COUNTERTOPS: A Green alternative to the Granite Countertop

EnviroGlas uses epoxy resin in their countertop product (EnviroSLAB). IceStone uses concrete as the base.

IceStone is absolutely stunning in a countertop, but then there’s the sealing/staining issue common in concrete (or granite, for that matter) to think about.

EnviroSLAB doesn’t have the amazing look of IceStone, but it is stain resistant and highly customizable.

Where did you find EnviroSLAB? I am looking for a green alternative coutertop for my kitchen. How much would this material cost/sq.ft?

Hello Eileen, I just got off the phone w/ EnviroSLAB and was a bit taken back by the cost… My best assumption based on a conversation with EnviroSLAB’s rep is min $100/sq ft… it is stunning I would agree, but WOW, that is expensive……

Does anyone have a suggestion for a green and inexpensive / reasonable priced, low maintance ( I promise I’m not on a quest for the Holy Grail here… LOL) Counter top? We are a builder producing green housing “Non Luxury”… Thanks for any response.

Environ Laboratories, LLC is an independent, full service industrial/environmental testing laboratory in Minneapolis, Minnesota, within six miles of the Twin Cities International Airport. Our location provides convenient access by air, ground, and rail transportation.

Did you get any suggestion for any alternative countertop idea? We are trying to go green and would love to use something more reasonably priced for all the counters? We are in Baltimore, MD.

I’m interested in using recycled materials also for counterops and thus far have found them to be pricy…anyone with suggestions? Appreciate all

I build and install Granicrete countertops. The reason I chose to install Granicrete is that they are very “green.”

I can install Granicrete right over existing laminate or tile counters, reducing demolition cost and mess, and keeping them out of land fills.

When I have to build new tops, I use Medex by Sierra Pine for a substrate. This is a water resistant MDF type board that is made from mostly recycled materials, no phermaldehyde (sp?), and a renewable resin. It was designed for outdoor signage, and it qualifies for LEED points.

I then top it with four very thin layers of a polymer modified portland cement. Total thickness of all layers is less than 1/8″.

Next come the coloring - all of which is either low or no VOC.

Then it is topped off with a water based epoxy that is almost odorless.

I can create any size or shape countertop with no seam, and I can create looks that rival granite, quartz, marble, soapstone, flagstone, or just about anything. They are heat resistant and nonporous.

My price is $40 per square foot for the overlay, which can go right over laminate or tile countertops.

I think they are one of the very good and very green countertop options, along with the PaperStone and the previously mentioned products.

If you would like more info, feel free to email me at debibloss@yahoo.com or check out Granicrete.com.