Recycled paper might seem like an unusual choice for counter top material, but in the case of PaperStone, it looks and acts much like stone – solid, durable, scratch and stain resistant, virtually waterproof, and tolerant of temperatures up to 350 degrees.
Manufactured by Paneltech Products, PaperStone includes two different recycled lines: Original PaperStone, which is made from 100% post-consumer recycled cardboard, and PaperStone Certified, which is made from 100% recycled standard office paper (from a paper mill located adjacent to the manufacturer). Both lines also contain petroleum-free resin made from ingredients like cashew nut shell liquid.
If you're designing a kitchen or bathroom surface, PaperStone is certainly a material worth considering. Other than counter tops, potential applications for PaperStone include tables, paneling and siding, window sills, door thresholds, and furniture.
According to Paneltech, "PaperStone panel prices are roughly the same as quality granite and brand name solid surface or quartz material products. As a result of the ease of workmanship and finish of PaperStone, the installed prices are often lower." Information on direct sales and dealers in the United States, Canada, and Europe is available on the PaperStone website.
Have you used PaperStone in your home? Share your experience in the comments.
(Images: Paperstone)
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Comments (4)
I would also like to add that there is another great compressed paper material that is FSC certified and the originators of this process. It is called Richlite and Paperstone is actually a recent spin off of the this decades old company.
Check them out, I have really been impressed with their history and many different uses. Richlite is even being used as cladding on houses and office buildings. Extremely weather resistant and maintains its color without fading.
I got some samples from Richlite and have seen the Paperstone too. Gorgeous stuff but someone on a budget might have trouble buying this. Super expensive, a little more than granite.
Also I found the color selection pretty limited and mostly dark shades.
For a good idea of how it wears you can purchase a large Epicurean cutting board and keep it on the most used part of your counter. The paperstone rep that I know says they are one in the same. I imagine most, especially if you are a granite person, will not like it.
amandadt...that's a great idea! we're actually really thinking about going with an eco-friendly option for our countertops and i love the idea of trying out the cutting board to see if we love the feel/use quality of it! we have a good friend who is one of the strongest leaders in LEED certified building in FL and he has suggested this as our best and 'greenest' option...his company link: http://www.abneygreen.com/
cheers!