Changing Countertops? Think Going ‘Green’

Many people ask us – what else is out there besides granite; what is new? There are several choices if you are tired of granite or if you are looking to use a “green” product (and want to stay away from resourcing something that is cutting into the side of a mountain). Choices are: glass composite, concrete, wood, stainless steel, glass, lava, titanium/zinc, and paper composite.
Older mainstays are laminate, solid surface and tile. Three materials that we have had great success with include:
• Glass composites or quartz are generally 90 percent pure natural quartz/stones and 10 percent epoxy resin to act as a binder. Quartz conglomerate has the properties of granite in that they do not scratch, are stain resistant and do not require future sealing (which is required of some granites).
Coloring is very consistent so whatever you saw as a sample will be what the slab looks like in your home.
Lastly, there is pigmentation added to many of the quartz’s so if you are looking for a particular stone you may not find it in a granite but might be available in a quartz. Cost of glass composites vs. granite is nominal.
• Concrete: materials used to make concrete are water, cement, sand, stone and pigment. Counters can be fabricated in a shop or actually done on site with a constructed form. If the later is done then you will have no seams. What is also very unique about concrete is that you can put cool objects in the concrete – shells, pieces of tile or glass etc. Concrete does have to be sealed to prevent water or stain damage. In generalities concrete can run 20% higher in cost than granite but it is a look and can be custom colored.
• Wood: available in many species – whether glued together or a single slab of wood. Wood is a “feel good” material, which can enhance and warm up a lot of hard surfaces in the kitchen. Wood does have to be periodically oiled but in general it is low maintenance and you are able to cut on (will scratch but that is part of the beauty). Most times we have used the wood as an accent (bar top, desk top etc) rather than be fabricated for the entire kitchen. Compared to granite wood is approx 30 percent less.
Don’t be afraid to try something different and don’t be afraid to mix materials Its your kitchen where you spend a lot of time so make it desirable!
Visit us at 751 Bay Ave. in Somers Point.
(The above was submitted by Sandra Aromando, owner of Euro Line Designe, Inc.)