Comments on: PAPERSTONE & RICHLITE: From Countertop to Half Pipe! http://inhabitat.com/paperboard/ Green design & eco innovation for a better world Wed, 22 May 2013 16:54:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=abc By: Stephen of Tilde http://inhabitat.com/paperboard/comment-page-1/#comment-396562 Stephen of Tilde Tue, 23 Oct 2012 05:07:18 +0000 http://inhabitat.com/blog/2006/09/30/paperboard/#comment-396562 This is my understanding: Kliptech used to make Paperstone. The founder of Kliptech sold Paperstone and then created another paper slab material called EcoTop. Paperstone is now made by Paneltech. Years ago, when this blog was started, Kliptech was still the manufacturer. I believe the comparisons have been between Paperstone and it's most direct competitor, Richlite. I am an Interior Designer and eco-friendly furniture manufacturer. A couple of my client's have used Paperstone. We've used it for a laundry room and a home office work surface. The only complaint I've had so far is that one of the husbands took a razor across the work surface doing a project. The complaint wasn't about the work surface. I've also used Paperstone in my furniture line, for a dining table top. The Paperstone products that I have worked with have a rich visual texture to them, which is highlighted with the proper finish material and process. The best that I have found is a hard oil by BioShield. We typically apply five coats of it over the course of several days. This gives it strong protection, and a deep luster that enhances the visual texture of the slab. For furniture and light use, this should last for a year or two, and then you'll want to reapply a couple coats. Wipe on; rest; wipe off. Ecotop products are visually cleaner and come in lighter colors, even white. The EcoTop products allow my furniture to be used outdoors, coupled with the right metals. As far as shades of green, Kliptech doesn't get much darker. Most of their slab materials are now being fabricated at 1/2" thick, to minimize their environmental footprint. You will probably want to beef up the countertop edge by laminating two pieces together. Unless you prefer lean, of course. All in all, I love paper products. But, you do need to know what you're buying. Chemicals and petroleum have made some bulletproof materials. Bulletproof isn't always a good thing, especially as these materials release toxins. Consider leather and how, with a little care, it patinas over time and just becomes richer. Many natural materials do the same thing. This works for some people; and, for some, it doesn't. This is my understanding: Kliptech used to make Paperstone. The founder of Kliptech sold Paperstone and then created another paper slab material called EcoTop. Paperstone is now made by Paneltech. Years ago, when this blog was started, Kliptech was still the manufacturer. I believe the comparisons have been between Paperstone and it’s most direct competitor, Richlite.

I am an Interior Designer and eco-friendly furniture manufacturer. A couple of my client’s have used Paperstone. We’ve used it for a laundry room and a home office work surface. The only complaint I’ve had so far is that one of the husbands took a razor across the work surface doing a project. The complaint wasn’t about the work surface. I’ve also used Paperstone in my furniture line, for a dining table top.

The Paperstone products that I have worked with have a rich visual texture to them, which is highlighted with the proper finish material and process. The best that I have found is a hard oil by BioShield. We typically apply five coats of it over the course of several days. This gives it strong protection, and a deep luster that enhances the visual texture of the slab. For furniture and light use, this should last for a year or two, and then you’ll want to reapply a couple coats. Wipe on; rest; wipe off.

Ecotop products are visually cleaner and come in lighter colors, even white. The EcoTop products allow my furniture to be used outdoors, coupled with the right metals. As far as shades of green, Kliptech doesn’t get much darker. Most of their slab materials are now being fabricated at 1/2″ thick, to minimize their environmental footprint. You will probably want to beef up the countertop edge by laminating two pieces together. Unless you prefer lean, of course.

All in all, I love paper products. But, you do need to know what you’re buying. Chemicals and petroleum have made some bulletproof materials. Bulletproof isn’t always a good thing, especially as these materials release toxins. Consider leather and how, with a little care, it patinas over time and just becomes richer. Many natural materials do the same thing. This works for some people; and, for some, it doesn’t.

