Green Building Library
Building Materials
Choosing Green Finish Materials: Countertops
By Beth Magee
Builders and homeowners have a large array of choices for countertops. They come, as other finish materials do, in varying degrees of “green”. In addition to the considerations listed below, use and location in the home will partially determine the material used—a kitchen counter must be food safe while a bathroom countertop must withstand excessive wetness.
Important considerations when choosing countertops:
- Embodied Energy - Extraction/Manufacturing, Recycling/Disposal
- Recycled Content
- Renewable or plentiful resource
- Toxicity – Indoor Air Quality
Is a new material necessary? If remodeling, consider refinishing or repairing the existing countertop—keep it out of the landfill. Some countertops can be reused or fashioned from reclaimed wood or metals. Check out reuse and reclaimed materials stores in your area to see what’s available.
Countertops in a home need to be sanitary and durable. They should resist stains, knife marks, excessive heat, scrubbing and frequent use—qualities that will help defer replacement. When a substrate is required, use one that is formaldehyde-free with an emission-free adhesive. Make it FSC certified if possible. Sealing substrates before use can encapsulate the formaldehyde, slowing down release of gases.
Also consider how the counter surface will be cared for: cleaning, oiling, sealing, etc.
Sealers used on countertops should be food grade and low-VOC only. Cut and prepare countertop materials outdoors to minimize dust and out gassing, then bring them in for installation.
Consider the transportation distance of your materials. No stone from Europe! What is the extraction and manufacturing process used to produce the material? Some countertops with high-embodied energy may be balanced by using a smaller amount of material, or their durability may outweigh other considerations. If you emphasize durability as a strong green feature, be prepared to live with your choice for many, many years. Claiming durability, but replacing the countertop when fashion passes it by is hypocritical. It’s also possible for low toxic products to have higher embodied energy (engineered stone for example). For all products, take the time to check Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) provided by the manufacturer or found by searching the Web.
Concrete
Concrete is a flexible material easily formed into different shapes, is durable and heat-resistant. It must be sealed and resealed and may crack (this is less likely if fly ash has been added). Concrete has high embodied energy, off gasses and isn’t a renewable resource. As a material for countertops, it may contain recycled content. Aggregates formed with recycled glass, stones or shells are available. Beware of questionable additives such as polypropylene, recycled carpet or plastics. Concrete colored by natural and nontoxic synthetic pigments added to wet concrete is lower in toxicity than concrete treated with chemical stains and acid washes.
Laminates
Made from petrochemicals, laminates have higher-embodied energy, toxicity and aren’t made from renewables. Many laminates contain recycled paper. Although they tend to cost less than other materials, they are easily scratched and won’t tolerate heat. They are otherwise durable, but can’t be recycled and aren’t biodegradable.
Linoleum
This material contains linseed oil, pine resin, wood flour, cork and limestone with a natural backing made of jute or hemp. It’s recyclable and biodegradable but the strong odor can be a problem for sensitive individuals. Linoleum tolerates minor scratches (self-heals), doesn’t tolerate heat, is durable unless it gets excessively wet and is recyclable. No sealer is required and when severely damaged it may be patched. When complimented by an aluminum edge, it gives a familiar “retro” look.
Metal
Metal countertops are durable, low toxic, recyclable, sanitary and don’t require sealants. They are not renewable (although they may contain recycled material) and use high-embodied energy in their production. Stainless steel is virtually indestructible and sanitary because it’s nonporous. However it’s expensive and scratches easily, Aluminum, zinc and copper are all metals from nonrenewable resources obtained through mining. If you use metal countertops, look for high-recycled metal content. Metals can be recycled and you may find salvaged countertops for reuse in your project.
Solid Surface
These are often made from petrochemical-based synthetics. The level of embodied energy used to produce and dispose of solid surface materials depends on their content. Synthetic content makes biodegrading slower. The toxicity of these materials also depends on what they’re made of. Greener composites, such as Paperstone and Richlite, have many of the same advantages as the older composites, but use a large amount of recycled content and less toxic resins. Look for recycled content: pulp from sustainably-managed forests and recycled post-consumer paper. Countertops made from wood and paper can be sealed to improve moisture and stain resistance. These countertops are durable and scratches can be sanded out. They won’t tolerate high heat or use of sharp knives.
Stone – Engineered
These are mainly quartz with a small amount of binder. Processing requires higher embodied energy and they’re made from a finite resource. They are nonporous and don’t need sealing, making them food safe. The cost of engineered stone is comparable to natural stone.
Stone – Natural
The cost for stone countertops is high, but they may never need to be replaced. If they are removed, they can be returned to the earth. However, they are made from a finite resource, look for reclaimed or nearby sources. Natural stone is durable but is porous and must be sealed and resealed regularly. It’s possible for granite to contain radon. A radon test should be performed on the material before purchasing.
Tile – Ceramic, Glass, Porcelain
Fired tile makes a zero-VOC, sanitary and durable surface. Tile can be less expensive than other options. There are many styles to choose from and it can be recycled. Look for at least 50 percent recycled content and use nontoxic grout and sealer. The grout and sealer must be maintained. Glass tile can contain 100 percent recycled material and be 100 percent recyclable. Also consider purchasing tile from a reuse store.
Wood
Laminated butcher block and bamboo are resource efficient but be sure they’re made from low-toxic adhesives. Look for sustainable sources of wood that are FSC certified and reclaimed from domestic sources. If you use reclaimed wood, make sure it’s from a food safe source and wasn’t treated with toxic substances. Wood countertops can be treated with natural oils and are durable. If necessary, they can be sanded and refinished.
Check out the Countertops category in the Oikos Product Directory to get started in your search for green countertop options:
