It’s a material called richlite :
http://www.richlite.com/countertop/
Its made from paper so there are no toxicity isssues and it’s enviromentally friendly!It’s very durable and quite beautiful. There is even a brown that looks like wood and a black that looks like soapstone. I have two pieces that i have covered with orange juice to see how they handle stains.
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It sounds intriguing except for 2 potential problems (problems for my particular use).
They haven't tested it for water absorption ( they have a warranty good for 3/4" or thicker, against rot or water absorption. In theory, it should be ok, but they haven't actually TESTED this), so it's buyer beware.
They distinctly advise that a direct cut can result in damage. That means not using it as a cutting board. sigh
Onward for the perfect countertop material.
Priorities change. FIRST is a Hyster manlift and now tied at second is money and acreage.
Cutting is not really an issue. All countertops that are not damaged by cutting will instead damage the knives. No careful person cuts on any countertop.
I don't like richlite because it scratches very easily. Now, I love the patina of soapstone, stainless steel, copper etc but this stuff just looked worn out after my sample tests..
Tell me more! I'm just about to order this stuff!!!!!!!!!!!
I am looking for a bathroom countertop. How does soapstone hold up? What is your experience?Â
Edited to say: Wooops, I just noticed all the other threads on countertops. I'll read through those.
Edited 8/7/2004 7:38 pm ET by eroomgardener
Soapstone is soft and is enjoyed by those who love patina and age. I think it is beautiful, but I chose granite bc it is so durable and will resell a lot more easily, I think.
Thanks. I will have to take a look at both.
If you're looking for more info on soapstone vs. granite vs. other countertop materials try http://www.thathomesite.com, click on "Forums" and click on "Kitchens". Many, many threads on the virtues and problems with each material. Very passionate and informed people who are truly (but endearingly, mostly) obsessed with their kitchens and homes.
WRT lino counterops, my grandmother had them in her 1946 semi arts & crafts, semi cottagey, semi mod house (designed and built by my eccentric but talented grandfather). The lino was glued to the surface and there was a metal edge trip piece (L shaped) that was screwed to the edge of the counter, and the short end of the "L" overlapped on the top of the counter and served as both the edge treatment and a vehicle to hold the edge of the lino down. I watched the install of lino on my downstairs bathroom floor and I don't think there is any way it could conform to the 90 degree angle of a countertop, but that's just MO. Maybe there are different thicknesses of the product.
Have fun.
Liz
Thank you, Liz, for the link. I am really looking forward to reading what the home enthusiasts have to say.
I got Richlite put in my kitchen. The pros are that it is warm to the touch and does not stain. The cons are that they sent a sheet of the green material to my supplier that had a dark black line half way thru it which shows in the sink cut out and edge. The fabricator should have refused the material but they used it anyway. Richlite said that they do not guarantee against lines in the material. I am sure that most home owners will be very unhappy to have a black stripe in a light material. They finally did reduce the price for me. It does scratch easily but I have decided to ignore that.
can you post a photo? I like the idea of Richlite, but it scratches way too easily for me.
I do not have the pictures anymore but the dark grey line in the middle of the material was very evident on the edge and sink cut out. The scratches do not show in photos. I actually really like the material especially as we hang around the kitchen leaning on it since it is warm and neutral appearing.
What does this stuff cost, vs other materials?
It was about half of granite or quartz material. I have since found out that my fabricator probably sanded it too smooth which is why it gets fine sctatches. I still really like it and the green has become more olive.