Composite Countertops
As a green consumer looking for countertops for your kitchen, bathroom, or even tables, there are many composite countertop options available. You can find composite countertops that are made out of a great variety of raw materials, including recycled glass, paper, and concrete. The composites are held together with products such as natural water-based resins and concrete. These products are not only great alternatives because they help to provide a healthy home environment through the use of non-toxic materials, but they also use materials that are recycled, waste products, and/or bi-products. Ensure that if you are purchasing a glass composite countertop and want an earth-friendly option, ensure that it is not fused, as these are not recycled. Keep in mind that paper composites usually contain a very small amount of formaldehyde as a binder, but when finished, it is undetectable. Also note that while concrete is considered to be very non-environmentally friendly in terms of manufacturing processes, it does not have any toxic qualities as an end product.
Composite countertops vary widely in price. In general they fall into these categories: glass composites range from $95.00-$100/sq foot depending on sheet size, and paper composites range from $42.00/sq foot-$60.00/sq. foot depending on thickness and sheet size.