]]> By: spdfish http://inhabitat.com/paperboard/comment-page-1/#comment-395707 spdfish Wed, 12 Sep 2012 15:21:31 +0000 http://inhabitat.com/blog/2006/09/30/paperboard/#comment-395707 I've had Richlite countertops (sage) for 5 years now...if I had to do it over again, I would NOT choose this product,especially around the sink area. It discolors very easily---and must be re-conditioned too frequently for my tastes. It also stains easily if someone leaves a Le Creuseut type pan or lid on it--a light sanding and resealing takes care of it....but I didn't want countertops that require so much care so frequently. If you have a busy family, you don't want this product. I’ve had Richlite countertops (sage) for 5 years now…if I had to do it over again, I would NOT choose this product,especially around the sink area. It discolors very easily—and must be re-conditioned too frequently for my tastes. It also stains easily if someone leaves a Le Creuseut type pan or lid on it–a light sanding and resealing takes care of it….but I didn’t want countertops that require so much care so frequently. If you have a busy family, you don’t want this product.

]]> By: JimA the GC in Chicago http://inhabitat.com/paperboard/comment-page-1/#comment-377412 JimA the GC in Chicago Sat, 10 Mar 2012 19:06:21 +0000 http://inhabitat.com/blog/2006/09/30/paperboard/#comment-377412 I recently installed a Paperstone countertop at the kitchen sink area. This was part of a gut rehab project. I'll use granite at the range and vintage maple for the cutting area. I chose Paperstone because of its green cred. This is my first experience with this product. I was able to order a sheet close to the size I needed from a distributor in Wa. The price was $871 for a 8' X 30" X 1" sheet which included shipping to the Midwest. I chose the slate color to mimic a lab or factory setting and, after reading the comments here, to disguise or limit any possible staining. The material is very hard but with the correct blades and bits can be worked by a carpenter or skilled amateur. I used a few coats of the recommended OSMO prep followed by a coat of food-safe bees wax with carnauba oil. I kept the finish to a luster somewhere between matte and satin. I think these coats may be the important step missing with some people who have had problems with this product. In my application, water readily beads up and I haven't had problems with staining. Everything wipes up easily. I'm thinking regular applications of the wax, at a frequency determined by use, should keep it that way. I recently installed a Paperstone countertop at the kitchen sink area. This was part of a gut rehab project. I’ll use granite at the range and vintage maple for the cutting area. I chose Paperstone because of its green cred. This is my first experience with this product.

I was able to order a sheet close to the size I needed from a distributor in Wa. The price was $871 for a 8′ X 30″ X 1″ sheet which included shipping to the Midwest. I chose the slate color to mimic a lab or factory setting and, after reading the comments here, to disguise or limit any possible staining.

The material is very hard but with the correct blades and bits can be worked by a carpenter or skilled amateur. I used a few coats of the recommended OSMO prep followed by a coat of food-safe bees wax with carnauba oil. I kept the finish to a luster somewhere between matte and satin. I think these coats may be the important step missing with some people who have had problems with this product. In my application, water readily beads up and I haven’t had problems with staining. Everything wipes up easily. I’m thinking regular applications of the wax, at a frequency determined by use, should keep it that way.

]]> By: architecto1 http://inhabitat.com/paperboard/comment-page-1/#comment-315919 architecto1 Mon, 18 Apr 2011 18:40:13 +0000 http://inhabitat.com/blog/2006/09/30/paperboard/#comment-315919 I am looking to use paperstone for kitchen counters and trying not to go with granite, but I just came from a distributer in Astoria, NY that gave us a price quote at about $74/sf for 144x30x1" material. From blogs and other websites I thought raw material was more in the range of $40/ sf. We are in West Hempstead Long Island and wanted to know if there are other distributors or installers that can help us locate this material at a more reasonable price. I am looking to use paperstone for kitchen counters and trying not to go with granite, but I just came from a distributer in Astoria, NY that gave us a price quote at about $74/sf for 144x30x1″ material. From blogs and other websites I thought raw material was more in the range of $40/ sf. We are in West Hempstead Long Island and wanted to know if there are other distributors or installers that can help us locate this material at a more reasonable price.

]]> By: MaggieDee http://inhabitat.com/paperboard/comment-page-1/#comment-302176 MaggieDee Wed, 23 Feb 2011 20:56:33 +0000 http://inhabitat.com/blog/2006/09/30/paperboard/#comment-302176 I am hoping to compare these two products, but most these posts are quite old (with the exceptionof 8-28-10). Does anyone have any new opinions on these products? I am hoping to compare these two products, but most these posts are quite old (with the exceptionof 8-28-10). Does anyone have any new opinions on these products?

