineral oil from time to time. On a more positive note, bamboo is cheaper than other options starting around $30 per square foot.

Paperstone

Paperstone countertops are made from post-consumer recycled paper and other fibers that are all held together by plastic resin. It is a durable material that is resistant to heat, stains, and scratches. Paperstone does require sealing at least once a year and cannot be cleaned with any harsh cleaners. At its base price, paperstone will run about $59 per square foot.

Reclaimed Wood

Wood countertops brighten up a kitchen and are durable. It requires annual sealing in order to keep the counters at their very best, and wood provides a sanitary food prep surface if sealed properly – even when dealing with raw meat. Reclaimed wood is one of the ultimate eco-friendly materials, as repurposing old doors, barn siding, or driftwood into a counter gives new life to an old item. Prices can vary widely for reclaimed wood, but you can expect to pay at least $35 per square foot.

At Adroit Design Remodeling, we want our customers to get exactly what they envision for their remodeling projects. These popular earth-friendly materials are perfect for the homeowner who wants beauty, affordable prices, and to find a countertop that is better for the environment. Contact us today for a consultation with one of our experienced professionals, who can help you find the countertop material that’s right for you!