Photograph credit to Seattle kitchen company Viola Park (a subdivision of Henrybuilt).
(4-min read)
When building a new home, the material possibilities are endless. Moving into the kitchen doesn’t simplify things. Ceramic tile, butcher block, granite, quartz — these are the usual countertop suspects these days. What would you say about a countertop made of…paper? Yep, recycled paper is now a countertop material option coming to a kitchen near you.
But, Just…How?
The idea of a countertop made of paper sounds downright zany. Before you image your counters wrapped in brown paper grocery bags like textbooks were in the ’80s and ’90s, let’s help you understand what these paper countertops are actually like. The recycled paper is heavily, heavily processed before it becomes anything resembling a surface worthy of your cutting board or mixing bowl. The paper is combined with a series of resins, heated, and shaped to any configuration imaginable. The material manufacturing process was originally developed for marine applications as well as skateboard parks, science labs, and the like. All of this equates to a material that is built to last.
What’s it Like?
“Well, if it isn’t like the paper I’m used to, what is it like?” Good question, voice in my head. Recycled paper countertop material takes on the look and feel of a mono-tone stone. Many styles have a matte-like aesthetic that comes in a variety of shades.
The Advantages of Recycled Paper Countertops
There’s no doubt that recycled paper countertop manufacturers are going to need to make a good case for their product before it is expected to compete with the likes of granite or quartz. So far, they have some bragging rights.
- Easy Installation: The paper composite is much lighter in comparison to its stone competitors, making it easier to heft around, shape, cut, and attach to wherever it needs to be.
- Eco-friendly: Most of the materials for countertops is either made of recycled paper or acquired via sustainably harvested woodlands.
- Tough: While no one is saying that recycled paper composite countertops are as hard as stone, their hardness is somewhere between stone and wood.
- Water-resistant: Because they were originally designed for marine environments and skateboard parks, you can rest assured that a paper countertop can handle water. They’re sealed with a robust resin that is impervious to moisture. It can take all of the spills you can throw at it and won’t harbor bacteria. This also means that they’re easy to clean, but not with bleach.
- Indoor or outdoor use tested: Whether you’d like to use it for the countertops in your kitchen or your outside dining area, recycled paper countertops can take a beating from outdoor elements.
The Disadvantages to Recycled Countertops
For all of their perks, recycled countertops do have a handful of drawbacks.
- Limited colors (for now): There aren’t tons of recycled paper countertop companies at the moment, meaning the color options for this material are limited at present.
- Scorchability (that’s a word, right?): Yes, they’re still made of, what is essentially wood. This means that they scorch. However, their heat rating is around 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Patina-prone: Over time, the color of these countertops may fade slightly and develop a slight patina. Some consider this a perk, but we’re going to be safe and consider it a con.
- Not recyclable: Though made from recycled materials, recycled paper countertops are not, themselves, recyclable. This is due to the sturdy resin used to bind the material together. The sections can be repurposed, though.
So, what do you think about recycled paper countertops? Would you consider installing some in your home?
Ready to build your dream home?
If you’re looking to build your dream home in the Tulsa, Oklahoma area or merely have questions, you’re invited to learn more about Perry Hood Properties.