If you think about it, the things that you use on a daily basis can be toxic for the environment as well as yourself. So, if you’re looking for non-toxic and sustainable countertop materials that don’t emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), then you are at the right place. The most popular option among non-toxic surfaces are quartz kitchen countertops. Let’s know more!
10 Countertops That Don’t Have VOCs
Bamboo Countertops
If you want to get an environmentally safe material for your kitchen countertops, then you can try bamboo. Bamboo is one of the safest options out there, because it is literally all-natural and it doesn’t emit any sort of toxic compounds. So, if you’re worried about VOCs and you don’t want to get a material that is going to be toxic to your health or the environment, then you want to go for something like bamboo.
Bamboo is basically a wood and not only is it a fast-growing tree, but it is also beautiful and if you select this material for your kitchen countertops, then you will be in for a surprise. The material is just so light and beautiful that you will want it in your kitchen all the time.
It only has a couple of downsides and one of them is the fact that it needs to be maintained a lot. It is wood, at the end of the day, so you want to ensure that you’re sealing it, protecting it from water and things like that.
Other than that, it is safe for your home, your health, your kids, and the Earth, so you don’t need to worry about anything.
Stainless Steel Countertops
Another safe option for the kitchen is stainless steel. Stainless steel is non-porous and it is also a neutral and stable material, so it won’t emit any sort of toxins. VOCs are emitted by materials that are unstable and can emit all sorts of things when there is a temperature change.
Well, not with stainless steel, because it is a very neutral material and it is amazing for all kinds of things. It has a minimal and industrial look that everyone loves and you will love the look of it in the kitchen too.
Quartz Countertops
Another safe material for kitchen countertops that is non-toxic is quartz. Now, even though quartz is a man-made material, it is still quite safe and free of VOCs because again, it is a very stable and neutral material and it doesn’t react with heat or pressure.
Plus, it is non-porous by nature, so nothing can get sucked inside the material and it is also very sanitary as compared to other materials that are porous. So, if you want to get your hands on a safe, man-made material, then this is your ticket to get quartz.
Glass Countertops
Glass or better yet, recycled glass, is something that is not only safe for the environment and you, but it is also sustainable and an amazing option to go for if you want something that isn’t made by hurting the planet. It has a very sophisticated material and if you love the look of glass, then you will love these countertops too.
Recycled glass is non-toxic, but it is also fragile, so this is something to keep in mind if you want to get a material for your kitchen because one small impact from a considerable height can shatter your countertops for good.
Concrete Countertops
Another safe option out there that isn’t a den of VOCs is concrete. Concrete countertops are a hit or miss among people thanks to their looks, but it is seriously very beautiful if you understand their rustic beauty and the appeal they have. Concrete slabs are very beautiful and they have a very rough and tough look.
All you need to do is just seal these babies and you’re good to go. They won’t get damaged by water and you will be safe from bacteria, toxins, and everything bad for your and your planet’s health.
Granite Countertops
If you love natural stones, then granite is a wonderful option to go for. Granite is a very stable material and you don’t have to worry about VOCs, because they can’t get emitted. Granite countertops Rockville are also great around high heat, so it’s not like you have to treat them with kid’s gloves all the time.
The only thing granite needs is maintenance and that is something that goes without saying in a lot of natural stones. They’re naturally porous, so you need to protect them from water and moisture so that they can last long in the kitchen and impress everyone who sees them.
Porcelain Countertops
Another very good option to go for is porcelain if you want something that won’t be toxic. Porcelain isn’t exactly popular in the kitchen, but in bathrooms, it holds the same position as granite does in the kitchen. However, porcelain isn’t exactly great for the kitchen as it can be slippery, fragile, and it’s also not as heat-resistant as the rest of the options.
It will only get stained by those black marks, and it is not the look you want to go for. But, if you’re worried in the VOC department, then porcelain will pass the test with flying colors.
Marble Countertops
If you love natural stone surfaces, but want something light and sophisticated, then you can’t go wrong with marble. The beautiful light colored stone and the subtle dark veining are going to look so beautiful in the kitchen and the best part? It is amazing when it comes to being stable and VOC-free.
It won’t lead to any toxicity in the kitchen and it is a material that ticks all of the boxes – at least when it comes to performance. When it comes to maintaining marble slabs, it can be a slight pain in the neck, but nothing a bit of time and effort can’t take care of.
Paper Composite Countertops
You won’t associate something like paper with countertops, but here we are. Paper composite is made up of exactly what you think of. It is a material composed of composite, which includes things like sand, rocks, and other pulverized materials that are normally labeled as waste and then paper is also added to it. And everything is combined with resin to give it that rock-hard strength.
It is a very sustainable material, because it is literally made up of things that you would normally waste and it is also safe for everyone to use.
Laminate Countertops
Laminate is also a great option to go for if you want something that is safe from those very toxic VOCs. This is a material that will win hearts because it is able to mimic any kind of material you love and that too without breaking the bank.
So, if you can get your hands on a material that is safe to use in the kitchen, neutral and stable, and can make all of your countertop dreams come true, then laminate is perfect.
Conclusion
Countertops are very easily the things that you don’t even consider could emit VOCs. Well, now you know which ones to choose to be safe. Get in touch with a quartz countertops dealer Potomac for taking a look at non-toxic countertop surfaces.