]]> By: FabNet http://inhabitat.com/paperboard/comment-page-1/#comment-253372 FabNet Sat, 28 Aug 2010 23:43:04 +0000 http://inhabitat.com/blog/2006/09/30/paperboard/#comment-253372 Paperstone is not made by Kliptech. Kliptech makes Ecotop, Paperstone is made by Paneltech Products Inc. I can't tell if the comparison is between Richlite and Ecotop/Paperstone. Paperstone is not made by Kliptech. Kliptech makes Ecotop, Paperstone is made by Paneltech Products Inc.

I can’t tell if the comparison is between Richlite and Ecotop/Paperstone.

]]> By: seattle rainscreen http://inhabitat.com/paperboard/comment-page-1/#comment-166530 seattle rainscreen Tue, 14 Jul 2009 05:47:23 +0000 http://inhabitat.com/blog/2006/09/30/paperboard/#comment-166530 I photographed this building in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle. The photos were taken about 6 months afer installation. In fact the condos were still for sale when these pictures were taken. The dimensional instability of the panels is partly due to installation oversights, however it is also a result of the panels themselves being unstable. http://www.flickr.com/photos/14361725@N07/sets/72157621296617199/ I photographed this building in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle. The photos were taken about 6 months afer installation. In fact the condos were still for sale when these pictures were taken.

The dimensional instability of the panels is partly due to installation oversights, however it is also a result of the panels themselves being unstable.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/14361725@N07/sets/72157621296617199/

]]> By: rickm http://inhabitat.com/paperboard/comment-page-1/#comment-114936 rickm Mon, 12 Jan 2009 19:40:17 +0000 http://inhabitat.com/blog/2006/09/30/paperboard/#comment-114936 I've had black Paperstone countertops in both my kitchen and baths for four years. They've generally held up well and, when freshly refinished, are absolutely beautiful. However, they need to be refinished often where exposed to water. I've been using mineral oil. I tried the Paperstone finish and cleaner and they were not much more durable but much more expensive so I've gone back to mineral oil that I can buy from my local hardware store by the case. Has anyone out there used a compatible sealer that remains in place for more than a couple of weeks? Thanks! Rick I’ve had black Paperstone countertops in both my kitchen and baths for four years. They’ve generally held up well and, when freshly refinished, are absolutely beautiful. However, they need to be refinished often where exposed to water. I’ve been using mineral oil. I tried the Paperstone finish and cleaner and they were not much more durable but much more expensive so I’ve gone back to mineral oil that I can buy from my local hardware store by the case.

Has anyone out there used a compatible sealer that remains in place for more than a couple of weeks?

Thanks!

Rick

]]> By: jackiejean http://inhabitat.com/paperboard/comment-page-1/#comment-94966 jackiejean Fri, 15 Aug 2008 21:51:14 +0000 http://inhabitat.com/blog/2006/09/30/paperboard/#comment-94966 Has anyone had 1/4" Richlite applied to existing countertops? An authorized dealer in our area has started doing this to cut the cost and have the same look as the thicker Richlite. Sounds good, just wonder how it holds up. Has anyone had 1/4″ Richlite applied to existing countertops? An authorized dealer in our area has started doing this to cut the cost and have the same look as the thicker Richlite. Sounds good, just wonder how it holds up.

