When looking for an eco-friendly counter material, it can be difficult to find products that meet all the requirements. Ideally, it would be easy to buy a safe counter with a low carbon footprint, recycled material, and sustainable production, but too often you have to make compromises for the sake of practicality.
Thankfully, cutting-edge technology and more environmentally conscientious business practices have made finding countertops that meet at least some eco-friendly criteria a little easier. You can find options of both natural and engineered stone to fit your redecoration and sustainability needs.
Dekton
Dekton countertops consist of a compact blend of quartz, porcelain, and glass that is heated to over 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit and compressed by over 25,000 tons of pressure. As an engineered stone, it is relatively consistent between different slabs and benefits from scratch and heat resistance without sealants or binding resin. It is also nonporous so that food, debris, and bacteria do not remain stuck on its surface, and it is completely unaffected by UV rays.
Natural Stone
Granite, soapstone, quartzite, and other natural stones are among the most popular materials in countertops. While there have been concerns about the energy-intensive processes used to acquire them from other countries, natural stone is safe and easy to maintain. The use of a non-toxic sealer can prevent unhealthy debris buildup in more porous stones, and natural stone countertops are sturdy and resist scratches, heat, and force. Proper cleaning with soap and water, as well as regular resealing, can result in a counter lifespan of almost 100 years.
Quartz
Created with shards of rock bound by epoxy resin, quartz is incredibly resistant to scratches, moisture, and heat without the need for sealing. The resins are NSF certified to be free of toxic chemicals and contain recycled content with a base of 95% natural stone. Its makeup is also considerably more consistent than naturally occurring stone, so that the samples you find will look very similar to the slab that will make up your counter.
Recycled Aluminum
For a modern look that is more eco-friendly than the standard stainless steel, recycled aluminum is a great material for your counters. In addition to its makeup of over 88% recycled metal from post-industrial waste, the aluminum remains recyclable even at its end of life and resists scratches and stains.
Porcelain
Although it is susceptible to chipping, porcelain requires no sealing and is resistant to staining, heat, and scratching. Its inexpensive price tag makes it well-suited to use in backsplashes. In addition, porcelain products are easily recyclable and like quartz are NSF certified, with tiles that can contain over 30% recycled material. It is also similar to quartz in that its looks remain consistent between different samples.
Whether your priority is safety, recycled materials, or a small carbon footprint achieved by working with local companies and suppliers, Washington Marble Works has a wide selection of natural and engineered stone that can fit your environmentally friendly needs. To learn more, contact us for a free consultation or visit our showroom to meet our resident experts.
