As the years pass by, things are getting more and more advanced. But do you know what’s also all the rage right now? Sustainable kitchen countertops. Because of this paper composite countertops have become a popular option. If you want something different marble and granite countertops, here is everything you need to know about paper composite counters.
What Are Paper Composite Countertops?
Paper might be the last option that comes to mind if you think about the best materials that can be used to build countertops, but here we are. These countertops started as a small science experiment that you might have, at some point, executed in class, but today it’s being used as a full-blown countertop, thanks to the engineering it has been coupled with.
Paper composite countertops are made out of paper that’s shredded and mixed with water, other fibers that give it a sufficient body, and pigments that impart color. Once that mixture is cohesive, a blend of petroleum-free resins is added to give it that structure and hardness that countertops are known for. Then, they are molded and shaped into countertops of various thicknesses and that’s pretty much it.
Paper composite countertops are rising in popularity and they are an amazing substitute to use, instead of the natural stone countertops that can be very hard to source and fabricate.
Now that you know what paper composite countertops are, here is everything you need to know about it, regarding its characteristics, qualities, and some downsides.
They’re Expensive
It should come as no surprise that these countertops are going to be an expensive investment. Think about it; something so simple as paper and water is being transformed into a hard and rock-solid countertop. Surely there will be some sort of engineering and fabrication involved.
It’s not as expensive as granite, however, but it can be hard to afford, especially for people who are more comfortable with the price range of materials like laminate and vinyl. Paper composite countertops range in price from $50 to $80 for a standard one square foot slab.
They’re Sustainable
One of the biggest qualities of paper composite countertops is the fact that they are very environmentally friendly. They are made out of recycled paper. It can’t get more eco-friendly than recycling paper. The resins in the countertops are also free from any kind of harmful toxins or insoluble petroleum constituents.
These things make paper composite countertops a wonderful option for people who want something more sustainable and want to save their planet’s life by opting for things that aren’t so harsh on the atmosphere.
They’re Durable
You might assume that something made out of paper fiber and resin might not be the strongest countertop to exist out there, but you’re wrong. Paper composite countertops will surprise you tremendously in the durability department. They’re very strong, they’re almost scratch-resistant and they have a longevity that will leave you in awe.
Don’t underestimate the power of paper and engineering because when these two things are combined, things can take an advanced turn and they can surprise you. It’s a wonderful option for people who are looking for something durable, but different because paper composite is a sight to be seen.
Maintenance Is Necessary
You can’t fool yourself. Maintaining kitchen countertops is just as important as you think it’s boring. But the catch with paper composite countertops is that, the more you maintain it, the longer it will last, and isn’t that always the goal, at the end of the day? If you want your countertops to last for a long time then you’re going to have to commit to the boring yet crucial step of maintaining them.
Similar to quartz countertops Rockville, you don’t have to do a lot for maintaining paper composite countertops. You just need to ensure that you’re cleaning them every day, getting rid of spills and stains and fixing any problems that you see in the countertops as soon as possible.
They’re Long Lasting
Paper composite countertops are durable, that’s already a given, but did you know that the average lifespan of a paper composite countertop is more than 25 years, if you maintain it properly? Now that’s durability!
Paper composite countertops last as long as any other natural or man-made countertops and the best part is that they’re not only cheaper than the latter, but you’re also saving the environment from hazards and that’s a huge plus point in itself.
Heat Resistance Is Awesome
Who would’ve guessed that something like paper might be resistant to the high heat in the kitchen? Well, paper composite countertops are full of surprises and one of those many surprises is the fact that it doesn’t get shocked or blistered by heat or high temperatures.
If you still want to play it safe and don’t want to impart any damage to your precious heat-resistant countertops, then you can opt for a cutting board or trivets to put the hot pots and pans on top so that the heat isn’t in direct contact with the countertop surface, but even if it is, you can rest assured because nothing is going to happen to these countertops.
Food-Safe Countertops
A lot of the time, people can be concerned about food safety, especially when countertops are made with resin. You don’t want anything to contaminate the food and then consume said food. So, it will be a relief to know that paper composite countertops are food-safe countertops and they don’t contaminate it in any way, shape, or form.
There’s nothing on the surface or in the composition of these countertops that can lead to health problems of any sort so you can let go of the worries.
Variety Is Limited
This can be a major drawback for a lot of people, especially if they’re indecisive and want more options in countertops. Because of the nature of the pigments used in making paper composite countertops, these can have a limited color range and the available colors are mostly dark.
This is great if you’re someone who fancies darker colored countertops, but if you’re more partial to lighter and neutral colors, then you might need to find something else. Paper composite countertops are not going to fit your criteria and you will be disappointed by the small color range. You can consider tile or plastic countertops for lighter colors or for a wide color range.
Not Stain Resistant
This is another major letdown. Paper composite countertops are not entirely stain resistant. The one thing that paper is not, is non-porous and no matter how many things and fillers you add in the making of these countertops, the porosity is still there and water can easily seep into the material.
This is why these countertops need to be sealed otherwise you’re inviting damage and these countertops will be ruined. So, that’s an extra but important step in the maintenance of paper composite countertops and that’s frustrating.
Conclusion
Paper composite countertops are unique and they’re environmentally friendly to the max. So, the next time the environmentalist in you wants something more eco-friendly for the kitchen, then go for paper composite countertops. There are many granite contractors Potomac who also offer other countertop materials including paper composite slabs. So, check them out.