Are These Sustainable Bathroom Countertop Materials for You?
These five surfacing materials are manufactured with sustainability and health in mind
If you’re planning to replace your bathroom countertops, you might want to consider sustainable options that also offer performance and style. These five bathroom countertop materials have distinctive designs and make less of an impact on the environment than other options.
Where you can use it. Durat sheets can be used to create seamless surfaces tens of yards long. Seams can be sanded to become invisible, making this product a good solution for long bathroom vanities. Durat can also be used to fabricate custom sinks, bathtubs, shower bases, backsplashes, shelves, tables and benches.
Look and feel. Durat offers more than 300 standard background colors in a range of textures and with different color speckles, as well as the option of custom colors. The product’s clean, seamless look makes it a fit for modern and minimalist designs. In a vibrant color, this material can introduce a bold element into a design scheme (such as the hot pink bathroom countertop pictured here).
Care and maintenance. Durat surfaces should be cleaned with a mild soap-based solution — normal cleaning cloths and coarse sponges are fine, as are most types of detergent. Window cleaner or mineral oil then washed off with a mild soap solution can increase the shine of a Durat surface.
Look and feel. Durat offers more than 300 standard background colors in a range of textures and with different color speckles, as well as the option of custom colors. The product’s clean, seamless look makes it a fit for modern and minimalist designs. In a vibrant color, this material can introduce a bold element into a design scheme (such as the hot pink bathroom countertop pictured here).
Care and maintenance. Durat surfaces should be cleaned with a mild soap-based solution — normal cleaning cloths and coarse sponges are fine, as are most types of detergent. Window cleaner or mineral oil then washed off with a mild soap solution can increase the shine of a Durat surface.
The cabinetry and vanity countertop in this bathroom feature PaperStone.
2. PaperStone Solid Surface
How it’s made. PaperStone contains from 50% to 100% recycled paper, plus non-petroleum-based resin and natural pigments. Resin-saturated sheets of recycled paper are stacked and placed in a press, where heat and pressure fuse them together into panels. The quantity of sheets pressed determines the panel thickness. PaperStone is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.
Durability. Because PaperStone is made of multiple thin layers of paper bonded together with resin under high pressure, the strength of this compact bond makes PaperStone less brittle than stone or engineered quartz. It is stain- and heat-resistant and nonporous. Scratches and dings can be sanded and refinished. PaperStone will not melt, liquify or explode, and most products are good choices for applications requiring high fire resistance.
2. PaperStone Solid Surface
How it’s made. PaperStone contains from 50% to 100% recycled paper, plus non-petroleum-based resin and natural pigments. Resin-saturated sheets of recycled paper are stacked and placed in a press, where heat and pressure fuse them together into panels. The quantity of sheets pressed determines the panel thickness. PaperStone is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.
Durability. Because PaperStone is made of multiple thin layers of paper bonded together with resin under high pressure, the strength of this compact bond makes PaperStone less brittle than stone or engineered quartz. It is stain- and heat-resistant and nonporous. Scratches and dings can be sanded and refinished. PaperStone will not melt, liquify or explode, and most products are good choices for applications requiring high fire resistance.
Where you can use it. PaperStone is available in a variety of sizes up to its largest 5-foot-by-12-foot panels, allowing for fewer — or even no — seams in some applications. It is also available in a variety of thicknesses. In the bathroom, PaperStone can be used for countertops, partitions, wall cladding, paneling and furniture. The bathroom shown here features PaperStone on the vanity countertop and cabinet door fronts.
Look and feel. PaperStone is warm to the touch and is offered in several looks and colors. The variation caused by impurities present in recycled paper are considered part of the character of PaperStone and create a look similar to a wood grain or stone. These impurities become more apparent when the surface is sanded.
As it ages, PaperStone develops a satiny patina. Slabs range from being the same color throughout to light-colored on the surface with light and dark layers on the edges.
Care and maintenance. The standard PaperStone finish is a matte, flat-textured surface that should be coated with a natural oil product (Osmo Oil is one option) for optimal appearance and protection. To freshen up the finish over time, a light wax coating should be applied.
Look and feel. PaperStone is warm to the touch and is offered in several looks and colors. The variation caused by impurities present in recycled paper are considered part of the character of PaperStone and create a look similar to a wood grain or stone. These impurities become more apparent when the surface is sanded.
As it ages, PaperStone develops a satiny patina. Slabs range from being the same color throughout to light-colored on the surface with light and dark layers on the edges.
