The Surprisingly Durable Material That's Replacing Traditional Countertops

When it comes to choosing the most durable countertop for your kitchen, there's no one right recipe. Some homeowners are committed to the non-porous nature of quartz, while others swear that granite or Dekton are actually the secret ingredient for whipping up a space that can handle a decent amount of wear and tear. But allow us to serve up a new option: Richlite is an environmentally-friendly countertop material made from paper. And, no, it's not as flimsy as you might imagine.

Layers of high-grade custom FSC®-certified paper are saturated with a thermoset plastic resin. Once the sheets are carefully stacked in alternating directions, they're baked in industrial ovens at high temps, bonding everything together. The result, once the mixture is slowly cooled, is an extremely durable product that is almost fully non-porous, can withstand high impacts, and resist temperatures up to 350 degrees. In other words, not only can Richlite countertops handle standard wear, tear, and spills without staining, but you could accidentally set a hot pot on the surface without causing major damage.

Naturally resistant to moisture and bacteria and free of formaldehyde resins, the countertops are also safe for any food prep. As for the appearance, it ages like fine wine. Available in a range of earthy neutrals (think: gray hues, various browns, black, navy, and terracotta reds), the smooth, matte surface develops a rich patina that improves over time.

For those looking to reduce their carbon footprint, the recycled paper material (also used for ultra-durable kitchen cabinets) is a great first step. Americans, on average, page through more than 700 pounds of paper each year. And redirecting all those sheets from a landfill to a second act as a surprisingly hearty countertop material makes a huge difference. Every ton of paper that is repurposed reduces greenhouse gas emissions and saves up to 26,000 liters of water.

As far as cost, Richlite countertops can carry a price tag between $45 and $70 per square foot. That places them squarely in between cheaper options like travertine, laminate, porcelain, and ceramic and pricier natural stones, such as marble and granite. Though even if you shell out the estimated $800 to $1,200 for a 3-foot by 6-foot kitchen island, you could save in the long run. Recycled paper countertops can last at least 15 years, with some holding strong for more than 25.

Regular cleaning with a wet sponge or microfiber cloth and mild soap will ensure the material keeps up appearances. But as with most stones, they do need to be sealed every year. Apply the sealant using a cloth and let it sit for 20 minutes, then wipe clean for that like-new sheen.