Cork: The other countertop material
August 26, 2009
We've seen countertops running the gamut from granite to concrete. Are we jaded? Probably. Does someone out there actually have jade countertops? It's possible. But I'm not interested in semi-precious slabs of total excess. It's the simple things that send me these days, and what's more simple than cork? That's right...the stopper from my last bottle of wine has way more potential than I thought possible.
The pros are extensive: Suberra cork is rapidly renewable as it's made from the bark of Cork Oak trees and is therefore naturally resistant to water, heat and bacteria. A waxy substance called suberin (absent in wood) accounts for its impermeability to water and air. These countertops are also so light that the the distributor, Ecosupply, can ship small orders via UPS Ground. When it comes to counters, such a cost-saving measure is almost unheard of. (Bet you're really regretting that jade splurge right about now, eh?) Standard slabs are 1-1/4" x 25" x 36" and are easily shaped with your own woodworking tools - just send the company your dimensions and they can give you a price quote. It's versatile enough to play a role in the kitchen or workshop or study...I can see it making an ideal desktop surface, warm to the touch and aesthetically varied enough to make those moments of procrastination a bit more pleasant. Speaking of which, the beige laminate I'm currently staring at could really use an upgrade...
Posted by Linda Gallant | Categories:
Green Home
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(12) Comments
This looked good until I checked around for a price: $273.00 per 25x36 sheet! Wow.
Wow compared to what? Sounds pretty reasonable when you consider the cost of fabricating stone.
let's see : @ $90 per square, at best. umm, michael, wanna buy some cheap land for sale?
Just to clarify, Ecosupply's suggested retail price for Suberra is $38/sq. ft.
I have had cork countertops (all surfaces) in my house as the original trial for just about 2 yrs. They look the same as the day I installed them and have them treated only with a paste I make of beeswax and mineral oil. They also naturally don't support any bacteria grown, even without a surface treatment.
David,
Your math is a bit off
25"x36"=900 sq"
900/144 =6.25 sqft
$273.00/6.25=43.68/sqft
I love the look and I got really excited about this product until I found out the cost. With a substantial amount of countertop space that desperately needs to be replaced but VERY limited funds,guess I'll keep researching.
someone please tell me where I can buy a cork counter top? And I swear I've seen them in different colors.
Hmmm, I knew they used cork for flooring, but as a countertop? I'm going to have to check this out. Glad to hear builders finding more and more uses for cork.
My husband and I recently chose cork countertops for our kitchen remodel. To read about our experience go to www.livegreenblog.net
The cork flooring looks so beautiful!
Could you use cork flooring? I was just reading about using wood flooring as countertop, perhaps just as easy to use cork flooring and maybe cheaper! If you are a DIY person it may be a great option. Just a thought.