Care and maintenance. The standard PaperStone finish is a matte, flat-textured surface that should be coated with a natural oil product (Osmo Oil is one option) for optimal appearance and protection. To freshen up the finish over time, a light wax coating should be applied.
Photo from Lapitec
3. Lapitec Sintered Stone
How it’s made. Lapitec produces a sintered stone slab that — unlike engineered quartz and granite — contains little to no crystalline silica in its composition. Crystalline silica can be toxic when inhaled in the form of dust during the manufacturing process, a growing concern for workers in the industry.
By contrast, sintered stone is created when natural minerals are exposed to extreme pressure and temperature. Lapitec’s sintered stone requires no binding agents, inks or dyes. This gives it almost no porousness and makes it 100% recyclable and color stable.
Durability. Lapitec is durable, long lasting and resists heat and scratches, as well as acid and alkalis (which can etch natural stone like marble). Lapitec’s lack of porousness also makes it resistant to moisture, stains, mold and bacteria.
How to Find a Stone Fabricator That Follows Best Safety Practices
3. Lapitec Sintered Stone
How it’s made. Lapitec produces a sintered stone slab that — unlike engineered quartz and granite — contains little to no crystalline silica in its composition. Crystalline silica can be toxic when inhaled in the form of dust during the manufacturing process, a growing concern for workers in the industry.
By contrast, sintered stone is created when natural minerals are exposed to extreme pressure and temperature. Lapitec’s sintered stone requires no binding agents, inks or dyes. This gives it almost no porousness and makes it 100% recyclable and color stable.
Durability. Lapitec is durable, long lasting and resists heat and scratches, as well as acid and alkalis (which can etch natural stone like marble). Lapitec’s lack of porousness also makes it resistant to moisture, stains, mold and bacteria.
How to Find a Stone Fabricator That Follows Best Safety Practices
Photo from Lapitec
Where you can use it. Lapitec can be used for bathroom counters or shower surrounds and floors, as well as internal or external cladding, interior flooring, exterior paving, stairs, outdoor swimming pools and even some facades. It can come in very large slabs that work for covering large areas inside and outside.
Look and feel. Lapitec is offered in a range of colors and nine finishes, from smooth and velvety to a rugged look that emulates natural stone. It can work within transitional, modern and minimalist design styles.
Care and maintenance. Since Lapitec is nonporous, you don’t need to worry about wiping up spills immediately. Its surface is antibacterial and antifungal. Soap and water is all you need for cleaning. No sealing or special cleaning products are required.
Where you can use it. Lapitec can be used for bathroom counters or shower surrounds and floors, as well as internal or external cladding, interior flooring, exterior paving, stairs, outdoor swimming pools and even some facades. It can come in very large slabs that work for covering large areas inside and outside.
Look and feel. Lapitec is offered in a range of colors and nine finishes, from smooth and velvety to a rugged look that emulates natural stone. It can work within transitional, modern and minimalist design styles.
Care and maintenance. Since Lapitec is nonporous, you don’t need to worry about wiping up spills immediately. Its surface is antibacterial and antifungal. Soap and water is all you need for cleaning. No sealing or special cleaning products are required.
4. IceStone Recycled Glass Countertops
How it’s made. IceStone is made from Portland cement, recycled glass and nontoxic pigments. The recycled glass gives IceStone its terrazzo look. The manufacturer is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council and is Cradle to Cradle Certified, meaning it’s rated for product safety, recycled content, recyclability and manufacturing processes.
Durability. IceStone is strong but not as durable as Durat or Lapitec. Acids and strong alkaline cleaning products will etch it.
How it’s made. IceStone is made from Portland cement, recycled glass and nontoxic pigments. The recycled glass gives IceStone its terrazzo look. The manufacturer is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council and is Cradle to Cradle Certified, meaning it’s rated for product safety, recycled content, recyclability and manufacturing processes.
Durability. IceStone is strong but not as durable as Durat or Lapitec. Acids and strong alkaline cleaning products will etch it.
Where you can use it. IceStone works well for bathroom vanities, shower ledges and niches.
Look and feel. This material comes in 17 colors ranging from contemporary jewel tones to classic neutrals. Slabs are shipped in a polished finish but can be honed or sandblasted by a fabricator. Honed or sandblasted finishes are not covered under warranty.
Care and maintenance. While the old IceStone material was porous and required periodic sealing, IceStone’s new line of product — launched in August 2019 and called NEW IceStone — does not need to be sealed once it leaves the factory. For regular cleaning, use a damp cloth and a cleaning product free of chlorine bleach, ammonia, acid and citrus scents.
