Over the years, in my Interior Design career, I have specified, tried and tested almost all of the countertop options on the market. The big question is – How can you choose a sustainable kitchen countertop material, and what are the pros and cons of each?
To me, choosing a sustainable countertop encompasses a wide range of ideas but distills down to some key criteria:
- Raw Materials: Are they natural or synthetic? Renewable or finite?
- Durability: Are they hard-wearing and long-lasting?
- End of Life: Where they will end up once you are finished with them – Are they biodegradable or recyclable?
- Maintenance: What level of maintenance is required?
- Timelessness: Avoid following trends that will inevitably go out of fashion.
- Origin: Are the materials local to you? Consider the emissions from the transport of heavy materials.
- Production: Are they made using verifiably environmentally responsible manufacturing processes and materials.
As always, the most sustainable countertop option is one made from reclaimed materials or to re-utilise a worktop that already exists. However, if this is not viable for you, there are ways to minimise your environmental impact when selecting a new countertop product.
No countertop meets all of the criteria, but some are better than others! You must weigh the pros and cons, and hopefully, this article will help you do just that.
Scroll to the end for my top sustainable kitchen countertop recommendations.
*This comparison table is best viewed in landscape format on mobile*
| Material | Renewable | Biodegradable | Recyclable | Maintenance | Durability | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solid Wood | Yes | Yes | Yes | Medium | Medium -High (if maintained correctly) | €€ |
| Natural Stone (Marble, Granite) | No | No | Yes | Medium | High | €€€+ |
| Sintered Stone/ Ultra-Compact Surface | No | No | Yes | Zero | Extremely Durable | €€€+ |
| Engineered Stone (Quartz) | No | No | No | Low | High | €€€ |
| Stainless Steel | No | No | Yes (Surface layer only) | Low | High | €€ |
| Copper | No | No | Yes (Surface layer only) | Low (Will patina over time) | High | €€€ |
| Solid Surface | No | No | No | Low | Low/ Medium | €€+ |
| Porcelain Slab | No | No | Yes | Low | High | €€+ |
| Concrete | No | No | Yes | Medium | Medium | €€+ |
| Laminate | No | No | No | Low (No way to repair if damaged) | Low -Medium | € |
Solid Wood Countertops
PROs
- Natural
- Renewable resource
- Biodegradeable (only when natural glues/finishes are used)
- Recyclable at end of life
- Reasonable cost (Much lower than stone/quartz, more expensive than laminate)
- Long life span (if maintained correctly)
- Can be easily sanded back and re-finished if damaged or stained
- Naturally anti-bacterial
- Plastic-free (when natural sealers and glues are used)
- DIY option
- Reclaimed options available
- Responsible forestry options are available (Request FSC or PEFC certifications)
- Unique character
- Range of wood grains, finishes and styles available
- Warm and tactile appearance
- Sustainable kitchen countertop option
Cons
- Requires some light maintenance: Applying natural worktop oil every 3-4 months. (Avoid synthetic/polyurethane treatments)
- Can get water damaged if not maintained correctly (but easily restored).
- Most fabricators will use synthetic polyurethane (toxic) glues and chemical-based treatments, stains or varnishes to finish the wood unless you specifically request 100% natural plant-based glues and oils.
Are Solid Wood Countertops Sustainable?
Solid wood is a sustainable countertop material due to being natural, renewable, long-lasting, and biodegradable or recyclable at the end of its life. To be truly eco-friendly, choose wood that is local; responsibly forested; built with plant-based glues; and finished with 100% natural oils.
My suggestions on 100% natural oil finishes and cleaning care for wood countertops.
Side note: Did you know that including natural wood and other elements of nature in your home can significantly boost your wellbeing?
Natural Stone Countertops
Examples include: Granite, marble, limestone.
PROs
- Natural
- Biodegradable (if sealed with natural sealant)
- Durable. Note: Durability varies greatly between types of stone. For example, limestone is extremely porous, marble is quite prone to etching, while granite is harder-wearing.
- Long life span
- Heat resistant
- Plastic-free (only when natural sealers and glues are used)
- Recyclable (Put in crushers at end of life and used for fill on construction sites, for example)
- Unique character
- Range of stone types and finishes available
Cons
- Non-renewable. Stone is a finite resource, and quarrying has severely negative environmental impacts.
- High carbon footprint associated with the excavation, processing and transportation of stone.
- Porous material. Potential to stain if not sealed correctly. (Use a non-toxic, natural sealer)
- Some light maintenance involved (Resealing every 2-3 years)
- Can patina (change/etch) over time – This could be considered a pro if you like natural materials with character
- Expensive (Costs vary greatly between the type of stone and where it is sourced from. Can be anywhere between mid-level to premium price point)
Are Natural Stone Countertops Sustainable?
Natural stone countertops, such as marble or granite, have some sustainable qualities: It is a natural and extremely long-lasting material. It is important to choose a local stone that is responsibly quarried. However, stone is a finite resource, and quarrying has a negative environmental impact.
