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We have a very cool countertop in our Good project called Paperstone. I was wary at first just for the simple fact that it is made from paper. Well I do think my concern is unfounded. We have had 5 or 6 pretty serious dinner parties in the kitchen now and the counters look great, like they did when they were installed. Anyway a friend sent me this article today about granite countertops. Being the construction guy at LJ, I get lots of questions about products and whenever people are telling me that they are putting granite in their remodeled homes, I always remind them that it is cheap for a reason. Usually the reason is because it came from China, but now I have a whole new argument to not recommend it.
2 responses so far ↓
1 dustin // Jul 26, 2008 at 8:27 am
I read that article earlier this week too, do you think Quartz (Dupont-Zodiac) countertops have the same levels? It’s a manmade surface but still uses stone for it’s raw material?
All pretty scary if you ask me. On every remodel show (other than those on Planet Green channel) on television and real-estate agent after real-estate agent touting the value of granite, but how could they have known. It’s not until some breaks a story like this or you actually put a geiger counter up next to your counter that you see it could be a threat, this could be the end to the “to chose or not to choose” granite conversation for me.
2 John Collins // Jul 26, 2008 at 3:06 pm
Eco Precast, LLC
714-954-0161 office
714-954-0163 fax
info@urbanslabs.com
http://www.urbanslabs.com
RECYCLED GLASS CEMENT SURFACE PROVIDE GREEN SOLUTION FOR COUNTERTOPS
Santa Ana, CA—July 1, 2008—In an effort to support the California Department of Conservation, Eco Precast™ has announced the manufacture of Urbanslabs™ sustainable cement-based slabs now available for a variety of residential, commercial and hospitality surface applications. Crafted by hand, Urbanslabs™ consist of 50% recycled, post-consumer glass containers such as beer, wine and liquor bottles that are commonly sent to landfill and 10% recycled post industrial waste. This patent pending process contains no resinous binders.
“Eco Precast is taking a truly innovative look at the use of waste as a resource,” said architect Jorden Segraves, chair of the United States Green Building Council’s Pacific Regional and Orange County chapters. “Urbanslabs™ represent a completely new use for discarded glass. The company is effectively replacing a farmed resource with a reclaimed or “found” resource that fills a unique niche in the industry and product market.”
Urbanslabs™ are manufactured using a proprietary cement matrix. Light weight 3/4” (2cm) and 1¼” (3cm) Urbanslabs™ are made possible by an advanced mix design and unique manufacturing process.
Urbanslabs™ can be cut, bull-nosed, seamed and polished just like the fabrication of natural stone slabs such as granite. Urbanslabs™ can be utilized for a wide array of surface uses including countertops, bathroom vanities, shower panels, floor tiles, backsplash tiles, bathroom stall dividers, wall clad panels, outdoor living surfaces and for furniture tops.
Available in seven colors, Urbanslabs™ coordinate with a variety of décor themes. Eco Precast unique surface-polishing process exposes the glass and provides excellent scratch resistance, while offering a refreshing new look to the industry. A Zero VOC sealer is applied to the Urbanslabs™ at time of manufacture to provide outstanding protection from stains.
Urbanslabs™ offer an economical investment compared to poured-in-place and pre-cast concrete countertops, which costs hundreds of dollars per square foot installed.
Urbanslabs™ are available in the following dimensions, 8’ X 3’ X ¾” (2cm) and 10’ X 5’ 6” X 1¼” (3cm). Custom sizes, colors and finishes can be created upon request.
To locate a distributor or for technical questions, please call 714-954-0161.
“SUSTAINABLE SURFACES FOR URBAN LIVING™”
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