Are you interested in a more green and eco-friendly Chicago kitchen remodel? If so, you may be interested in PaperStone countertops. Believe it or not, these increasingly popular options are made with recycled paper.

Recycled Paper + Resin = Sustainable Countertops

PaperStone countertops are made with two eco-friendly “ingredients:” recycled paper and a non-petroleum resin. The non-porous resin makes them durable and less-prone to cracking or staining (similar to quartz countertops). Plus, as you can imagine, paper comes in all kinds of colors, so PaperStone also offers versatile color options; Click Here to view PaperStone's Kitchen & Bath Gallery.

Other factors that make PaperStone counters attractive to eco-friendly consumers are:

• They’re manufactured in Washington State, which minimizes fossil fuel consumption related to shipping costs
  
  
• They glean points towards LEED certification programs
  
  
• The resin used to bind the recycled paper fibers is comprised of a petroleum-free phenolic resin, including natural bees and carnauba waxes.
  
  
• The majority of PaperStone’s counters are certified recycled Rainforest Alliance to the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®)
  
  
• NSF International gives them the “food safe certified” designation.

As a result, the eventual removal and disposal of a PaperStone countertop should not impact the environment in any way because it’s completely non-toxic and biodegradable. This makes is about as sustainable as you can get from start to finish.

Things to Consider in Terms of Looks, Pricing and Quality

Here are some of the factors to consider in terms of looks, pricing and quality:

Do you prefer darker colors?

If so, great! Most of the countertop options are offered in darker hues.

If you prefer lighter shades your options with PaperStone are limited. The lightest shades offered at this time are Sand and Pewter (which is still a shade of gray). This is because bees and carnauba waxes make a darker resin base that lends itself to darker colors. That being said, PaperStone offers some rich shades of brown and gray that are harder to find in granite slabs.

Hurray for moderate pricing

Even the most budget-savvy Chicago kitchen remodelers appreciate PaperStone’s modest price brackets. The average price per square foot is about $40 - $75, which is right in the middle-range for Quartz and at the lower- to low-middle price point of granite.

Durable countertops prevail

PaperStone’s resin-foundation make for a pretty durable and long-lasting countertop. This is great news for busy chefs and family-friendly kitchens. They can take a beating and are also resistant to the occasional hot pan or pot (although it’s always best to use a trivet of some kind if hot pans will be in direct contact with any countertop surface). In testament to their durability, the countertops are approved for use in garages, shops and industrial work places, too.

Is there a con?

Perhaps the biggest con is that biodegradable, non-petroleum resin is not as indestructible as its more chemical-laden resin counterparts. It does need to be sealed when water no longer beads on the surface (using an earth-friendly Bees Wax Spray).

Since the resin is slightly softer, it can also scratch more easily than granite or quartz – which some homeowners mind greatly, and others appreciate as a natural patina of sorts. This might not be the best option for homeowner's who want to design a low-maintenance kitchen.

Contact Kitchens & Baths Unlimited to learn more about PaperStone countertops. We’ll sort through the pros and cons and help you decide whether or not it’s a good fit for your Chicago kitchen design.