Paperstone countertop

**tomthetoolman40** · 03-12-2012, 01:39 PM

Has anybody here installed this material? Looking for feedback please.

http://www.thenaturalabode.com/green...countertop.htm

**Dancing Dan** · 03-12-2012, 01:44 PM

We've used it several times. We're using Richlite more these days, but it's basically the same thing. It's tough to work, but you can use regular woodworking tools. I think it looks pretty cool - kind of like the synthetic slate of those old lab tables.

**Lavrans** · 03-12-2012, 01:56 PM

I've used it a couple times, and use Richlite regularly too. I found it easy to work with, although it is heavy. Use sharp tools. Hand planes don't work very well.

**David Meiland** · 03-12-2012, 02:28 PM

How does this stuff hold up in a kitchen setting, including around the sink?

I've installed it once, in a utility room. Seemed easy to scratch... compared to granite.

**tomthetoolman40** · 03-12-2012, 03:03 PM

Thanks guys. How do you finish the front edge? Is this a solid material, or like plywood with layers?

**Dancing Dan** · 03-12-2012, 03:39 PM

Seems to hold up fine. Can chip a little with an undermount - good place for a slightly bigger chamfer than on the edges if you can.

And Tom - it's sort of like plywood - it's got a top layer you need to take care of.

**Lavrans** · 03-12-2012, 04:06 PM

What it is: paper saturated with epoxy and compressed. It has some grain. It I fairly impervious to most things, but you really should resell edges around under mount sinks. I think it's better to think of as a marble or slate- it will patina over time; may look a little weird for a little bit, but will get a very cool patina after a time.

It's not granite or plastic.

**BOC Contracting** · 03-12-2012, 06:37 PM

For those who have used it - how does it hold up to UV exposure? I've heard it is subject to fading.
Thanks,
Ben

**Dancing Dan** · 03-12-2012, 06:53 PM

Ben - I kept a piece rolling around in the back of my truck over a winter to see how it would do - didn't seem to lighten enormously.

**Dutchman** · 03-12-2012, 07:17 PM

Originally Posted by Lavrans

What it is: paper saturated with epoxy and compressed. It has some grain. It I fairly impervious to most things, but you really should resell edges around under mount sinks. I think it's better to think of as a marble or slate- it will patina over time; may look a little weird for a little bit, but will get a very cool patina after a time.

It's not granite or plastic.

As I understand, and was told by our local supplier, the product is comprised of multiple layers of recycled paper bound (compressed) by nut resins thereby making it a green product, not epoxy. Under it's "Paperstone" name, it was manufactured in Washington State, not so green for us in the NE. Richlite (as I have been told), is made by one of the guys from that company but now in PA, a bit better for us up here.

It does work like wood and holds up pretty damn well. I made a vessel sink out of some scraps for my office bathroom and have not had an issue in two years. I'll test it for a while longer and then have the market on hippie sinks and charge accordingly!

As far as it's use for counter tops, not in my house. I prefer a local product like slate or concrete, or wood where it's appropriate.

**Lavrans** · 03-12-2012, 07:18 PM

It doesn't do a whole lot, but will fade a little bit.

**Dutchman** · 03-12-2012, 07:22 PM

Originally Posted by Dancing Dan

Ben - I kept a piece rolling around in the back of my truck over a winter to see how it would do - didn't seem to lighten enormously.

Uh, "kept a piece rolling around in the back of my truck"...as if that was experimentation versus being too lazy to clean out the bed of you truck.

**Lavrans** · 03-12-2012, 07:28 PM

Originally Posted by Dutchman

As I understand, and was told by our local supplier, the product is comprised of multiple layers of recycled paper bound (compressed) by nut resins thereby making it a green product, not epoxy. Under it's "Paperstone" name, it was manufactured in Washington State, not so green for us in the NE. Richlite (as I have been told), is made by one of the guys from that company but now in PA, a bit better for us up here.

It does work like wood and holds up pretty damn well. I made a vessel sink out of some scraps for my office bathroom and have not had an issue in two years. I'll test it for a while longer and then have the market on hippie sinks and charge accordingly!

As far as it's use for counter tops, not in my house. I prefer a local product like slate or concrete, or wood where it's appropriate.

Hey- you are correct. It's made with "petro-free resins".

**tjbnwi** · 03-12-2012, 07:30 PM

Seeing as it is a nut resin, what about those with nut allergies? Should they avoid the product?

Tom

**Lavrans** · 03-12-2012, 07:41 PM

I don't think so- it has been certified for use in labs & healthcare facilities. Or... It was.

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