Paper as a countertop material? Sounds suspect—and soggy—but think again. When combined with a few key ingredients, heated, and compressed, paper turns into a material that is stone-like in appearance and durability, but softer and more forgiving. Originally designed for use in skateboard parks, science labs, and marine environments, paper composite countertops have proved that they have muscle. An excellent, affordable, eco-friendly alternative to solid-surface plastics or stone, Should paper-based countertops be on your short list?
Above: The countertop in Julie's kitchen is Richlite, a durable, warm-to-the-touch paper composite selected for its eco-friendly attributes and stone-like looks. "The material has a nice touch and solidity to it," says Julie's architect Jerome Buttrick. "True black is always an elegant color choice." Take a full tour of the kitchen in the Remodelista book.
What is paper composite countertop material?
Paper composite countertops are made of paper (or wood-based fibers), natural pigments, and non-petroleum-based resins. These materials are mixed, compressed, and baked at very high heat to create dense, durable, nonporous monolithic slabs.
Above: Paper-based composite slabs have the look and feel of soft stone. Available in thicknesses ranging from a quarter inch to three inches, this countertop material can be easily shaped to create, among other things, drainboards. Photograph via Seattle kitchen company Viola Park.
What are the benefits of using paper composite counters?
Paper composite has an appeal similar to solid-surface composite (Corian), but with an earth-friendly bent. In particular, paper-based composite counters are:
- Environmentally friendly. The majority of the paper content is postconsumer recycled or comes from FSC-certified, sustainably harvested forests.
- Easy to install. Paper composite is lighter than stone and can be cut and shaped with ease.
- Able to be joined with tight, clean seams. While not invisible, the seams are much cleaner than what can be achieved with stone countertops.
- Dense and durable. Paper composite counters are harder than wood yet more forgiving than stone.
- Nonporous. The material is impervious to water, won't harbor bacteria, and is stain resistant.
- Appropriate for indoor and outdoor applications. Paper composite counters can stand up to weather.
Above: Not just for countertops, paper composite slabs can be used as tabletops, windowsills, cabinets, sinks, tub surrounds, and backsplashes. Julie used Richlite not only in her kitchen but also to frame the fireplace in her living room (shown here). Photograph by Maria Del Rio.
Who makes paper-based countertops?
The two key manufacturers of paper composite material are Richlite and Paperstone. They differ slightly in their ingredients, recipes, and resulting colors. Two additional products to consider are Trespa and Kliptech EcoTop. Used in scientific and medical laboratories, Trespa TopLab countertops are made of thermoset resins with cellulose fiber reinforcement and are exceptionally stain resistant and durable. Kliptech makes a partially paper-based countertop, EcoTop, which is a blend of bamboo fibers, recycled demolition wood fibers, and recycled paper bound together with a VOC-free, water-based resin.
Above: Richlite uses an especially thin paper (made of either 100 percent or 50 percent recycled cardboard, or FSC-certified sustainable pulp) in the manufacturing process that allows resin to flow very evenly through the paper to create an extremely dense slab.
Above: PaperStone prides itself on using 100 percent, postconsumer recycled paper in its product. It has a slightly more mottled appearance than Richlite. The worktop in this Viola Park kitchen is made of PaperStone in Denim.
What colors are available?
The type of resin used to make paper-based countertops is dark and causes the resulting color choices to be limited to a range of medium to dark hues, all in a matte finish. They will darken slightly over time with exposure to UV rays.
Richlite's Northwest line comes in a palette of seven solid colors. The company has added a new gray option (Grays Harbor) that is lighter in tone and has a 100 percent recycled base.
Above: PaperStone offers 11 colors ranging from Slate to Leather (shown here, in a Viola Park kitchen).
Above: EcoTop deviates from the dark, muted tones. Because the resin used in this product is clear, the counters can be made in white, black, and many colors in between.
How do you clean and maintain paper composite counters?
Above: Paper composite countertops are pretty low maintenance. Nonporous, they're stain resistant and easy to clean. But perfectionists take note: The counter will develop a patina over time. This is especially true around the sink where soap is used, as shown in Julie's kitchen. (She's since replaced her 10-year-old sink counter with new Richlite.) Photograph by Matthew Williams for Remodelista.
For day-to-day cleaning, use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe the surface. Skip the soap—alkaline soap, such as regular dish soap, will gradually dull the surface. With stubborn stains, try a nonabrasive household cleaner (avoid using bleach products). Plain yogurt can be used to pull stains from lighter colored material.
It's important to note that paper composite counters are only heat resistant to 350 degrees: Hot pads or trivets are a must to avoid burning the surface. That said, surface nicks, scratches, and scorch marks can be sanded out of the top with an abrasive pad and then finished with food-safe mineral oil.
Above: Manufacturers recommend a yearly application of mineral oil, such as Food Grade Mineral Oil ($7 from Brooklyn Slate Co.) or an approved finish, to help keep the top looking new. The integrity of the material won't be compromised if you choose to leave it be, but the surface may start to appear chalky and will pick up oils from fingerprints and food.
How much do paper composite countertops cost?
Comparable to other solid-surface composite countertops in price, paper-based countertop slab is in the low to mid-range of worktop materials, running between $30 to $80 per square foot installed. Price varies depending on the complexity of the installation, the thickness of the slab, and the cost of installation labor in your area.
Above: If you're looking for the look and feel of soapstone counters, paper-based composite is an affordable alternative. Photograph via Richlite.
Paper Composite Countertop Recap
Pros
- Durable work surface
- Warmer and more forgiving than stone
- Made from recycled and environmentally sustainable materials
- Stain and nick resistant
- Easy to install
- Impervious to moisture, won't harbor bacteria
- Affordable
- Easy to clean
- Will develop a patina over time
Cons
- Heat resistant to 350 degrees and can scorch
- Limited color palette
- Not recyclable due to resin content, but can be recut and reused
- Will develop a patina over time
Researching new countertops? Read 5 Questions to Ask When Choosing Your Kitchen Countertops. And for more specifics, see:
- 10 Easy Pieces: Remodelista Kitchen Countertop Picks
- A Marble Countertop Look-alike, Minus the Maintenance
- Remodeling 101: Butcher Block Countertop
- Remodeling 101: Concrete Kitchen Countertops
- Remodeling 101: Soapstone Countertops
- Remodeling 101: Stainless Steel Countertops
- Remodeling 101: Marble Countertops
- The Intel on Black Marble Countertops
- Remodeling 101: Engineered Quartz Countertops
- Remodeling 101: Corian Countertops (and the New Corian Look-alikes)
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