6 Countertops That Are Not Quartz

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If the production of quartz gets banned in other countries besides Australia, here are 6 countertop options that are not quartz and contain no silica.
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[@Janeschillerkolf]

Your comments are always well-thought-out, delivered in a humble style. I appreciate those qualities!

[@cheryloeste4875]

Thank you for making a video on this important topic. Many people buy branded countertops like silstone and don't even ask what they are made of. They just like the look and price of them. I liked them too before I knew the manufacturing impacts on workers. And a lot of the workers in these industries come from the immigrant community. I can't look at these countertops the same ever again. Another commenter also mentioned about installers making cuts in these slabs with no protections at all. It is nice to see options. I'm personally leaning towards a ceramic tile countertop. I've had one on a side countertop by my stove for years and have not had any issues with cleaning or staining at all. My husband installed it with a wood trim and it is lovely.

[@gloriamontgomery6900]

My ceramic tile installer has silicosis from tile dust

[@valeriehowden471]

Not sure what precautions were in place at the location where the initial cuts were made, but the installation crew didn't wear PPE when they were cutting the fine details on my front lawn. That would add up on several jobs per day, year after year.

[@cheryloeste4875]

really good point about the installation cuts. It is not only the manufacturing space where there is danger.

[@lazygardens]

Yes ... the manufacturer can have all the protections needed for the workers and the ones cutting slabs into countertops may look at the PPE requirements and say "Nah".

[@MTKDofficial]

That's unfortunate. Hopefully they realize the dangers of this bad practice.

[@2chipped]

It's the same with tile,concrete and any hard surface that needs to be cut.

[@SilasJura]

I do construction for a living and PPE is a choice, not a mandatory one. If you want to live longer and have lungs and good hearing in your older years then make the choice to wear PPE. Me and my brother are self employed and we CHOOSE to wear ear muffs, face masks and respirators and occasionally safety glasses. Our safety is our own responsibility, we don’t need governments telling us how to work. We work with subcontractors and we’ve tried giving them masks at times but they usually just set it aside. It’s their life at risk so it’s their choice. Some contractors make the choice to smoke and drink which also puts their life at risk and then they make more poor choices on the job site which just shows their lack of care for their own life. Again it’s their choice. No boss is telling their workers they can’t wear PPE. They are welcome to educate themselves and take appropriate measures, that’s what we’ve done. People need to take more responsibility for themselves and stop relying on higher ups whether governments or bosses to force them. With greater freedom comes greater responsibility.

[@pman2916]

I live in Australia and had no clue. I've always been a laminate woman because of their endurance and price. Thank you for the information 🙏

[@JuliaHopewell]

Also in Australia, I had read about the forthcoming banning of these countertops; but I have just googled "Bioquartz" , only to find no Australian references - yet..

[@abigailbhoorasingh3310]

For those interested in natural stone countertops, can you do pros and cons type video of different options. I'm most interested in Soapstone and Travertine. Also, if you could review some coating products that are on the market like Tuffskin, that would be cool!

[@cakedupkevin]

The main issue is availability

[@pc239]

I love the look of some travertine slabs I've seen, but the problem is that to make it a smooth surface, all the pits are filled with resin. (And you don't want a pitted surface as a countertop.)

[@MTKDofficial]

I do have a soapstone video. I've never talked about coating products. I'll have to consider that for sure. thanks

[@victoriaf2136]

I have travertine floors and there are so many things you can't clean them with, including basics like vinegar. Previous owners didn't know and the pitting is horrendous. I would never use it as a food prep surface or near a sink, and I would probably avoid it altogether if I could.

[@keradee8742]

Very interesting. I watched it twice so I could soak in all that information. I'm still planning to stick with laminate.

[@darlene19668]

Yay team laminate over the years I’ve had butcher block and granite….ILOVE LAMINATE 🤣🤣🤣🤣❤️❤️❤️❤️🥳🥳🥳🥳

[@JackieofAllTrades]

Laminate is underrated, and today's choices are so expansive-- this is not the options of the 1980's or 1990's. Laminate is an awesome choice.

[@MTKDofficial]

Let's go team laminate!!!