]]> By: alrest http://inhabitat.com/paperboard/comment-page-1/#comment-83383 alrest Sun, 01 Jun 2008 23:30:45 +0000 http://inhabitat.com/blog/2006/09/30/paperboard/#comment-83383 The statement that Richlite is \"in the range of $10 to $15 per square foot for the raw material\" is AT BEST misleading --and for all intent and purposes FALSE. Yes, prices per square foot for raw materials begin at about $10 per 1/4 inch thickness, BUT NOBODY will use 1/4\" Richlite for a countertop. In fact, according to our \'local\' authorized dealer, Richlite will not guarantee any counter which is under 3/4\" thick. An aesthetically pleasing counter should probably be about 1\" --unless you use a lip for 3/4\" material. The bottom line is that, in reality, the cost iis closer to $40 per sq. ft. for a countertop. And that is just for the raw materials! Now, remember that Richlite requires that you use a certified installer. Since we are looking for a very simple finish on our counters (we have a very modern kitchen with straight edges, and it doesn\'t require much work in the form of cutouts or corners or gluing) we inquired into how much installation would be. The estimate came about $50 per sq. ft. for installation. That means that our counters will/would run about $90 per sq. ft. installed --$40 + $50-- and that doesn\'t include taxes, or freight costs (which are at least around $400)! What\'s more --and about this I am not entirely certain but it is the impression I got from the dealer-- we could end up paying for significantly more material than we actually need since we would be buying one, two or three of the various standard sized sheets in which the material is sold and NOT the exact amount we need. When all is said and done, we could easily be paying well over $100 per sq. ft. for 1\' Richlite ... and we are looking into the least expensive color!!!! The bottom line is that we went into the showroom excited about the possibility of using Richlite on our kitchen counters, and came out somewhat disappointed. Maybe a lot of the people who look into this material have unlimited budgets and price is not an concern, but for us, it seemed like the lack of competitive bids, and the cost of \"environmental hype\" (which is a sad byproduct of our increasing eagerness to be good conservationists) have made this product much less appealing for financial reasons. By the way, if any of you is a Richlite dealer/distributor and thinks that this information is inaccurate, please let me/us know ... or, better yet, if you think that you can give us a more reasonable estimate in the Central Coast of California, by all means, do so. The statement that Richlite is \”in the range of $10 to $15 per square foot for the raw material\” is AT BEST misleading –and for all intent and purposes FALSE. Yes, prices per square foot for raw materials begin at about $10 per 1/4 inch thickness, BUT NOBODY will use 1/4\” Richlite for a countertop. In fact, according to our \’local\’ authorized dealer, Richlite will not guarantee any counter which is under 3/4\” thick. An aesthetically pleasing counter should probably be about 1\” –unless you use a lip for 3/4\” material. The bottom line is that, in reality, the cost iis closer to $40 per sq. ft. for a countertop. And that is just for the raw materials! Now, remember that Richlite requires that you use a certified installer. Since we are looking for a very simple finish on our counters (we have a very modern kitchen with straight edges, and it doesn\’t require much work in the form of cutouts or corners or gluing) we inquired into how much installation would be. The estimate came about $50 per sq. ft. for installation. That means that our counters will/would run about $90 per sq. ft. installed –$40 + $50– and that doesn\’t include taxes, or freight costs (which are at least around $400)! What\’s more –and about this I am not entirely certain but it is the impression I got from the dealer– we could end up paying for significantly more material than we actually need since we would be buying one, two or three of the various standard sized sheets in which the material is sold and NOT the exact amount we need. When all is said and done, we could easily be paying well over $100 per sq. ft. for 1\’ Richlite … and we are looking into the least expensive color!!!!

The bottom line is that we went into the showroom excited about the possibility of using Richlite on our kitchen counters, and came out somewhat disappointed. Maybe a lot of the people who look into this material have unlimited budgets and price is not an concern, but for us, it seemed like the lack of competitive bids, and the cost of \”environmental hype\” (which is a sad byproduct of our increasing eagerness to be good conservationists) have made this product much less appealing for financial reasons.

By the way, if any of you is a Richlite dealer/distributor and thinks that this information is inaccurate, please let me/us know … or, better yet, if you think that you can give us a more reasonable estimate in the Central Coast of California, by all means, do so.

]]> By: Inhabitat » Digitally Fabricated Inversion Bowl by Desu Design http://inhabitat.com/paperboard/comment-page-1/#comment-81404 Inhabitat » Digitally Fabricated Inversion Bowl by Desu Design Wed, 14 May 2008 20:45:38 +0000 http://inhabitat.com/blog/2006/09/30/paperboard/#comment-81404 [...] show was their cutting edge Inversion bowl. Composed of a single slab of eco-friendly, renewable Richlite, the bowl’s functional form resides in that which has been carved away. The simple and [...] [...] show was their cutting edge Inversion bowl. Composed of a single slab of eco-friendly, renewable Richlite, the bowl’s functional form resides in that which has been carved away. The simple and [...]

