A counter top is a horizontal work area in kitchens and food preparation areas. Commonly, cabinets are installed above & below. Several different materials, ranging from stone, to wood, to plastic, to tiles, and even steel, among numerous others, can be used in creating counter tops.
But because of the growing awareness for the environment, there are now materials for counter tops that are not only durable, but also great looking & eco friendly. So if you're searching for a new countertop & are leaning to materials that's a little gentler on the environment than laminate or stone, there are now plenty of choices available that are made from recycled products, can be recycled at end-of-life -- or are both recycled and recyclable -- or are made from renewable resources.
Here are some of the greener counter top choices:
1. Stainless steel - Stainless steel counter tops consist of, on the average, 75% recycled steel & can contain up to 100% recycled content. They are non-porous and antibacterial, and emit no VOCs. However, they do show fingerprints & scratch easily.
2. Recycled glass - These days, there are many recycled glass counter tops on the market. Each of them has their own special charm.
3. BioGlass - This item is of 100% recyclable & recycled glass. It is available in 6 natural colors and can be used for backsplashes or counter tops.
4. Alkemi - Alkemi counter tops are made from 35% "fine flake aluminum milling scrap" a post-industrial waste products. It is available in 12 colours & 3 different surface treatments (textured, classic & honed).
5. Paperstone - Paperstone counter tops are created from either 100% post-consumer office paper or 100% post-consumer cardboard fused with a non-petroleum based resin. It can be used for as kitchen and bathroom counter tops & comes in a variety of colors.
6. IceStone - This is made in Brooklyn, New York. The product uses 100% glass which is otherwise bound for landfill, mixed with concrete to create a surface that is twice as durable as marble. Like a stone product, it has to be sealed on a regular basis. You can get it in several colours.
But because of the growing awareness for the environment, there are now materials for counter tops that are not only durable, but also great looking & eco friendly. So if you're searching for a new countertop & are leaning to materials that's a little gentler on the environment than laminate or stone, there are now plenty of choices available that are made from recycled products, can be recycled at end-of-life -- or are both recycled and recyclable -- or are made from renewable resources.
Here are some of the greener counter top choices:
1. Stainless steel - Stainless steel counter tops consist of, on the average, 75% recycled steel & can contain up to 100% recycled content. They are non-porous and antibacterial, and emit no VOCs. However, they do show fingerprints & scratch easily.
2. Recycled glass - These days, there are many recycled glass counter tops on the market. Each of them has their own special charm.
3. BioGlass - This item is of 100% recyclable & recycled glass. It is available in 6 natural colors and can be used for backsplashes or counter tops.
4. Alkemi - Alkemi counter tops are made from 35% "fine flake aluminum milling scrap" a post-industrial waste products. It is available in 12 colours & 3 different surface treatments (textured, classic & honed).
5. Paperstone - Paperstone counter tops are created from either 100% post-consumer office paper or 100% post-consumer cardboard fused with a non-petroleum based resin. It can be used for as kitchen and bathroom counter tops & comes in a variety of colors.
6. IceStone - This is made in Brooklyn, New York. The product uses 100% glass which is otherwise bound for landfill, mixed with concrete to create a surface that is twice as durable as marble. Like a stone product, it has to be sealed on a regular basis. You can get it in several colours.
About the Author:
Find a large selection of table top and counter tops giving your kitchen a fresher look. This and other unique content '' articles are available with free reprint rights.
No comments:
Post a Comment