[@rogergleason]

Hello Mark. Silverstone has been replacing their quartz line with Hybriq+, in which silica is replaced with other minerals including feldspar. I saw this recently, and wondered how it compared to quartz in its properties . You are correct in that silica poses no danger to homeowners. Silcosis was first reported in sandblasters, who did not wear proper PPE, and lung disease is not confined only to silica. Silicosis falls into the category of lung diseases called pneumoconiosis - coal miners lung, asbestosis, talcosis, to name a few. All of these diseases occur when the material is manipulated, either through mining or machining, and a dust is created. . The way to avoid this is with proper PPE. The responsibility is with the plant. I am guessing the reports of silicosis are occuring in countries where there is lax manufacturing oversight. Seems strange to ban quartz countertops, might as well ban sand

[@MTKDofficial]

This sounds a lot like the Biorite product. I'll have to look more in depth. Thanks

[@markwilliamson5796]

Great video very informative. I feel you might have downplayed the dangers of silicon from quartz to workers. I live in Australia and the figures here are quite alarming. The estimate is that 230 people a year contact silicosis. There are remedies, wet grinding of all products, well set up industrial dust removal, PPE etc. But these are often ignored either by employers or workers. And the number of sites where adjustments to bench tops are made with a grinder on site and zero dust control are very high. Silicosis is incurable, hugely debilitating and mostly fatal. Although Australia is the first, other countries will certainly follow. Quartz countertops are safe for home owners but deadly for workers.

[@peterwilliams2152]

The problem with quartz has always been workers and employers ignoring safety in favour of production output, and ease of production. Wet grinding slows down output and PPE is uncomfortable in hot weather.

[@JessicaJLandi]

We absolutely love our new Dekton countertops. Best decision in our kitchen reno.

[@observer4497]

Granite….. It is a true part of this beautiful Earth that we are all in love with……We have Bianco Antico, it looks light from a distance but full of all different colors,, … ruby,emerald,marcasite, some pieces look like diamonds,just to name a few..We absolutely love it….

[@Theaterbuddy717]

yet another informative video! Thanks Mark :)

[@buildergradetocustommade]

I love it when you get educational. 😊

[@MTKDofficial]

lol. Thanks.

[@melodireyes9687]

Great video! Very timely for me - I am going to do a mostly cosmetic remodel on my kitchen and replacing the counter tops will be part of this. I have had laminate for nearly 30 years and the only problem has been the seams swelling near the sink, but I want something a little more stylish Quartz was certainly high on my list. As usual, you've given me a lot to think about. Thanks - I love your videos!

[@MTKDofficial]

Thanks for the comment. Glad the video was helpful. I also have laminate.

[@melodireyes9687]

Hmmmm -. something to consider @@MTKDofficial

[@edwardcasper5231]

My laminate countertops are delaminating next to my stove (they're over 50 years old), so I have to replace them. I used solid surface in my bathrooms and it worked very well. I'm gravitating toward solid surface for my kitchen (once I get around to doing something) mainly because of the integrated sink. Another option that wasn't mentioned is porcelain, which I understand can potentially be installed directly on top of the laminate.

[@FTG2Eli]

I have an old laminate countertop on an island (from an old 5 and Dime store in SF). It is not near the sink and I love it. The rest of the counter tops near stove and sink are stainless steel. Another option that was not mentioned.

[@bunnybunny3536]

⁠@@FTG2Eli. I intend to change out my granite countertop (which I don’t like, it was in situ when we bought our condo) with a wood-finish laminate, since I’m far too messy to deal with real wood lol. That’s the look I’m going for. Today’s laminate has come a long way aesthetically from it’s infancy.

[@christopherludlam1602]

One thing to consider with solid surface is that as it contains acrylic, it does not get as cold in winter. If you have a breakfast bar, it’s nicer to sit at therefore and does not make your coffee go cold as quick! Solid surface is very forgiving as a material, you can’t stain it and you can buff it back like new fairly easily. Like buffing the paint on your motor vehicle. Make sure you buy a solid surface with a full acrylic binder, not modified with polyester mixed into it. Corian for instance is a full acrylic binder solid surface. Dearer but will not discolour .

[@christopherludlam1602]

@@bunnybunny3536try and get Wilsonart AEON. Rolls Royce of laminate, 3 - 5 times the durability of run of the mill laminate and not that much dearer.

[@timwoolfield114]

Great video, issues well articulated. So thanks - appreciated. I'm in the process of deciding bench top and splashback options. I am receiving conflicting points of view on porcelain/sintered stone. Some installers are promoting it - partly due to the Australian decision (I live in New Zealand - neighbour), others I'm dealing with say don't go there due to chipping and warranty issues. Thanks once more.

[@MTKDofficial]

Thanks. Appreciate the feedback! I do agree that sintered stone can chip easier than a natural or even a manufactured stone. However, it depends on the user. Personally it wouldn't worry me, but others who are rough with there kitchens may want to think about it.

