Today I'm going to focus on two very cool materials I found at Greenmaker Supply - Squak Mountain Stone and Shetka Stone.
Squak Mountain's material resembles soapstone but unlike soapstone, it is available in a range of different neutral colors and it contains over 50% post-industrial or -consumer recycled content. Here is how the manufacturer's website defines the material:
1. A Fibrous-cement material comprised of recycled paper, recycled glass, coal fly-ash and cement. Material is hand-cast into “slabs” as an alternative to natural or quarried stone. Resembles soapstone or limestones.
Slabs are only available up to 72" in length but it can be seamed in pieces. The website has a pdf showing some creative ways designers have worked around the size limitations without resorting to standard seaming, which I really enjoyed reading.
While it has a really high-end look, it does require more maintenance than some of its competitors including stone - especially the standard soapstone it so closely resembles. Soapstone is extremely durable and idiot-proof - I was researching it last year and was reminded that it is often used in science labs due to its near indestructability. Squak Mountain stone is sealed with an acrylic sealant that you need to take care to maintain - no harsh abbrasives, no hot pots directly in contact with it, stain resistant but not stain-proof... I think it might be better used in bathrooms than kitchens which have more spills and potential other hazards to the stone. I still like the material a lot but you just have to be aware of its limitations.
Shetka Stone is really different. It is made from shredded pre- and post-consumer waste paper bound into a stone-like material that sometimes resembles granite. It has a high, glossy sheen and can be fabricated in endless sizes. It is also considered 100% sustainable, as it is made from recycled material and can be recycled again at the end of its life.
In terms of durability, the website claims Shetka Stone is:
As a side note, there is one style that has shredded dollar bills, which could be fun to use for desktops or countertops in a bank or financial office.
Squak Mountain's material resembles soapstone but unlike soapstone, it is available in a range of different neutral colors and it contains over 50% post-industrial or -consumer recycled content. Here is how the manufacturer's website defines the material:
1. A Fibrous-cement material comprised of recycled paper, recycled glass, coal fly-ash and cement. Material is hand-cast into “slabs” as an alternative to natural or quarried stone. Resembles soapstone or limestones.
Slabs are only available up to 72" in length but it can be seamed in pieces. The website has a pdf showing some creative ways designers have worked around the size limitations without resorting to standard seaming, which I really enjoyed reading.
While it has a really high-end look, it does require more maintenance than some of its competitors including stone - especially the standard soapstone it so closely resembles. Soapstone is extremely durable and idiot-proof - I was researching it last year and was reminded that it is often used in science labs due to its near indestructability. Squak Mountain stone is sealed with an acrylic sealant that you need to take care to maintain - no harsh abbrasives, no hot pots directly in contact with it, stain resistant but not stain-proof... I think it might be better used in bathrooms than kitchens which have more spills and potential other hazards to the stone. I still like the material a lot but you just have to be aware of its limitations.
Shetka Stone is really different. It is made from shredded pre- and post-consumer waste paper bound into a stone-like material that sometimes resembles granite. It has a high, glossy sheen and can be fabricated in endless sizes. It is also considered 100% sustainable, as it is made from recycled material and can be recycled again at the end of its life.
In terms of durability, the website claims Shetka Stone is:
Class A fire rated without the use of chemicals
Scratch resistant
Bacteria and fungus resistant
Stain resistant
Water resistant
They go on in the FAQ to state:
SHETKASTONE is not affected by water or humidity. In fact, we've taken a piece and submerged it in water for three months and nothing happened to it. SHETKASTONE did not warp or mushroom.
All this adds up to one super-durable product!As a side note, there is one style that has shredded dollar bills, which could be fun to use for desktops or countertops in a bank or financial office.
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