PaperStone: “Greenest Architectural Surface on the Market Today”

From Jennifer on August 20th, 2009 in Green Remodeling

Paper countertops? For real? Against all odds, a company in Hoquiam, Washington developed a solid surface material out of recycled paper. PaperStone by Paneltech International is made from recycled cardboard and office paper. Unlike particleboard, PaperStone is held together by natural resins that contain zero harmful chemicals, which for you, equals no VOCs or outgassing. The resin that holds the panels together is actually made from Cashew nutshell liquid (didn’t see that coming either). Purely organic and eco-friendly, PaperStone can earn you LEED points in your building or remodeling project.

According to Paneltech, the cost is comparable to granite, but the installation should be a bit less because the product is so easy to cut (do you suppose they use recycled scissors?). Paperstone is made by taking the recycled paper products and manufacturing them into new sheets, which are then soaked into the nutty resin and compressed into nonporous panels. These panels will never de-laminate and can stand the test of time (or at least rigorous lab experiments). They come in a standard 60” x 144” sheet, but can be cut down and applied to many projects, such as kitchen countertops, windowsills, doorway thresholds, tabletops, wall partitions, wall cladding and rain screens.

And best of all, it sure doesn’t look like recycled paper. PaperStone’s appearance is similar to a solid surface countertop (like Corian) but with a slight wood grain. It’s only available in a handful of colors, but my guess is that as the product grows in popularity and other green companies catch on, it’ll become more diverse in hue.

Although the product is still a bit of a green secret, there are PaperStone dealers all over the United States.

The next time you look at a cardboard box or the paper recycling bin at work, you’ll look at it a little differently, won’t you?

2 Responses to “PaperStone: “Greenest Architectural Surface on the Market Today””

John Anderson Says:

August 21st, 2009 at 6:57 am

If you like PaperStone you should check out EcoTop. EcoTop comes from the company that originally developed PaperStone. A company called KlipTech http://www.KlipTech.com The new EcoTop product comes in a very diverse color pallet ranging from Snow White to Jet Black. We use the new product now primarily because of the UV stability it has that the old product doesn’t.

Cork, Bamboo, Rubber and Concrete: Eco-Flooring that Will Floor You | Calfinder Remodeling Blog Says:

November 4th, 2010 at 11:59 am

[...] featured in this kitchen: Paperstone Countertops, non-VOC paints and green-certified Crystal [...]

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About the Author:

Jennifer Heyns
I must admit that when my husband dragged me into the world of construction 15 years ago, I did not go quietly. The phrase "kicking and screaming" is probably what comes to his mind. But I’ve learned a lot through my experience with his company - from the planning and work required to design and build a house to the ideas and sweat equity that go into remodeling, expanding, and decorating a home. On my way to finding my passion for writing, I even enjoyed a short career as a kitchen and bathroom designer. I soon found house, home and construction-type publications seeking me out, thrilled at having found someone who knows about the topic matter from firsthand experience and who just so happens to be able to write a decent article. My life isn’t all about writing, though. I have two sons, 10 and 12, and those boys (husband and dog included) just don’t raise themselves. We spend a leisurely life in the countryside, enjoying the fresh air, growing gardens (mostly for the sake of the deer), and watching the wildlife who share our property (and not just deer - owls, foxes, groundhogs, chipmunks and hummingbirds, too). For several years I've been successfully finding new ways to acquire quality, affordable healthcare for my family without an HMO. My first book, Bargaining for Our Lives is available now - see more about it (and me) at www.JenniferHeyns.com. On a good day I find time to say hello to all my followers on twitter, or to post a blog (my way of thwarting therapy appointments) at www.JenniferHeyns.blogspot.com. On a great day, though, I also get to bake, knit or make crafts - after the boys are asleep and the laundry and dishes are done, of course.