[@dahut3614]

It was really nice not having any distracting background music. I was wishing the background was sharp so that I could see that nice kitchen and instead blur that old-guy-talking-head or maybe make him smaller and appear on the screen of the refrigerator! 🤣

[@MTKDofficial]

I've never been so insulted. lol

[@hopehart2922]

My favorite is the glass. Still debating what to do with mine. I really enjoyed and appreciate this information video 😁

[@MTKDofficial]

Hey thanks. Appreciate the positive comment.

[@signalfire6]

Glass and ceramic tile are LOUD. Every time you put something down on them...

[@JackieofAllTrades]

Loved it! Very good video chock full of information. Thanks so much for covering the quartz controversy. It's a beautiful option for homes, but all of the bad press about the manufacturing process does have me questioning if it's a product I want in my home. Probably still yes, but it's gotta be done safely. And I second @abigailhoorasingh3310 's comment/request for a video on coating products like Tuffskin or granite countertop overlay options like Granite Transformations. I just wonder if they're all they are advertised to be.

[@MTKDofficial]

Thanks Jackie. It's an interesting topic for sure. Hopefully I did this, as to not try to bring guilt to people who have the product. Like you said, if it's done safely.

[@brionyf1193]

This is exactly the issue I'm grappling with at the moment. Quartz would be ideal for our needs, but I can't install a product where there are such risks to the workers in the supply chain. I'm also looking at porcelain.

[@winstonelston5743]

10:57 Question about the paper countertops: How heat resistant is the surface? Paper is rather notorious....

[@MTKDofficial]

Great question. I'd have to research.

[@trinaroe5132]

I’m surprised all the glass options you showed were speckled. I had heard of and seen glass and paper countertops in magazines before and several years ago all the glass I saw was speckled. But I saw a beautiful translucent green/aqua counter in a magazine the other day that I’m pretty sure was glass and no speckle in sight. Maybe I’m wrong about it being glass but I couldn’t figure out what else it could be.

[@MTKDofficial]

Probably an acrylic resin pour. But certainly could have glass. Just not the product I'm referring too.

[@VacuaIntus]

Idk, the first thing when i hear "laminate countertops" is how high are the levels of VOCs?

[@NoseyFloridaGirl]

I’ll stick with Quartzite

[@coni-ne5km]

I'm soon to be updating my bathroom with new toilet, vanity, and countertop/seamless sink. How do I get more information about the quartz alternative Lapitec that you mentioned?

[@michaelkagan6910]

I have been looking into sintered stone for a while now. I would love to put it in my upcoming kitchen renovations but it costs approximately twice as much to fabricate than a natural stone. So I will have to think long & hard if the cost is worth it.

[@MTKDofficial]

Start asking the dealers of sintered stone in your area if they have access to this material. If they carry products Dekton, they may also have the ability to sell you Lapitech.

[@michaelkagan6910]

​@MTKDofficial Lapitech is verily limited in availability. Xtone is another brand that has even less availability than Lapitech that is another sintered stone option.

[@darlene19668]

Wow….lots of info so lil space in my brain🤪…pretty soon we won’t be able to breath😂😂😂😂 just kidding. I’ll just stick with what I have, with grand parents who lived to 104…and the 3 others who passed in their late 90’s….all had laminate counter tops, gas stoves and heaters, raised children 10, and grandchildren all seemed to come out fine…it’s awesome to educate ourselves on dangers and hazards….but in the end we all got to live. So I have my gas stove❤️❤️❤️❤️my ice mist fieldstone laminate which I love….and while not being ignorant and want to be a life long learner weigh and evaluate decisions accordingly….and chose what’s best for me….i chose tried and true🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻 Thumbs up all day every day👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻Great blessings to the Tobin crew🎉🎉🎉&Gammy too💐💐💐💐

[@MTKDofficial]

Right!? I was a baby when car seats weren't a thing. I think I'm doing just fine. lol

[@darlene19668]

😂😂😂😂

[@darlene19668]

😂😂😂😂

[@jjelelelelelwle]

Does this mean the price of renovations in Aus will get higher if looking for a mid/high end bathroom/kitchen?As seems no tried and tested real alternative to fill the gap?

[@MTKDofficial]

Time will tell. I'm sure it will have some impact.

[@sangomalsa]

Hey Mark, what are your thoughts on stainless steel countertops? I used to work in a restaurant and I love the practicality of it. I'm wondering why is it so uncommon in a home kitchen

[@cakedupkevin]

It’s cold, it’s highly reflective, it limits your design choices because it is a relatively modern surface. I like it for a prep area, but that’s about it.

[@amydelpiere9315]

...because your kitchen might feel like a morgue or operating room. Maybe that is just a creepy factor that people in certain occupations endure.

[@darrinbrunner6429]

I like it. I would do stainless steel over wood core, to reduce dents, and deaden the sound. I would also do powder-coated aluminum over wood core for cabinets, with some frosted glass doors.

