Eco by Consentino’s River Bed Countertop
I am frequently asked for suggestions for environmentally friendly countertops. One of the countertops that comes to mind is Eco by Cosentino, from the makers of Stilestone. Why do I love this product? Hands down anything made of recycled content wins a check plus in my book. Plus, you don’t have to seal it. Check Plus Plus. Easy Peezy to maintain.
In 2009, I interviewed a representative of the Company right after their launch of the product. (Listen to the podcast here. It is 6 minutes long. Peter gives a nice detailed description of the product.) However, I just plain forgot to air the podcast. I still love the concept behind this countertop. See why.
Recycled Attributes:
Why do I love thee? The countertop is made of up to 75% recycled post industrial and post consumer products of the following materials:
- mirrors salvaged from houses, building and factories;
- glass from windshields, windows and bottles;
- granulated glass from consumer recycling practices;
- porcelain from china, tiles, sinks, toilets and ECO by Cosentino elements.
Eco by Cosentino ‘s Crystal Sand Countertop
Other elements worth considering:
- High performance against staining, scratching and scorching. However, the Company does not suggest you use your countertop like a butcher block.
- Heat resistance. It can take moderately high temperature for short periods. (Read below.)
- Non-porous, does not require sealers. (Remember, granite needs to be resealed.)
- 10 designer colors available in polished.
- Available in 63″x 128″ slab and standard size tiles
- Backed by a 10-year limited residential warranty which is nontransferable to your next buyer. Be sure to read what can void your warranty.
- Can acquire points towards LEED Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.
- No microban added (via the podcast.)
- Can be use for both residential or commercial application.
- GreenGuard, NSF and Cradle to Cradle Silver Certification
How Heat Resistant Are These “Tops”
I wondered how heat resistant were these countertops. In a 2009 New York Times article, Robert Contreras, the CEO of the Company, stated that if you left a pan coming from a 450 degree oven on the countertops for 15 minutes, the countertop might crack. In addition, the warranty can be voided if you put a crock pot, skillet or other hot items directly on your countertop.
So, the countertops are not as heat resistant as granite. If you are a careless cook or don’t want the hassle of remembering a trivet, this countertop may not be for you. However, don’t rule it out for your bathrooms.
Where Can I buy?
The countertops are offered throughout North and South America and Europe. Within each region, such as the USA, there is a store locator link. (In the US, see here.) Although the store locator states both the Home Depot and Lowes carry the product, call before you go. I did a quick search for my own area and found they didn’t carry it. However, there were plenty of local kitchen and bath stores that did.
Price?
In 2009, Peter in the podcast said the price to template and install is $65 to 95 per square foot to. I wanted to hear my tri-state reality price from an installer. Phil of Tri-State Stone stated the price would be approximately $80-130 depending on thickness. However, Phil noted that Tri-State bases their price on the drawing not necessarily the square foot. In addition, they also try to minimize seams which might increase the price. (Kitchen alert! Ask the question about seams. Nothing looks worse than a ton of seams.)
In the market for a green countertop, make sure you read some of my other eco-countertop articles:
Join the Conversation:
- Are you in the market for a new countertop? If so, would you consider this one?
- Would you rule this countertop out because of the corn oil resin?
- Are you only looking for 100% recycled?
- How do you feel about their heat resistant policy?
- Are you a hazardous cook like me?
Nancy says
February 16, 2012 at 6:51 amThis is really durable…Thanks a lot for the idea here…
Susan Davis says
February 16, 2012 at 11:12 amI am suprised that you would find a product shipped from overseas as green?
Anna@GreenTalk says
February 16, 2012 at 12:16 pmSusan, I see your point. However, it is a balancing act. Some of the products here are made of glass and cement which may not be as durable as Eco by Consentino. Also, Portland cement countertops have their own environmental issues as well.
Then there is the issue of price with all the green options. I featured E by C because of its recycled content and durability.
Which green countertop companies do you like that produce their product here?
Susan Davis says
February 16, 2012 at 12:40 pmDurcon makes a product called Elements by Durcon, it is a fine quartz product with post consumer glass made in Texas.
Anna@GreenTalk says
February 16, 2012 at 1:34 pmSusan, do you know what binds the countertop together? Do you own one and if so, how durable has it been for you? Thanks for the adding this product to the comments. I will have to check it out. Anna
Jan Hunt says
July 8, 2015 at 8:26 amWe purchased the ECO Riverbed counter top by Cosentino and have had nothing but problems with it. “Micro inclusions” (their word) or pits appear in the surface of the counter top with daily use and with no resolution from the company. I would just like others to know so they don’t make the same mistake we did. In the 3 years that we have owned this counter top we have accumulated over 40 pits.
Anna@Green Talk says
July 8, 2015 at 9:40 pmJan, I am so glad you shared your experience with me. Hopefully others that google this countertop will find your comment. Anna