Durable, versatile and sustainable, 100% recycled paper countertop for kitchens, bathrooms and more

Richlite is a surface material made in the USA from only recycled paper and non-toxic resin. It is made by compressing hundreds of layers of FSC certified paper (65%) with a formaldehyde-free phenolic resin (Ecobind NAUF-35%) into sheets from 1/4" to 3" thick and 4' x8' to 5' x 12'. Because of its extreme density, it resists moisture, heat, scratching, denting and bacteria. It is naturally antimicrobial to the standard of JIS Z 2801. It can handle heat to 350 °F, and is Class A fire rated. Unlike tile, stone or quartz which are cold, Richlite feels naturally warm and soft to the touch.

Richlite is highly versatile because it's easily cut, shaped, sanded and repaired by on-the-job professionals with standard woodworking tools. It can be used in a wide range of indoor or outdoor applications such as action sports (skateboard parks), culinary (cutting boards and utensils--see Epicurean on our website), aerospace and marine industry, architecture (cabinetry, countertops, tub surrounds, signage and exterior cladding) and furniture, etc. (chairs, benches, desks, restroom partitions, guitar fret boards and mobile phone cases--just to name a few).

Architects and designers love this because it can be used in long spans with extended cantilevers. For example, 3/4”-thick material is structurally stable with a 12” overhang, 1”-thick material is stable up to an 18” overhang, and 1 1/2”-thick is stable up to 24". The beauty and functionality of any Richlite product will outlast and outperform most similar natural or synthetic products.

Richlite colors go all the way through the layers of resin-infused paper. As a result, the appearance of any scratches is minimized and is easily repaired. The surface texture can be leathered or honed with the addition of light sanding and oil and wax creating a beautiful long lasting patina.

In addition to its durability and versatility, Richlite is also highly sustainable. Not only is it made in Washington state with 100% recycled paper, but that paper is all FSC certified eco-friendly, biodegradable and renewable. Richlite is also GreenGuard Gold and NSF Standard 51 certified. Richlite's unique Waste to Energy (WE) manufacturing process is a closed loop energy-saving system that reduces natural gas consumption by 83%.

NOTE: Although most cuts and scratches can be repaired with a light sanding followed by finishing oil, we recommend the use of a cutting board for food preparation and a trivet for hot pots.

Why we like it

Richlite countertops are very similar to PaperStone but offer different sizes and colors. Originally designed for use in skateboard parks, this product holds up to lots of abuse. It looks beautiful in contrast to light-colored cabinetry and has a patina that gets better over time.

Richlite requires some regular maintenance, but not much. There are numerous ways to use this product; it always looks great and works well for a long time.

Features & benefits

• Durable, sanitary — lifetime resistance to stains, water, heat to 350 °F and bacteria
• Non-toxic, odorless — formaldehyde-free and petroleum-free
• Safe — for everyone, including the chemically sensitive; learn how to test a non-toxic product for tolerance
• Eco-friendly — made with 100% post-consumer recycled paper
• Third party certified — Green Guard Gold for Children & Schools, the highest possible rating, with no detectable level of off-gassing, NSF standard 51 and FSC 2012-2017
• Naturally warm — not cold like granite, quartz or marble
• Easily fabricated — by professional carpenters with normal woodworking tools
• Made in USA — Washington state, nothing imported
• Large variety of sizes and colors — 1/4", 1/2", 3/4", 1", 1 1/4", 1 1/2", 2", 2 1/2" and 3" thick slabs that measure 48" or 60" deep x 8', 10' or 12' long; available in a variety of earth-tone colors
• Qualifies for LEED points — MR Credit 3: Materials Reuse, MR Credit 4: Recycled Content, MR Credit 5: Regional Materials, MR Credit 6: Rapidly Renewable Materials (30% Eucalyptus fibers), MR Credit 7: Certified Wood, IEQ Credit 4.4: Low-Emitting Materials: Composite Wood and Agrifiber Products, ID Credit 1: Innovation in Design

Alert: We can sell this product to North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Indiana, Minnesota, Wisconsin & Illinois customers.

Discontinued Colors: Green Mountain FSC

State Nexus Fee may apply
A state nexus fee will be applied to this item if drop shipped to the following states: Minnesota. We're sorry for the inconvenience. Click here to read more about the state nexus fee.

This item description was written by Joel Hirshberg