[@darlene19668]

@@amydelpiere9315 agree

[@illawarriorhill70]

Because it looks ugly

[@lorrilewis2178]

Quartzite? The only negative I've heard is that it can react with water around a sink.

[@sandrajunkin4416]

Yikes- did not know about this , somehow. I have been enjoying my new quartz countertops, but now will look at them differently. Sigh- I still really like them…..

[@MTKDofficial]

Hopefully I did this in such a way that didn't bring guilt on anyone with this product. I think it's good to know the info though.

[@justpassinthru]

Any experience with paperstone product?

[@MTKDofficial]

I'd love to hear as well. If anyone out there has used it or similar, please let us know.

[@didyay]

How about sintered stones, are they safe?

[@MTKDofficial]

Lapitech is the only one to date with zero silica. However, like I mentioned, I don't thin these materials have been studied, as to indicate their health implications on workers.

[@dougandcandacebishop7259]

How about stainless steel? Professional kitchens EVERYWHERE use it. I'm confused why it hasn't made it into the residential market given the push toward high-end kitchen design.

[@michaelkagan6910]

John Boo's actually sells both butcher block AND stainless steel countertops. Personally I think they are an awesome option, only they make the kitchen even more sterile & cold looking

[@illawarriorhill70]

Looks ugly

[@MTKDofficial]

I think it's because of the look. We can't ignore that style is a big part of this industry.

[@gayleedwards3101]

I agree. Also, why do appliances have to be stainless to be cool but countertops made of the same material are deemed to be sterile and cold? I don't understand this and wish someone could explain it to me.

[@SilasJura]

Look deeper into the reason for the ban… when is the patent expiring for Breton quartz manufacturing process? I don’t find it coincidental that they hold a patent to the manufacturing and then governments start banning their old product and suddenly they are the hero with the solution of an alternative product (which I’m sure is also patented). Big business has used governments to keep them in power by hiring lobbyists who push governments to ban their product when patents are expiring soon then they just so happen to have an alternative solution which the government promotes for them as a healthier/safer product. Look at what DuPont does with Freon. Look beyond the surface level and I’m sure you’ll find more behind the scenes than you think.

[@MTKDofficial]

A conspiracy eh? Why Australia though?

[@dash1dash2]

The problem will be the price. When you shop around, cheap quartz is a fraction of the price of every other natural/manmade stone. When stuff like Dekton is often 2x the price as Quartz, I can't see how any of these other options will be any cheaper, unfortunately. Also, I don't want to be that guy, but saying that recycled glass countertops are silica-free is a contradiction, but I get what you're saying 🤪

[@amydelpiere9315]

Prices at a local (to me) Home Depot were higher on quartz than natural stone in some cases. I think it just depends on what is trendy and what is available.

[@MTKDofficial]

Thanks for not upping me on the glass thing. lol. I'm ultimately comparing it's production method at plant level.

[@dash1dash2]

@@amydelpiere9315 I don't know about your Home Depot, but my local Home Depot sells Silestone Quartz, which IS more expensive, but its production only uses 10-40% silica (instead of >80%). That's why it's more expensive, it's also a better alternative to typical quartz if you want to reduce silica use.

[@winstonelston5743]

13:22 Recycled glass is "...completely silica-free..."? Are you sure about that? Glass is an amorphous (non-crystalline) product that is made from silica fused with other minerals for whatever properties are desired, but it is mostly silica.

[@PeakDogs67]

Should have said "does not produce silica dust."

[@MTKDofficial]

As it compares to fabrication and manufacturing. The ban on quartz is due to the breathing of silica dust at plant level. This is not the case with glass recycled slabs. Though there certainly could be other issues.

[@michaelkagan6910]

I actually want a sintered stone countertop in my kitchen. The only drawback, in my opinion, is the cost of fabrication compared to natural stone.

[@darlene19668]

Agree….we had a fabricator place our laminate and did not go with the prefabbed slabs….we wanted them placed in one piece with no joints….it cost much more🙄

[@michaelkagan6910]

​@darlene19668 I've been told it's about twice the price to fabricate sintered stone as opposed to natural stone.

[@winstonelston5743]

Natural granite is my first and only choice. Anorthosites such as Blue Pearl and Blue Eyes are quite attractive, and I'm looking toward Ash White for the backsplash and all vertical surfaces over Blue Pearl countertops, copper sink, bronze faucet, black porcelain cooktop and stainless everything else. Funny, just after I read your comment I stepped into a restroom in the Subaru dealership, appears to have sintered stone countertop matching the blue pearl colors. I'll stick with the natural stone.