Look and feel. This material comes in 17 colors ranging from contemporary jewel tones to classic neutrals. Slabs are shipped in a polished finish but can be honed or sandblasted by a fabricator. Honed or sandblasted finishes are not covered under warranty.
Care and maintenance. While the old IceStone material was porous and required periodic sealing, IceStone’s new line of product — launched in August 2019 and called NEW IceStone — does not need to be sealed once it leaves the factory. For regular cleaning, use a damp cloth and a cleaning product free of chlorine bleach, ammonia, acid and citrus scents.
Photo from Marble Trend
5. Neolith Sintered Stone
How it’s made. Neolith is another sintered surface and is made of raw materials: minerals from granite that give it strength, and minerals from glass and silica that provide stability and natural oxides and contribute to its appearance. These natural materials are subjected to very high temperatures and pressure until they form a solid mass. Neolith is Greenguard and Greenguard Gold Certified, making it suitable for places like schools and medical centers.
Durability. Neolith is highly resistant to scratches, heat and impact damage. Slabs with a polished finish offer less surface hardness that non-polished slabs and require greater care. Regardless of the finish, however, ceramic knives can scratch this surface as they do with other sintered stone products. Neolith is not damaged by low temperatures, is resistant to UV rays and won’t fade in the sun. Also, of particular importance when it comes to bathrooms, it is water-resistant with an absorption level near zero.
5. Neolith Sintered Stone
How it’s made. Neolith is another sintered surface and is made of raw materials: minerals from granite that give it strength, and minerals from glass and silica that provide stability and natural oxides and contribute to its appearance. These natural materials are subjected to very high temperatures and pressure until they form a solid mass. Neolith is Greenguard and Greenguard Gold Certified, making it suitable for places like schools and medical centers.
Durability. Neolith is highly resistant to scratches, heat and impact damage. Slabs with a polished finish offer less surface hardness that non-polished slabs and require greater care. Regardless of the finish, however, ceramic knives can scratch this surface as they do with other sintered stone products. Neolith is not damaged by low temperatures, is resistant to UV rays and won’t fade in the sun. Also, of particular importance when it comes to bathrooms, it is water-resistant with an absorption level near zero.
Photo from Marble Trend
Where you can use it. Neolith can be used for a number of interior and exterior applications including countertops, floors, walls, facades, tiling and furniture. In bathrooms it can be used for countertops, sinks, flooring and wall cladding in both dry and wet areas. Its durability makes it suitable for high-traffic areas. Due to its availability in large formats, Neolith can reduce the labor required by seams and grouting.
Look and feel. Neolith comes in a variety of finishes — including slate, natural stone and wood grain — and can suit just about any design aesthetic. The bathroom walls pictured here feature Neolith’s La Bohème finish, which is inspired by century-old cedar trees. Other finishes range from polished to silk, satin and a very weathered texture called “river-washed.”
Care and maintenance. For daily maintenance of Neolith surfaces, use a microfiber cloth to remove dust from the surface. Neolith countertops can be washed with warm water and detergent. Avoid products containing hydrofluoric acid and its derivatives. Also, avoid using rough sponges or steel wool on slabs with a polished finish.
Where you can use it. Neolith can be used for a number of interior and exterior applications including countertops, floors, walls, facades, tiling and furniture. In bathrooms it can be used for countertops, sinks, flooring and wall cladding in both dry and wet areas. Its durability makes it suitable for high-traffic areas. Due to its availability in large formats, Neolith can reduce the labor required by seams and grouting.
Look and feel. Neolith comes in a variety of finishes — including slate, natural stone and wood grain — and can suit just about any design aesthetic. The bathroom walls pictured here feature Neolith’s La Bohème finish, which is inspired by century-old cedar trees. Other finishes range from polished to silk, satin and a very weathered texture called “river-washed.”
Care and maintenance. For daily maintenance of Neolith surfaces, use a microfiber cloth to remove dust from the surface. Neolith countertops can be washed with warm water and detergent. Avoid products containing hydrofluoric acid and its derivatives. Also, avoid using rough sponges or steel wool on slabs with a polished finish.
1. Durat Solid Surface
How it’s made. Durat is a solid surface that contains up to 30% recycled plastic sourced from the medical and cellphone industries. The waste is granulated, giving Durat a speckled look. The final product is 100% recyclable. The company also reclaims its own material and uses it to make new slabs of recycled Durat.
Durability. Durat solid surface is resistant to wear, heat, humidity and various chemicals and household substances. A quick polish should remove scratches and other marks. Deeper scratches can be lightly sanded, and cracks can be filled to make the surface look like new.