The Top 5 Options For Recycled

February 15th, 2016 5:05pm

Countertops

Over the years, the term green friendly has become less of a buzzword and more of a reality in kitchens across the world. But what exactly are recycled countertops and how can you or the environment benefit from them? Also, what are the different types available?

What Are Green Friendly Counters?

A green-friendly counter is made using a material that is not only nontoxic to you and your family, but to nature. These recycled countertops are generally formaldehyde free or have low VOC materials.

But, a green-friendly counter can also be made from a renewable source or a source that can easily be upcycled or recycled.

Here are a few materials that are considered recycled or renewable that you can use in your kitchens for your countertops.

Recycled Glass Counters

This is a very popular option for many homeowners. Mix either one type/color of glass or various colors of glass into a mix which is comprised of concrete, resin or a cement base. This is considered recycled because it diverts glass from the waste stream. Often these types of recycled countertops are also mixed with fly ash - a byproduct of coal burning, which if left unused simply ends up in a landfill. By using it in your recycled glass counters you are saving the fly ash from littering the landfills even more.

Bio-Glass

If you don't like the look of recycled glass, another option for recycled countertops is bio-glass. It uses recycled glass, but has a much sleeker and translucent appearance than most recycled glass. Its also made of 100% glass and nothing else. These often come in slabs and can be used for your counters and your backsplashes. Some companies can also mix in a resin if you want them to which will change the tone of the glass itself.

Reclaimed-Wood Counters

These recycled countertops use salvage, reclaimed, or even butcher blocks and re-use them as countertops. This rustic decor look not only brings a cozy, warm look to your kitchen, but can also be useful when chopping veggies or rolling out dough.

When lumberyards remove trees from the land, their equipment can add even more toxins and chemicals to the air. Because you are using wood that has already been used for something else, there is no need to harvest new trees for your countertops!

Bamboo

While bamboo isn't necessarily a "recycled" product, it is a renewable resource. These wood shoots literally grow like grass and are super eco-friendly. Not to mention that they can grow without the use of fertilizer or pesticides which in turn can keep chemicals from entering into groundwater.

Stainless Steel

Every kitchen in the world that employs professional Chefs has stainless steel counters. Not only are they made of 60% recycled materials, but they can be recycled limitless amounts of time. To top it off, stainless steel is incredibly strong and its heat resistant. It, however, can scratch easily so make sure you also consider that as well.

Are you ready to renovate your kitchen? If you live in Scottsdale or the surrounding areas, contact Good Guys Remodeling for a consultation about making your kitchen dreams come true by calling 480.696.3527.

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