[@MTKDofficial]

Definitely a price hike. Have you looked into porcelain?

[@michaelkagan6910]

@MTKDofficial not in the greatest of detail at this point. However, my wife is not totally on board with sintered stone, she prefers a natural stone, either granite or quartzite

[@winstonelston5743]

8:18 Solid surface "...very easy to scratch and they will burn, but for normal wear and tear...: If they are very easy to scratch and they will burn, it sounds like they are not suitable for every-day conditions encountered in a working home kitchen.

[@trinaroe5132]

Only if you put hot pans directly on them or cut directly on them. I’m nearly 70 and have never done either on any type of counter.

[@bellaherna1]

I think it is a great option for laundry room and bathrooms but yes I would not get it for my kitchen.

[@christopherludlam1602]

As Mark says, most people who have had solid surface would buy it again. The material will not hold a flame so you cannot ‘burn’ it as such. A scorch mark is generally the worst that would happen, which can be buffed out in most cases. Over many years, the fine scratches that can appear form a patina, but if you want it like new, you use a car cutting compound and buff it back like in a car body shop. The product is warmer to touch than quartz and porcelains so is nicer to sit at as a breakfast bar material. If you ever did manage to damage an edge for instance (unlikely), it can be seamlessly repaired. These days, all products including high pressure laminates are great products. You just have to consider day to day cleaning and what you want from the kitchen, and therefore the product.

[@winstonelston5743]

@@christopherludlam1602 Who wants to buff out scorch marks? I've considered the options, and I like the appearance, feel, and durability of natural "granite". Nothing else like it.

[@MTKDofficial]

Use a cutting board and trivet.

[@mcanultymichelle]

Wow l had no idea how unhealthy those countertops are to make 😢

[@talltulip]

I guess I will just never understand why the material referred to as "quartz" is actually a mixture of natural quartz (the mineral) plus a bunch of other stuff, whereas ACTUAL natural quartz (the mineral) is referred to as "quartzite." 🤦‍♀ What's the deal with that? 🙅‍♀

[@MTKDofficial]

I agree, it's a confusing terminology for sure.

[@butterflygirl3359]

What is the new material being pushed on consumers? Whose making the money? Keeping my quartz countertops forever.

[@MTKDofficial]

Quartz is still pushed on consumers.

[@peterbumper2769]

There is always Stainless Steel

[@MTKDofficial]

There is. Very durable and recyclable as well. Just not many choices in terms of design style.

[@karlakay]

'Solid Surface' - doesn't define what, who, contents, brands, ?? Isn't Quartz and Granite a solid surface? Assume u mean man-made solid surface - but the name isn't clarifying the product

[@twothirdsanexplosive]

He's using the standard name of a group of products. Don't blame him for the dumb generic name, it's the industry that called it that and if you go anywhere that sells countertops they'll know exactly what that is. Google it. From the Spruce: Solid surface countertops are about 33-percent binding resins and 66-percent minerals. Those minerals are a bauxite derivative, aluminum trihydrate (ATH). ATH is a kind of fine, white powder that helps solid surface maintain its smooth consistency. Contrast this with quartz counters, which are about 10 percent resins and the rest minerals.

[@christopherludlam1602]

@@twothirdsanexplosivesolid surface was developed by DuPont under the Corian brand name around 60 years ago. At that time, it was the only premium surface option, to natural granite, marble etc. So the product was Corian solid surface. The description you give of the ingredient make up is correct, some cheaper options also contain polyester, a lower cost binder. Engineered quartz/stone came along much later and because of the lower resin content were seen as being less ‘fake’ than solid surface. At a fabrication level, stone is regarded as a wet cut, stone Masonery product. The likes of Corian are more of a joinery shop, dry environment product. That’s not to say you don’t need appropriate PPE when dealing with any of these products.

[@MTKDofficial]

Sorry for not clarifying. Acrylic solid surface is what I meant. Product like Corian or Staron. Thanks.

[@gloriamontgomery6900]

Cant the workers wear masks?

[@michaelkagan6910]

They would need to wear a respirator with filters. Those types of masks you need to be fit tested for.

[@christopherludlam1602]

For PPE to work correctly, workers need to be clean shaven so the mask seals correctly. Many workers want to have beards and here in Australia, the fabrication shops get hot and the PPE gets left off. Respirator masks are actually more Comfortable as they push clean air through them, but they get costly and some Companies don’t want to make the investment. Site conditions are harder to police than the product plant of course. A lot of dry cutting gets done during installation.

[@MTKDofficial]

PPE is only part of the issue. There are layers of plane safety that also need to be in place.