Pulp Non-Fiction: The Benefits of Richlite®

Richlite® is made primarily of paper purchased from managed forests throughout North America. The paper is treated with resin then pressed and baked to create solid sheets.

Richlite® is different in a natural and better kind of way. The same material has been used for decades by the aerospace industry for tooling, the marine industry for fiberglass reinforcement and the action sports industry for outdoor skate ramp surfaces. It's beautiful, unquestionably durable and will last for years.

Stain Resistant

Generally speaking, Richlite® resists stains quite well. As with most any material, there is potential for some staining, particularly from red wines, juices, and mustard when left in contact for prolonged periods of time. Most spills and light stains may be cleaned with soap and warm water and scrubbed with a soft bristle brush. More stubborn stains may be repaired by a light refinishing of the material. Visit the Care & Maintenance link for further information.

Scratch Resistant

It's significantly harder than wood but, like most countertop materials, can, under force, be scratched or gouged. Richlite® countertops should not be used as a cutting surface. Because Richlite is a solid color all the way through, when scratches do occur, there will be no difference in color – unlike many solid surfaces where the scratch appears as a different color then the material. Use of a separate Richlite® cutting board is recommended. Most cuts, scratches and nicks can be repaired with a light refinishing. Visit Care & Maintenance for further information.

Heat Resistant

Richlite® is heat resistant up to 350º F. Due to its high heat resistance, the material does not need additional protection near stove areas though a trivet or hot pad is recommended to ensure no damage will be caused by exceedingly hot pots and pans pulled directly out of the oven. Visit Care & Maintenance for further information.

Sanitary

Richlite® is recognized for its sanitary performance appreciated by chefs in the home and in high profile commercial kitchens. The National Sanitation Foundation, which sets standards for food service-related products has certified Richlite® 1000 for use as cutting boards with direct food contact in restaurants. The same material is used in Richlite® countertops. The surface is impervious and does not support the colonization of bacteria. Visit Care & Maintenance for further information.

Extended Cantilevers and Long Spans

Due to the long, tough fibers inside Richlite®, the material will not bend or break under normal circumstances. As a result architects and designers love the stuff because they can design long spans and extended cantilevers without adding extra support. As a rule of thumb, 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".

Colors

Chocolate Glacier

Browns Point

Yellow Island

Blue Canyon

Green Mountain

Redstone

Black Diamond

Documentation and Information

Warranty
Care & Maintenance
Alternate Finishes
Looks Good on Paper
Properties
New Richlite FSC Collection Brochure

Richlite website