Countertop Alternatives To Quartz

Quartz countertops are everywhere. Unless you work in the manufacturing or fabrication of engineered stone, the health effects of this material have quietly gone unnoticed to consumers.

Quartz is a manufactured stone made to look like natural stone such as quartzite, marble or granite. Ingredients in quartz include a large amount of silica, more than what is found in natural stone. When fabricators cut these massive quartz slabs into the size and shape for a kitchen countertop, for example, the cutting process releases tiny particles of silica into the air. These tiny particles are breathed in by the worker and over time leads to silicosis, a devasting and irreversible lung disease. To remedy this, fabricators began wearing masks and implementing wet cutting into their process. The idea was that the water would prevent the dust particles from aerating. Fabricators argue that the water eventually dries, leaving them again at risk for breathing in the silica dust that coats their facilities. Many shops cannot afford other protective measures such as robotic cutting and proper ventilation systems to mitigate the dust hazards, leaving fabricators at continued risk.

When we design for sustainability, we create safe objects and accept responsibility for the consequences of design decisions. Quartz manufacturers argue that “the problem is the process, not the product”. Can we blame only the process when we know that the product is knowingly flawed in its design by having large amounts of silica in it? Before I get myself into a rabbit hole here, let’s segway into what I want to focus on, which are alternatives to quartz, options with fewer negative consequences.

Recycled glass surfaces

Manufactured recycled glass surfaces from companies like IceStone or GEOS offer the performance of engineered stone (quartz) without the silica. In addition, they are taking post-consumer glass and giving it a new life in the form of hard surfaces.

Recycled paper surfaces

That’s right, this solid surface is made from recycled paper and resin. Its durable and without silica. Suitable for kitchens, bathrooms and commercial spaces. As someone who resides in the Pacific Northwest, two of our recycled paper surfaces are manufactured right here in the PNW! Paperstone out of Sequim, Washington and richlite out of Tacoma, Washington.

Formica

I feel like Formica gets snubbed, like it’s a low brow choice. I beg to differ. I admire its presence in a mid-century home or in spaces that feel right because of this humble and practical material.

Natural Stone

While not completely free of silica, natural stones like marble or limestone have a significantly less silica content. Opting for a remnant of marble can be cost savings enough to offset the increased expense of using natural stone.

No material is perfect, but we can make choices that do less harm.