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I became inspired to investigate countertop material choices when I read an article in New York Times entitled, “What’s Lurking in Your Countertop?” Unbeknownst to me and I am certain many of you, allegations have been made that granite countertops may emit levels of radon.  Please don’t panic.  I have granite counters in my home.  I have done some research on alternative choices to granite and you will be amazed at some of the choices which are gorgeous and some are even Eco friendly. I have included a link to the article written in July 2008 so you can do your own research.  What’s Lurking in Your Countertop?

3Form

This company’s credo is high design and low impact.  They have some of the coolest stuff on the planet.  3form is the leading manufacturer of award-winning, sustainable materials and architectural hardware solutions for the Architecture + Design industry. The samples above are their Varia Ecoresin® system, with 40% recycled content, encapsulates color, organic materials, and textures within translucent resin panels. Use 3form Hardware with our innovative material to create walls, dividers, doors and other architectural solutions.  Be sure to go their website and look at the company video. You can find this product at 3-form.com

DuPont™ Corian®

Corian® is a composite material of acrylic polymers with mineral additives has been around for 40 years and comes in wide array of colors. Corian® is easy to clean and is certified kosher. Because Corian® is nonporous, stains do not penetrate the surface. With proper cleaning, Corian® also resists the growth of mold, mildew and bacteria. Corian® is also heat and scratch resistant. You can find this product at corian.com

IceStone

IceStone durable surfaces are made from 100% recycled glass and high performance concrete. IceStone® products are the ideal choice for sustainable countertops. IceStone can also be used in back splash, bathroom vanity, table top, bar top, interior wall, and commercial flooring applications. Beautiful shower and bathtub surrounds and kitchen sinks can be made with IceStone as well. IceStone surfaces can be mounted vertically or horizontally. Currently, there are 27 available colors, but the palette is infinite. You can find this product at icestone.biz

Alkemi

Alkemi is made from recycled surface material composed of post-industrial scrap waste (35% by weight-as certified-or 60% by volume). Made from fine flake aluminum milling scrap-which commonly burns up as a heavy smoke pollutant when exposed to conventional aluminum recycling-ALKEMI leaves no hazardous footprint. You can find this product at renewedmaterials.com

Vetrazzo

All of the glass used in Vetrazzo is recycled, and it makes up about 85% of the final material by weight. The largest proportion of glass comes from curbside recycling programs. Other glass comes from post industrial usage, windows, dinnerware, stemware, automotive windshields, stained glass, laboratory glass, reclaimed glass from building demolition, and other unusual sources such as commissioned traffic lights. You can find this product at vetrazzo.com

ThinkGlass

For the discerning homeowner (this means deep pockets), for the unique room, for a breathtaking approach to kitchen or bathroom design, glass is the leading edge, new trendy material for kitchen, bathroom or raised bar countertops. Make sure you look at some of the installations on their website as this looks amazing when lit. You can find this product at www.thinkglass.com

I hope I have inspired you to think of alternative ways to cover your countertops throughout your home and office. Happy hunting for fun and fabulous countertop materials.

By:  Charisse Marie Colbert, CMC Design Studio