]]> By: Cyndi Detwiler http://inhabitat.com/paperboard/comment-page-1/#comment-77151 Cyndi Detwiler Sat, 15 Mar 2008 05:18:44 +0000 http://inhabitat.com/blog/2006/09/30/paperboard/#comment-77151 Our new kitchen is nearly complete, and after much searching and indecision, we chose Richlite countertops (black), and we're very happy with them. We almost went with PaperStone, but our contractor was a little nervous about installing the PaperStone, as he'd never worked with it before. The shipping costs from the west coast were quite high, also. The PaperStone distributor tried to sell us on the "green" aspects of PaperStone (as in "greener" than Richlite), but we were choosing the countertop material more for looks than for its green properties.The first Richlite installer I spoke to in our area retired due to shoulder problems, but another installer was added in our area, and we went with him (Wayne Ouldcott of Ouldcott Cabinetery in Chalfont, PA). We were extremely pleased with everything about the installation, and the countertops have performed well in the three months we've had them. The installer used a sealant, and so far, we have no stains or scratches at all, without being especially vigilant. I'd recommend the black Richlite to anyone who's looking for an alternative to soapstone or honed granite. ' Our new kitchen is nearly complete, and after much searching and indecision, we chose Richlite countertops (black), and we’re very happy with them. We almost went with PaperStone, but our contractor was a little nervous about installing the PaperStone, as he’d never worked with it before. The shipping costs from the west coast were quite high, also. The PaperStone distributor tried to sell us on the “green” aspects of PaperStone (as in “greener” than Richlite), but we were choosing the countertop material more for looks than for its green properties.The first Richlite installer I spoke to in our area retired due to shoulder problems, but another installer was added in our area, and we went with him (Wayne Ouldcott of Ouldcott Cabinetery in Chalfont, PA). We were extremely pleased with everything about the installation, and the countertops have performed well in the three months we’ve had them. The installer used a sealant, and so far, we have no stains or scratches at all, without being especially vigilant. I’d recommend the black Richlite to anyone who’s looking for an alternative to soapstone or honed granite.
‘

]]> By: Steve Prescott http://inhabitat.com/paperboard/comment-page-1/#comment-75309 Steve Prescott Mon, 03 Mar 2008 15:16:12 +0000 http://inhabitat.com/blog/2006/09/30/paperboard/#comment-75309 I'm a Richlite fabricator in Maine and have six years of experience working with the material. I'd like to repeat what some of the other Richlite fabricators have said -- neither Richlite nor PaperStone is easy to install unless you've had proper training and experience. On two occasions I've been called to a jobsite to fix a screwed-up Richlite installation performed by a non-trained, non-certified carpenter who managed to get his hands on the material. So yes, you can get PaperStone yourself and try to install it yourself, but you aren't likely to get very good results -- and it's an expensive product to screw up! Even experienced professional carpenters have trouble with it, as stated above. You're just better off hiring an experienced fabricator to do the job right, the first time. Also, just this week Richlite is launching a new product line of all FSC-certified products. That should help architects get LEED points in their projects. Watch for more information on their website, www.richlite.com And finally, regarding the PaperStone resin made from nut shell oil -- how much petroleum do you think their pressing equipment burned to produce enough nut shell oil to make their product? If you use the petroleum to make the resin directly, or you burn it while pressing and producing the nut shell oil, it makes no difference. Keep the product's total carbon footprint in mind while making your purchasing decisions. I’m a Richlite fabricator in Maine and have six years of experience working with the material. I’d like to repeat what some of the other Richlite fabricators have said — neither Richlite nor PaperStone is easy to install unless you’ve had proper training and experience. On two occasions I’ve been called to a jobsite to fix a screwed-up Richlite installation performed by a non-trained, non-certified carpenter who managed to get his hands on the material. So yes, you can get PaperStone yourself and try to install it yourself, but you aren’t likely to get very good results — and it’s an expensive product to screw up! Even experienced professional carpenters have trouble with it, as stated above. You’re just better off hiring an experienced fabricator to do the job right, the first time.

Also, just this week Richlite is launching a new product line of all FSC-certified products. That should help architects get LEED points in their projects. Watch for more information on their website, http://www.richlite.com

And finally, regarding the PaperStone resin made from nut shell oil — how much petroleum do you think their pressing equipment burned to produce enough nut shell oil to make their product? If you use the petroleum to make the resin directly, or you burn it while pressing and producing the nut shell oil, it makes no difference. Keep the product’s total carbon footprint in mind while making your purchasing decisions.