My recommendation for 100% natural oil finishes for stone surfaces. [*Always test a sample section to make sure you are happy with the finish]
Sintered Stone (Ultra-Compact Surface) Countertops
Dekton. Colour: Stonika 
Dekton. Colour: Trilium
Examples include: Dekton, Neolith and Inalco.
PROs
- Made from 100% natural materials (crushed stone and minerals) compressed and heated to extremely high temperatures
- Most brands contain approx. 50% recycled content (varies)
- Zero maintenance
- Extremely durable (virtually indestructible!)
- Heat and fireproof
- Scratch proof
- Acid proof
- Non-porous
- Long life span
- Easy to clean
- Weatherproof and UV stable (suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications)
- Mimics natural stone or concrete appearance (convincingly)
- Plastic-free (No resins)
- Range of colours and styles available
- Reasonable sustainable kitchen countertop option
Cons
- Non-renewable (stone and minerals are finite resources)
- Premium price point
Are Sintered Stone (Ultra-Compact Surface) Countertops Sustainable?
Sintered Stone (Ultra-Compact Surface) is a reasonably sustainable countertop material made of 100% crushed natural stone. It is extremely durable, plastic-free, and recyclable. While stone is a non-renewable resource, brands such as Dekton and Neolith contain a good proportion of recycled content.
Engineered Stone (Quartz) Countertops
Examples include: Silestone, Mason Quartz, Cambria, Quartzforms, SMQuartz and Caesarstone.
PROs
- Low maintenance
- Durable
- Long life span
- Mimics natural stone or concrete appearance (reasonably convincing)
- Range of colours and styles available
Cons
- Made of a combination of crushed stone mixed with approximately 10% polymer resins (plastic binder), making it non-biodegradable at end of life
- Non-renewable
- Non-recyclable
- Light colours can stain
- Contains plastic
- Expensive (but usually less costly than natural stone or sintered stone)
- Silica dust produced during the production process is an extreme health hazard for the workers. Inhalation of the silica particles, particularly during cutting and polishing, results in a deadly disease called Silicosis.
Are Engineered Stone (Quartz) Worktops Sustainable?
Engineered Stone countertops, commonly known as ‘Quartz’, are inherently unsustainable as they are made of plastic resins mixed with crushed quartz. While they do have a long lifespan, they are made from non-renewable materials, and the plastic component means that the product will never biodegrade.
Stainless Steel Countertops
PROs
- Minimal maintenance
- Long life span
- Heatproof
- Non-porous
- Impervious to staining or etching
- Hygenic (material of choice for commercial kitchen worktops)
- Easy to clean
- Recyclable (stainless steel surface layer only)
Cons
- Scratches easily
- Shows up fingerprint smudges
- Can be noisy in a kitchen environment compared to other surfaces
- The thin stainless steel surface is fixed onto a backing substrate (usually plywood or similar) that is non-sustainable, non-biodegradable, and non-recyclable. (Request eco-board backing to avoid this)
- The stainless steel layer is often fixed to the substrate with toxic chemical glues in most instances. (Request plant-based glues to avoid this)
Are Stainless Steel Countertops Sustainable?
Stainless Steel is a sustainable countertop surface material as it is long-lasting and recyclable. To be truly environmentally friendly, ensure the substrate backing is a natural eco-board product with bio-based glues, rather than standard plywood which is non-biodegradable and contains formaldehyde.
Copper Countertops
PROs
- Minimal maintenance
- Long life span
- Heatproof
- Non-porous
- Naturally anti-bacterial (if left unsealed)
- Recyclable (stainless steel surface layer only)
- Unique character that will age and develop over time
- Warm & reflective appearance
Cons
- Prone to scratching
- The thin copper surface is wrapped onto a substrate (usually plywood or similar) that is non-sustainable, non-biodegradable, and non-recyclable. (Request eco-board backing to avoid this)
- The copper layer is often bonded to the substrate with toxic chemical glues in most instances. (Request plant-based glues to avoid this)
- Will patina (change) over time, particularly if unsealed – This could be considered a pro if you like natural materials with character
Are Copper Countertops Sustainable?
Copper is a sustainable countertop surface material as it is long-lasting and recyclable. For it to be truly environmentally friendly, ensure the substrate backing is a natural eco-board product with bio-based glues, rather than standard plywood which is non-biodegradable and contains formaldehyde.
Solid Surface Countertops
Examples include: Corian, Krion, Hi-Macs and Avonite.
PROs
- Low maintenance
- Long life span
- Non-porous
- Easy to clean
- Can be thermoformed into any shape
- Seamless
- Range of colours and styles available
Cons
- Plastic-based material. Made of a combination of minerals mixed with a high proportion of acrylic polymer (plastic)
- Non-renewable
- Non-biodegradable at end of life
- Susceptible to scratching
- If scratched or damaged, only an expert fabricator can repair it.
- Easily damaged by heat (made of plastic)
- Unconvincing imitation of natural materials (Digital printing technology has improved in recent times, but solid surface will always have that plastic look and feel)
Are Solid Surface Countertops Sustainable?
