There are many companies that focus on certifying materials for building kitchen counter tops. The certified material ensures lower emission of chemicals which can directly improve the quality of air as well as cause less air pollution.
There are also companies that entirely focus on materials that are both safe and durable for the countertops of kitchen. Companies thus, ensure that the products hail from responsible harvested forests and other locations.
Making choices have become a far easier process for the people with many organizations giving their certification or approval for products that meet the guidelines of the company for sustainability and durability.
Many manufacturers are today making efforts to supply environment friendly countertops made up from salvaged, certified recycled glass, wood, or resin material.
Different kinds of Eco-friendly materials utilized for building kitchen counter tops are:
Butcher Block :
The material is usually composed of small wooden pieces. It can be of greater use as a re-purposed or reclaimed material which is sustainable. It hails from diversified sources like deconstructed buildings and reclaimed shipping pallets.
The cutting is a unique experience after using this wood for a considerable period of time. All that you have to do is to sand the wood and provide it a refinish touch with food-grade natural oil to maintain its texture and durability.
Bamboo :
Bamboo is one of the known renewable resources besides being strong and harder when compared to other alternate hardwoods. Many commercial bamboos are imported from China which has this material in abundance.
Of course this will directly add on to the transportation cost of this material. However, the benefits of installing bamboo countertops outweigh its cost in the long run to due its durability and eco-friendly features.
Recycled Paper
Paper-stone is another known recycled paper material used for countertops. It is also FSC certified. It is made up from a recycled paper, pigment and petroleum-free resin.
It possesses a great monolithic appearance. It is also more or less compared to soft and warm stone like soapstone. The heat resistance is up to 350 degrees. Thus, users may need to take additional care with their hot plates and pans.
Squak Mountain stone:
It is one of the most known durable and stout countertops. It is the combination of recycled glass with recycled paper and low carbon cement. These slabs look more similar to a natural stone especially a limestone or soapstone.
However, Squak Mountain stone is considered as more budget-friendly. The hand cast finish of Squak Mountain stone makes it overall more appealing. This material is thus proclaimed as a rebel in the world of countertops today.
Recycled glass :
This is a latest trend in the kitchen countertops today. Manufacturers use different recycling glass of wine bottles, traffic lights, window glass which is further transformed into sensational kitchen counter tops.
Recycled glass material benefits low-maintenance surface, low waste and avant-garde style and fashion. It is also great for the people who desire an environment friendly form of ceramic, granite or marble tiles.
Recycled glass countertops are chemical and stain resistant and thus conducive to high moisture environment. They are usually made up from recycled materials and thus are completely sustainable.
Stainless Steel :
For decades, stainless steel is utilized for professional kitchen countertops. Stainless steel countertops are much durable and appealing when compared to other countertop options. You need not worry about edging kitchen counter chipping.
Stainless steel is a non porous material and thus it does not require any harmful chemicals to remove stains. Stainless steel does not get damaged due to heat. You may also not require any trivets or heat pads to place pots over the stainless steel countertops.
Stainless steel is made up from a recycled content. It is therefore durable and useful too. Its top-notch durability features make it stand strongly even in the commercial kitchens.
Concrete :
Concrete is considered as one of the most durable materials used for the purpose of constructing buildings. Concrete counters can also be inherently customized to suit the needs and specifications of the user while building kitchen counter tops.
They can be highly decorative as well as crafted to provide a polished and smooth touch along with patina. Concrete counters are extremely durable and strong as well as resistant to scratches and heat too.
Concrete material is also considered more environments friendly when compared to other non renewable resources and petroleum-based laminates like quarried stone.
Ultimately it is also important to hire an experienced contractor who can do the sealing job in a proper manner so as to avoid stain formation on your counter tops. The properly installed counter tops can free every user from worries of virtually maintaining or replacing the counter top materials repetitively.