]]> By: Mac Sawhill http://inhabitat.com/paperboard/comment-page-1/#comment-74032 Mac Sawhill Tue, 26 Feb 2008 05:11:37 +0000 http://inhabitat.com/blog/2006/09/30/paperboard/#comment-74032 I have been a solid surfacing fabricator for 21 years and a Richlite fabricator for 7 years. First of all "Greener" does not mean better. Do your homework! This type of product is not for everyone. I will go through great pains to try to fit a product to a particular customer. Even if it means I loose a sale! As a business owner the last thing I want is an unhappy customer. I chose Richlite because it is the better product. They stand behind the product, which has been in production since the 50's. The fact that Richlite requires a certified installer is a good thing. It would all too easy for Richlite to have it's reputation tarnished by people doing poor installations and then blaming it on the material. Dupont figured this out long ago with Corian. I work all over the Sacramento valley and the Sierras , for more information or to see actual jobs that I have done go to www.spectrumsolidsurfacing.com Good Luck with your projects I have been a solid surfacing fabricator for 21 years and a Richlite fabricator for 7 years. First of all “Greener” does not mean better. Do your homework! This type of product is not for everyone. I will go through great pains to try to fit a product to a particular customer. Even if it means I loose a sale! As a business owner the last thing I want is an unhappy customer. I chose Richlite because it is the better product. They stand behind the product, which has been in production since the 50′s. The fact that Richlite requires a certified installer is a good thing. It would all too easy for Richlite to have it’s reputation tarnished by people doing poor installations and then blaming it on the material. Dupont figured this out long ago with Corian. I work all over the Sacramento valley and the Sierras , for more information or to see actual jobs that I have done go to http://www.spectrumsolidsurfacing.com

Good Luck with your projects

]]> By: Holly http://inhabitat.com/paperboard/comment-page-1/#comment-68997 Holly Sun, 27 Jan 2008 20:48:34 +0000 http://inhabitat.com/blog/2006/09/30/paperboard/#comment-68997 I'm looking for some more independent information on Paperstone. Here's what I've seen... We live in Sebastopol, (northern) CA and are considering Paperstone for our kitchen remodel after seeing it used in a partially completed "green" work-live complex which includes a restaurant. I did notice in the kitchen of the model unit that there were some really funky seams and color mismatches. However; the color used there was a mottled green. In the restaurant, they had used the solid charcoal color, which appeared very even throughout, with no visible seams. Even with the use in a commercial environment, I did not see any scratches. On the other hand, the place has only been open for a few months. After reading wood's Jan. 22 post and comparing this to what I saw in the complex, I wonder if the problems he (or she) encountered (other than the weight, which seems a little irrelevant---granite isn't exactly light either) and the inconsistencies we saw have to do with the experience level of the installer and/or the grade of product used. In a lot of the "pro vs. con" articles I've read about Paperstone, one of the recurring "pro's" is ease of installation and lack of requiring a certified installer. What I guess I'd like to know: 1) Does anyone know if there are experienced installers in Sonoma County? Of course, I'll talk to the people who are doing the complex in Sebastopol, but I'm a little worried about them, having seen the poor job they did in the green kitchen in the model. 2) Is there anyone out there who has had Paperstone for a long period of time in their home or business and seen how it holds up over the years? I read somewhere that Paperstone has been around for 15 years. Thanks. I’m looking for some more independent information on Paperstone. Here’s what I’ve seen… We live in Sebastopol, (northern) CA and are considering Paperstone for our kitchen remodel after seeing it used in a partially completed “green” work-live complex which includes a restaurant. I did notice in the kitchen of the model unit that there were some really funky seams and color mismatches. However; the color used there was a mottled green. In the restaurant, they had used the solid charcoal color, which appeared very even throughout, with no visible seams. Even with the use in a commercial environment, I did not see any scratches. On the other hand, the place has only been open for a few months.
After reading wood’s Jan. 22 post and comparing this to what I saw in the complex, I wonder if the problems he (or she) encountered (other than the weight, which seems a little irrelevant—granite isn’t exactly light either) and the inconsistencies we saw have to do with the experience level of the installer and/or the grade of product used. In a lot of the “pro vs. con” articles I’ve read about Paperstone, one of the recurring “pro’s” is ease of installation and lack of requiring a certified installer.
What I guess I’d like to know:
1) Does anyone know if there are experienced installers in Sonoma County? Of course, I’ll talk to the people who are doing the complex in Sebastopol, but I’m a little worried about them, having seen the poor job they did in the green kitchen in the model.
2) Is there anyone out there who has had Paperstone for a long period of time in their home or business and seen how it holds up over the years? I read somewhere that Paperstone has been around for 15 years.
Thanks.

