Reclaimed Hardwood Countertops courtesy of antiquewoodworks.com

Concrete countertops

Another very interesting countertop material is concrete. This material is not only environmentally friendly, it is extremely durable, long lasting, and customizable. Concrete countertops are either pre-fabricated or site constructed. The flexibility of this material is ideal for incorporating functional features such as a butcher’s block, integral sinks, and drain boards. Concrete countertops are made up of cement, fine aggregate, and a variety of additives, such as reinforcement fibers, and acrylic. A sealer is applied to prevent water penetration and damage to the countertop.

Concrete countertop courtesy of Trueformconcrete.com

Adding color to concrete countertops is an easy enough project for anyone to complete. After the countertops are installed a stain can be added directly to the surface with a paint brush. Applying two coats, allowing 12 hours of dry time in between, and a finish sealer will add an elegant color to your kitchen.  Price range from $60- $75 per sqaure foot.

Stained Concrete Countertop courtesy of www.trendir.com

Recycled Metal: Alkemi

An innovated material that is becoming more popular is recycled metal countertops. Alkemi is a manufacturer of recycled metal countertops, composed of post-industrial scrap waste, fine flake aluminum milling scrap, and a binding resin. This material is fabricated the same way as a solid surface.

Alkemi is non-absorbent and stain resistant to common liquids. It is also extremely durable, but similar to other solid surfaces, it can be scratched. Unfortunately, recessed cooktops and burners can not be directly installed in the Alkemi countertop, a stainless steel insert or transition counter should be used. A variety of colors and designs are available. Prices range from $45- $65 per square foot.

Alkemi recycled metal countertop courtesy of http://www.renewedmaterials.com/index.html

Paper Composite

Paper composite is exactly what it sounds like, a compressed form of paper and other materials. Sounds interesting right? A paper countertop? Paper composite countertops are actually some of the most durable green surface material available.

EcoTop composes their paper countertops with a combination of ½ FSC certified post consumer recycled paper and ½ renewable bamboo fibers, bound together with petroleum-free resins. Another company, Paperstone, has two series of recycled paper-based products. The Original product is made from 100% post-consumer recycled cardboard while the Certified product is made up of 100% post-consumer standard office paper. The certified product meets FSC standards, while both product lines are held together with a proprietary, petroleum-free, phenolic resin. Organic pigments are added for color and are UV resistant. Prices range from $50+ per square foot.

Paperstone Kitchen courtesy of www.indigogreenstore.com

Terrazzo Countertops

Terrazzo, a process originated out of Italy, is the combination of recycled glass or stone aggregate and a binder, such as cement.  Glass countertops have a similar look and feel to quartz; a major difference is quartz is held together with a synthetic, petroleum base resin binder.

Recycled glass countertop

A unique feature to glass composite countertops is the recycled content. Much of the glass that is used come directly from roadside recycling. Other glass sources are post-industrial products, windows, stain glass, and reclaimed glass from building demolition. The material is very comparable to granite in strength, scratch resistance, thermal resistance, durability, and maintenance to a granite countertop.

Two companies that manufacturer a terrazzo countertop in the United States are Vetrazzo and IceStone. Prices range from $50- $120 per square foot.

Vetrazzo color sample courtesy of vetrazzo.com

Reclaimed hardwood countertops are commonly used in residential bar spaces or accent countertops in kitchens. A great feature of reclaimed hardwood countertops is the character. Worm trails as well as irregular edges bring a rustic feel to your space. Similar to hardwood floors, the grain in wood countertops absorbs stains irregularly, leading to a variety of color. Some fabricators also use unique accent pieces such as old wine barrels to finish the look off. A common concern with wood countertops is the sealing process. Hardwood is known to warp or buckle when wet, but properly sealed this should never be a problem.  A natural sealant, Rubio Monocoat, composed of boiled linseed oil, catalytic driers, and waxes, is a common countertop sealer that is non-toxic.

To read more about wood countertops, Antique Woodworks provide a good source of information, and the process they use when producing reclaimed wood countertops. Prices range from $50- $100 per square foot.

Reclaimed white oak used for a bartop courtesy of antiquewoodworks.com

Moving through a Green Renovation, we have discussed different types of sustainable flooring, cabinetry, and countertops. Make sure to check back for future discussions on Energy Star lighting and appliances.