Solid Surface countertops are not sustainable as they are a plastic-based (petroleum) product. While they are a long-lasting material, they are non-renewable, non-biodegradable and contribute to our global plastic pollution crisis.
Porcelain Countertops
PROs
- Long life span
- Heatproof
- Zero maintenance
- Non-porous
- Resistant to staining and etching
- Easy to clean
- Recyclable (stainless steel surface layer only)
- Weatherproof and UV stable (suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications)
- Mimics natural stone or concrete appearance (convincingly)
- Range of colours and styles available
- Reasonably sustainable kitchen countertop option
Cons
- A durable material but not completely resistant to chipping (Porcelain is similar to sintered stone/ ultra-compact surface but porcelain is not compressed with as much force during production, therefore it is not as indestructible)
- Large-format porcelain slabs are a max thickness of 12mm (½ inch) and so are usually fixed onto a backing substrate (ply or similar) that is non-sustainable, non-biodegradable, and non-recyclable. (Request eco-board backing to avoid this, or simply go for a slimmer worktop look)
Are Porcelain Countertops Sustainable?
Porcelain countertops are reasonably sustainable as they are a durable product made from natural materials (a combination of clay and crushed rock). However, stone is a non-renewable resource, and the thin slab sizes mean that they are often built onto a particle-board substrate, which is not eco-friendly.
Concrete Countertops
PROs
- Long life span
- Heatproof
- Recyclable at end of life
- DIY option
- Can be cast in-situ or formed locally, so low environmental impact associated with the transport of materials (unlike heavy stone slabs)
- Colourants can be added to create a customised and unique surface
- Seamless
Cons
- Susceptible to etching and staining
- Hairline cracks can appear (but can be repaired)
- Concrete is naturally porous and so must be well sealed. Unfortunately, the most widely used sealers are toxic epoxies (plastic). There are limited natural finishes available that will adequately seal and protect concrete.
- Some maintenance required – regular re-sealing.
- Slow installation process if casting in-situ. It takes several days for the concrete to fully cure before you can apply a sealant
- High carbon emissions associated with concrete production
- Once the concrete is set, the formwork goes to waste. Melamine boards are often used as formwork – these are plastic-based and therefore biodegradable and unsustainable.
- Fabricators often reinforce the concrete with fibre-glass mesh which is an unsustainable plastic product— request metal mesh reinforcement to avoid this.
- Environmental impact associated with mining for the raw materials of concrete (sand and stone aggregates)
Are Concrete Countertops Sustainable?
Concrete countertops are reasonably sustainable due to their very long life span and their ability to be recycled at end of life. However, the epoxy resin countertop sealers, as well as the concrete production process have negative environmental impacts.
My recommendation for 100% natural oil finishes for concrete surfaces. [*Always test a sample section to make sure you are happy with the finish]
Laminate Countertops
Examples include: Formica, Egger, Abet.
PROs
- Cost-effective (Usually the cheapest option on the market)
- Range of colours and styles available
Cons
- Plastic material
- Non-renewable
- Non-recyclable
- Non-biodegradable
- Easily damaged by heat (made of plastic)
- Visible joints
- Exterior plastic laminate layer and chip or detach from the wood base over time from exposure to heat or steam.
- Contains formaldehyde (toxic)
- The thin plastic laminate surface is fixed onto a backing substrate (chipboard or similar) that is non-sustainable, non-biodegradable, and non-recyclable. (Request eco-board backing to avoid this – although not readily available)
- The laminate layer is generally fixed to the substrate with toxic chemical glues in most instances. (Request plant-based glues to avoid this)
- Unconvincing imitation of natural wood or stone (Digital printing technology has improved in recent times, but laminate will always have that plastic look and feel)
Are Laminate Countertops Sustainable?
Laminate countertops are not sustainable as they are made of plastic, non-biodegradable, non-recyclable, and contain formaldehyde. The thin surface layer is plastic (petroleum-based), and the substrate is usually particleboard (wood mixed with plastic resin).
My Top Recommendations for a Sustainable Kitchen Countertop:
- Solid Wood Countertops (Keep it fully natural: Remember to avoid plastic-based glues and finishes! Use 100% natural worktop oils. Lasts a lifetime with the correct care.)
- Sintered Stone / Ultra-Compact Surface (Eg. Dekton or Neolith)
- Porcelain Slab (Cheaper than sintered stone, hard-wearing but not as indestructible. Use an eco-board substrate to build up to required depth – avoid MDF which is a wood-plastic mix)
- Reclaimed Worktop – The most sustainable choice ☺ Check your local salvage yards or online marketplaces.
So, there we have it, folks! I hope this will be a useful resource for anyone trying to choose a sustainable kitchen countertop. Whether you are in the process of creating or refurbishing a kitchen in your own home, and also an aid for designers and architects working on both residential and commercial projects.
See this post for more eco-friendly and stylish interior design tips.
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P.S. Fair play if you made it to the end!!
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