]]> By: Beth http://inhabitat.com/paperboard/comment-page-1/#comment-68881 Beth Sat, 26 Jan 2008 23:49:35 +0000 http://inhabitat.com/blog/2006/09/30/paperboard/#comment-68881 I too am looking for a new kitchen counter top not granite, and from the letters posted so far, PaperStone has it over Richlite. Is there an installer in the Sacramento area? And what does it cost installed per foot? Or can a regular gc install this stuff? I too am looking for a new kitchen counter top not granite, and from the letters posted so far, PaperStone has it over Richlite. Is there an installer in the Sacramento area? And what does it cost installed per foot? Or can a regular gc install this stuff?

]]> By: wood http://inhabitat.com/paperboard/comment-page-1/#comment-68236 wood Tue, 22 Jan 2008 20:36:23 +0000 http://inhabitat.com/blog/2006/09/30/paperboard/#comment-68236 We did a project with the paper stone product, Very heavy product! It took up to 5 people to move one sheet to the saw. The dust was very fine and covered everything in the shop. For weeks we were cleaning up the paper stone dust. The sheets varied in color and thickness. It is hard to make a joint with it. The supplier was not the easiest to deal with; time frame did not matter to them. Our customer needed things fast, product not available for shipment. If you scratch the surface you can not repair it. It will show all the layers of paper as you sand the product. They need to do some more work on this product to make it user friendly. We did a project with the paper stone product, Very heavy product! It took up to 5 people to move one sheet to the saw.
The dust was very fine and covered everything in the shop. For weeks we were cleaning up the paper stone dust.
The sheets varied in color and thickness. It is hard to make a joint with it.
The supplier was not the easiest to deal with; time frame did not matter to them. Our customer needed things fast, product not available for shipment.
If you scratch the surface you can not repair it.
It will show all the layers of paper as you sand the product.
They need to do some more work on this product to make it user friendly.

]]> By: jordan http://inhabitat.com/paperboard/comment-page-1/#comment-64171 jordan Sat, 22 Dec 2007 20:13:32 +0000 http://inhabitat.com/blog/2006/09/30/paperboard/#comment-64171 I am a certified installer for Richlite, and we have been very happy with the products' stain resistance. We also fabricate concrete, stainless, and wood countertops, and find that Richlite is as, if not more, durable than the aforementioned. The only question I have is: Where did this price of 10 to 15 dollars a square foot come from? I cant even purchase the stock for that price! I am a certified installer for Richlite, and we have been very happy with the products’ stain resistance. We also fabricate concrete, stainless, and wood countertops, and find that Richlite is as, if not more, durable than the aforementioned. The only question I have is: Where did this price of 10 to 15 dollars a square foot come from?
I cant even purchase the stock for that price!

]]> By: Mimi http://inhabitat.com/paperboard/comment-page-1/#comment-57078 Mimi Tue, 23 Oct 2007 20:46:41 +0000 http://inhabitat.com/blog/2006/09/30/paperboard/#comment-57078 Has anyone used Paperstone or Richlite for exterior applications? Has anyone used Paperstone or Richlite for exterior applications?

]]> By: Helen Hobart http://inhabitat.com/paperboard/comment-page-1/#comment-54791 Helen Hobart Tue, 02 Oct 2007 19:03:35 +0000 http://inhabitat.com/blog/2006/09/30/paperboard/#comment-54791 I appreciate these comparisons, and would like to know if any Sacramento area folks have experience with using Paperstone around sinks? I appreciate these comparisons, and would like to know if any Sacramento area folks have experience with using Paperstone around sinks?

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