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While countertop surfaces such as quartz are among the most environmentally friendly options, there is no better eco-friendly option than PaperStone. The surface is made from primarily recycled paper that is compressed to form beautiful countertops. Below is an analysis of the cost and other information you will need to know before purchasing PaperStone countertops.
What is PaperStone?
PaperStone is a countertop material that is made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled paper. The material is truly the best countertop option for homeowners who desire to have a surface that is good for the environment.
How Are PaperStone Countertops Made?
PaperStone countertops are made by soaking paper sheets in resins and pigments and then compressing the sheets using heat and pressure. The resin used is also eco-friendly, non-toxic and biodegradable, as it is made of bee and carnauba waxes. Once the sheets are compressed, the end product is a beautiful and durable countertop surface.
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What Do PaperStone Countertops Cost?
The typical cost of PaperStone countertops is between $40 to $120 per square foot. This falls in a comparable range to many types of natural stone available.
What Colors Are PaperStone Countertops Available In?
PaperStone countertops are available in quite a few colors. Note that all the available colors are darker tones. This is because the color comes from natural pigments and the natural color of the recycled paper. If you are looking for a light-colored countertop, PaperStone will not fulfill your need. PaperStone is available in the following colors.
Standard
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Cabernet
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Chocolate
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Denim
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Gunmetal
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Leather
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Mocha
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Sienna
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Slate
Designer Series
PaperStone also has a Designer Series, which contains the following colors:
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Azure
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Charcoal
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Graphite
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Sand
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Pewter
What Other Eco-Friendly Countertop Options Are Available?
There are a few viable alternatives to PaperStone. These alternatives include Eco-Top, Kliptech and Richlite.
How Thick Are PaperStone Countertops?
Despite being made from primarily recycled paper, PaperStone countertops can be relatively thick. Although the thinnest option available is ¼ of an inch thick, it is highly recommended that your countertop be at least ¾ of an inch thick.
Maintenance of PaperStone Countertops
PaperStone countertops are durable and non-porous surfaces. To clean the countertop, all you will need is either hot soapy water or a non-abrasive kitchen cleaner. Although some homeowners choose not to, it is highly recommended that you seal your PaperStone countertop. It is in your best interest to do so to add an extra level of protection, despite the surface being non-porous.
Installation of PaperStone Countertops
Unlike most other countertop surfaces, PaperStone countertops are relatively light, which makes it possible for a skilled homeowner to make a Do-It-Yourself project out of the installation. However, hiring a professional always lessens the risk of any mistakes occurring and will clear you of the burden of installing the surface on your own. Although having a professional do the job will come at a cost, it is better to ensure that the job is done correctly.
Pros and Cons of PaperStone Countertops
As you will find with any countertop material, PaperStone comes with its pros and cons. These pros and cons are listed in the following table and explained below.
Pros | Cons |
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Scratches Are Easy to Repair |
Only Available in Darker Colors |
Water Resistant |
Direct Exposure to UV Rays Can Cause Damage |
Stain Resistant |
Can Scratch Easily |
Pros
Scratches Are Easy to Repair
One of the primary benefits of PaperStone countertops is that scratches are very easy to repair. All you will need to do is use a little sandpaper and mineral oil.
Water Resistant
PaperStone countertops are water resistant. This can be particularly helpful in either a kitchen or a bathroom.
Stain Resistant
PaperStone countertops are also resistant to stains. This makes the countertops a particularly appealing option for an environmentally friendly kitchen.
Cons
Only Available in Darker Colors
As mentioned above, PaperStone countertops are only available in darker colors. While many homeowners love the beautiful range of cooler colors, if you are looking for a light-colored countertop, PaperStone will not be a good fit for you.
Direct Exposure to UV Rays Can Cause Damage
Direct exposure to UV rays can cause a PaperStone countertop to become damaged or discolored. This is why you never want to install your PaperStone countertop in an outdoor sitting area. For such areas, you will have to go with a natural stone that can handle the elements it will face outdoors.
Can Scratch Easily
One of the downsides to PaperStone countertops is that they can scratch easily. However, as mentioned in the Pros section above, any scratches are easy to get out. In fact, some homeowners leave the scratches, as they feel it gives the countertop character.
How Does PaperStone Compare to Quartz?
Quartz is frequently cited as a countertop material that is environmentally friendly. Quartz is an engineered stone that is made using roughly 90 percent quartz and around 10 percent resins and pigments. Those numbers can go up or down depending on the specific brand but are generally in the same area.
In terms of which material is more eco-friendly, PaperStone is the most eco-friendly countertop option you will find. So despite quartz being relatively eco-friendly, no countertop options can surpass PaperStone or other recycled paper countertops in being environmentally friendly.
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Cost Comparison: PaperStone vs. Quartz
PaperStone | Between $40 to $120 per square foot |
Quartz | Between $50 to $120 per square foot |
As you can see from the table above, PaperStone and quartz generally fall in a similar price range. In terms of which one is better, it is a matter of personal opinion and will depend on what you are looking for in terms of both appearance and functionality.
PaperStone countertops are both a highly attractive and environmentally friendly countertop option. The surfaces are a great option for any homeowners that are looking for an alternative to traditional stone or solid surface countertop options.
National Average
$4,000
(30 sq.ft. of moderate countertop with eased edge, undermount sink, and no backsplash)
Cost to install kitchen countertops varies greatly by region (and even by zip code). Get free estimates from countertop installers in your city.
Find out how much your project will cost.