What’s the Most Environmentally Friendly Countertop?
Residential and commercial property owners have numerous decisions to make when renovating or building an all-new kitchen. One installation that stands out is the type of kitchen counter you will include. If you’re in the market for a countertop, an environmentally friendly material will leave you with beautiful results for years to come.
Builders are becoming more mindful of the materials they use for projects. Conserving materials and reducing the amount of energy involved in an assignment is important for some, so selecting green countertops might be the right move for you. The following eco-friendly countertops are just some of the sustainable options you can choose for your endeavors:
1. Quartz
Quartz makes an excellent sustainable countertop since this material requires little maintenance. Countertop manufacturers use a combination of the mineral and a polyresin to give products a natural shine. Quartz countertops remain non-porous after production, so you can worry less about food, drinks and other kitchen supplies leaving stains.
Quartz countertops range in eco-friendliness based on the manufacturer. See what you can do to investigate where countertop materials are sourced. If a manufacturer acquires quartz in a location near you, your project might have a smaller carbon footprint compared to using other materials. Other benefits of quartz countertops for your home or business include the following:
- Many colors are available compared to natural stone.
- Quartz stands strong against chips and damages.
- Its non-porous surface is easy to clean.
- Quartz works well in other parts of the home or office.
2. Granite
Granite countertops are made from a type of igneous rock found within quarries around the world. The heavy-duty slabs give home and business owners a unique final product, as no two installations look exactly alike. Granite is a desirable material for countertops since individuals can choose from different finishes ranging from antique textures to surfaces that have a mirror-like appearance.
Granite paves the way for a sustainable countertop installation. The United States has several quarries containing granite, so property owners can source materials locally rather than purchasing from overseas. Additionally, granite countertops are recyclable for other home projects if you decide to renovate again down the road. This material offers many other benefits. Granite countertops:
- Can be sealed to extend the life of purchases.
- Is available in solid and speckled patterns.
- Can be repaired using putty.
- Are heat-resistant.
3. Laminate
Laminate countertops are an appealing choice for their affordable price point and simple manufacturing process. These sustainable countertops mostly consist of fibreboard, paper and melamine resins. Some manufacturers use formaldehyde to form the hardened surface, but select countertop companies provide you with less toxic choices to keep your project on the greener side.
Home and business owners gravitate to laminate countertops for the many different looks available when choosing a surface design. Laminate countertops can be cut to virtually any size, allowing property owners to draw up custom arrangements with fewer limitations. Some advantages of choosing laminate materials for your project include the following:
- You can achieve the look of marble, stainless steel and more without the price tag.
- Surfaces can be wiped clean with soap and water.
- There is no need for exterior polishes.
- Laminate countertops can be fabricated in any color.
Henry H. Ross & Son, Inc. for Green Countertops in Lancaster, Pennsylvania
H.H. Ross is an experienced custom surface fabricator and installer. We’re based out of Lancaster County and will introduce you to environmentally friendly countertops for your residential or commercial project in Harrisburg, York, Reading or a surrounding location. Trust our team with over 60 years of experience in the business to oversee your upcoming job.
Browse our countertop selections online, and reach out to us for a free quote!