The Counters Blog

Here are some strategies for making your concrete countertops as green as possible. You can reduce this environmental liability by using a countertop mix that replaces some of the cement with materials such as fly ash, slag cement and silica fume-all industrial waste byproducts from coal-fired power plants, steel mills and other manufacturing facilities. The same holds true for the materials used in your countertops. If you use a local countertop manufacturer, in almost all cases your countertop will be made locally too, either in the contractor’s shop or even in your own home, if the countertop is cast-in-place. Portland cement production uses up a lot of energy, and mining of aggregate and sand can be environmentally disruptive.The good news is that you can take a number of simple steps to reduce the ecological footprint of your countertops, such as replacing some of the virgin materials in concrete with recycled waste materials and using a nontoxic water-based finish. Portland cement, which constitutes about 12% of most concrete, is highly energy-intensive to produce. Talk to your countertop fabricator as most of them work with a green mix. Note that replacing some of the cement in concrete with these byproducts should not affect the quality, performance or even the cost of your countertop. Ask your countertop contractor if they make products using materials harvested or produced near your home, such as aggregate from a local river or quarry and cement produced in a regional plant.

Eco Friendly Countertop Guide by bhg.com

Eco Friendly Countertops | Duration 5 Minutes 4 Seconds Eco-friendly woods get their green status from either being saved from landfills or manufactured from sustainable resources. Recycled aluminum and other metals are the most expensive in this category. Recycled glass, pieces of glass mixed with porcelain or concrete and cast into slabs. Postconsumer paper waste, which is made by compressing paper into a solid block, then finishing it with a hard, natural resin. Resin-based panels that can be multicycled, that is, colored and recolored countless times, a characteristic that prevents down-cycling. They are impervious to stains and water but can be scratched. Like any wood surface used in the kitchen, these must be sealed to prevent stains, rings, and scratches. Old doors, furniture, and professional kitchen equipment will get a new lease on life when a creative homeowner sees beyond their current state to their future potential.

Eco Friendly Kitchen Countertops by sunset.com

The cement in some counters is mixed with fly ash, a waste product of coal-burning that would otherwise end up in landfills; this also reduces greenhouse gas-producing cement manufacturing. Metal products are finished with reusable abrasives and recirculated water. Kitchen countertops can be integrally colored or stained for more variation and color coordination with cabinetry or painted surfaces. Butcher blocks can be made from slender lengths or end-grain blocks. Recycled old-growth lumber often has tighter grain and better quality.

7 Most Eco Friendly Countertops by dwell.com

We swooned over the dark chestnut slice sandwiched by two oh-so-beauteous blonde pieces. If your kitchen counters look more drab than fab, consider revamping with a sustainable surface. We put them to the test to see how they coped with everyday culinary maladies—stains, spills, an errant cleaver chop (or two), and heavy objects falling from great heights. The material more closely resembles wood than stone, making it much easier to work with. Dropping a can of tomatoes and chopping on the surface carved deep divots and our sample broke in transit.

Sustainable Flooring by greenbuildingsupply.com

We specialize in products that are safe for everyone—including the chemically sensitive—as well as safe for pets and the environment. Answer a few simple questions and we’ll get you the right type of flooring for your project. Plus all the extras and supplies that you need to complete your flooring project. Whether you’re remodeling or building a new green home, you’ll find our experienced eco-advisors can help you choose the safest alternatives for your home.

Green Flooring by ecofriendlyflooring.com

We take the authenticity of our products very seriously. You won’t find rainforest woods or liquidated bargain-basement corks, either. As an added perk, we also offer very competitively priced recycled quartz countertops. We can mix any of our 300 colors for you to make your own customized mosaic. When you work with us, you’ll have your choice of beautiful, non-toxic, authentically green flooring and tile at fair prices. Look to us for something different, something authentically green, and good, sound advice.

How To Seal A Granite Countertop by bobvila.com

Some countertops come pre-sealed, but if yours did not (or you’re not sure) don’t delay giving it the shield it needs.

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Environmentally Friendly Recycled Concrete Countertops For A Healthy Home | Duration 2 Minutes 27 Seconds The proper penetrating (or impregnating) sealer will soak into the granite, filling the porous gaps, to keep damage at bay. Water-based sealants are environmentally friendly, while solvent-based sealants may go deeper into the stone—though this is arguably only important on polished granite. What’s more, fluorocarbon aliphatic resins repel oil as well as water, so your granite won’t be ruined by a salad dressing mishap. Ahead, you’ll find general guidance for how to seal a granite countertop with either variety, but specific directions vary according to brand and active ingredients. After 15 minutes, check to see if the water or oil has seeped in and darkened the granite. If not, then the countertop is already sealed, and doing so again will not offer extra protection but only leave an unattractive hazy film. First, take everything off the counter and wipe it down well with a clean, dry microfiber cloth to remove all surface dust. Generously spray the countertop and wipe clean while polishing in a circular motion, using a microfiber cloth. In an area usually covered by a small appliance, test the sealant to ensure it won’t affect the finish. Then snap a few photos of the area and show them to an associate at your local home center for advice on a more appropriate product. Wait the manufacturer’s recommended time for the product to absorb into the countertop.Nonetheless, granite experts recommend waiting a full 48 hours before wiping a newly sealed granite countertop with anything wet. For daily cleaning, a dab of dish detergent and a wet rag will get the job done beautifully. Improper cleaning, neglected spills, and other issues of everyday use could easily mar the surface otherwise. If so, proceed with these instructions for how to seal a granite countertop. Then, mix one teaspoon of dishwashing detergent and two tablespoons of isopropyl alcohol in a pint spray bottle and fill with cool water. Should our instructions vary from the label, defer to the manufacturer.

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Environmentally Friendly Countertops And Flooring From Today’S Homeowner Video Channel | Duration 4 Minutes 8 Seconds Apply a small amount per manufacturer’s directions, by spraying or pouring onto a cloth and then rubbing it evenly over the test area. Don’t let it sit longer than recommended, because that could discolor the stone. If it has discolored, wipe up any remaining sealant with a clean rag. Once you’ve acquired a new sealant, clean the counter and test the new sealant. Apply in sections, using a circular motion, of an arm’s length in diameter, to ensure equal coverage throughout. If the product you use requires one coat, allow it cure, which can take between two and 48 hours. Also, avoid returning any kitchenware to the counter until after the curing period. Keep the spray bottle of cleaner you created around for periodic use every month or two. Strive to wipe up spills immediately and then dry the countertop to keep your granite looking great.