Paperstone Kitchen Countertops Guide
PaperStone is considered one of the ‘greenest’ countertop options on the market based in part that these eco-friendly countertops are made from post-consumer waste, recycled paper and a petroleum-free phenolic resin. In addition PaperStone countertops can be recycled at the end of the useful lifetime because the resin used is not toxic and is biodegradable.
PaperStone Countertops may contribute to LEED credits for your green renovation and is a great alternative to granite and offers lots of flexibility in design. In application, PaperStone Countertops are handled the same way you would handle wood countertops and can be fabricated using traditional woodworking tools and millwork techniques. The countertops are available in standard thicknesses of 3/4 inch, 1 inch and 1-1/4 inch, but can also be made to order. PaperStone offers 6 standard edging options – eased, bullnose, half fullnose, beveled, double radius and ogee, but because these countertops can be milled using standard hardwood cutting methods the possibilities are endless.
This green countertop alternative is incredibly durable, heat resistant (it can bear temperatures up to 350 degrees) and is stain and scratch resistant. In fact it has such a high resistance to scratches that Preserve uses the PaperStone material for their own line of cutting boards!
Paperstone is available in three series of paper-based eco-friendly products:
Original – made from 100% post-consumer recycled cardboard. Countertop colors include Cabernet, Denim, Evergreen, Mocha & Slate, color may vary based on they types of recycled cardboard used in manufacturing.
Certified – made from 100% post-consumer recycled standard office paper (Certified is the only architectural solid surface certified by the Smartwood program of the Rainforest Alliance to FSC standards for using 100% post-consumer recycled paper). Countertop colors include Chocolate, Gunmetal, Grass, Indigo, Plum and Obsidian.
Virgin Series – Made from virgin fibers and only available in the color Leather.
PaperStone’s countertops are great options for commercial or residential applications for a warm stone-like feel that is durable, beautiful and eco-friendly.
In addition to eco-friendly countertops, PaperStone can be used for bathroom vanities, conference tabletops, signs and plaques, window sills, cutting boards, furniture, restroom partitions, cabinets, indoor wall cladding and more.
How Much Do Paperstone Countertops Cost? (Paperstone Pricing)
On average PaperStone Countertops cost about $40 per sq/ft uninstalled and varies based on thickness, colors, and customized details or edging. This pricing is comparable to the cost of granite countertops, and solid surface or quartz countertops. However, because it is a much easier product to install often the installation prices are lower than other high end countertop materials.
(One detail that we wish we had splurged for in our eco-renovation was adding the drain lines in the countertop.)
You can check the Green Building Supply for sales on PaperStone slabs or contact your local dealer for custom price quotes.
Care & Maintenance for your Paperstone Countertops
PaperStone has developed their own countertop Finish that is made from natural bee and carnuaba waxes and food grade mineral oil for an all-natural, eco-friendly, toxin free finish. The finish will help protect your countertops from UV rays and stains and everyday wear and tear. You may notice a natural patina over time.
Warranty
PaperStone products have a 15 year limited warranty on all PaperStone panels 3/4 inch thick and thicker used in countertops and for residential and commercial horizontal applications warranting that they will be free from material defects. This does not warrant for failure caused by installation or fabrication.
Contacting Paperstone
Phone: 360-538-9815 (Mon – Fri 8am – 8pm EST)
Mail:
PaperStone/Paneltech International
2999 John Stevens Way
Hoquiam,WA 98550
email: joan@paperstoneproducts.net
website: www.paperstoneproducts.com