Paper as a countertop material? Should paper-based countertops be on your short list?
The countertop in Julie’s kitchen is Richlite, a durable, warm-to-the-touch paper composite selected for its eco-friendly attributes and stone appearance.
Paper composite countertops are made of paper (or wood-based fibers), natural pigments, and non-petroleum-based resins.
What are paper composite countertops?
Photograph via Seattle kitchen company Viola Park (a subdivision of Henrybuilt).
Paper-based composite slabs have the look and feel of soft stone.
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.
Not just for countertops, paper composite slabs can be used as tabletops, windowsills, cabinets, sinks, tub surrounds, and backsplashes.
Photograph by Maria Del Rio.
The two key manufacturers of paper composite material are Richlite and Paperstone. 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.
Who makes paper-based countertops?
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.
PaperStone prides itself on using 100 percent, post-consumer recycled paper in its product. It has a slightly more mottled appearance than Richlite.
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.
What colors are available?
Richlite’s Northwest line comes in a palette of seven solid colors.
PaperStone offers 11 colors ranging from Slate to Leather (shown here in a Viola Park kitchen).
EcoTop deviates from the dark, muted tones.
How do you clean and maintain paper composite counters?
Paper composite countertops are pretty low maintenance. 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.
Photograph by Matthew Williams for Remodelista.
Manufacturers recommend a yearly application of mineral oil, such as Food Grade Mineral Oil or an approved finish, to help keep the top looking new.
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 price range of worktop materials, running between $30 to $80 per square foot installed.
Photograph via Richlite.
If you’re searching for the look and feel of soapstone counters, paper-based composite is an affordable alternative.
Cons:
Read 5 Questions to Ask When Choosing Your Kitchen Countertops.