Kitchen: Trespa TopLab Countertop
From Julie
From Julie & Janet:
We like this affordable and attractive countertop material discovered on Grassroots Modern. Similar to Richlite or Paperstone, which mimic the look of slate or soapstone, Trespa TopLab is used in scientific and medical laboratories. Made of an epoxy resin composite (thermoset resins with cellulose fiber reinforcement), TopLab countertops are exceptionally stain-resistant and durable. Another huge advantage is the cost: approximately $15 per square foot (about $20 per square foot with shipping). Several different colors are offered, including white and silver gray; brochures and samples are available through Trespa.
February 12, 2009
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I have seen the top lab in the past and considered using it as well but the problem with it is that it isn't repairable like the other paper based products like EcoTop & PaperStone not to mention the eco impact of epoxy resins isn't the best and I'm not sure I'd want to have my food on epoxy. It is cheap for sure, we have been using the EcoTop product for most the projects we have these days and love the color pallet. It has been running us around $35 a sq. ft.
Trespa can be used as an exterior rain-screen as well... but the price is significantly higher - starting at $65 a s.f. Paperstone just came out with their own rain-screen product... but it hasn't been in the market long. People were using Richlite and Paperstone in exterior applications, but the companies wouldn't warranty them.
So far we have really liked the countertops. I can tell you that even though they are in the same family as Richlite and Paperstone (phenolics) it is much harder than those products, which means more scratch resistance (but not quite as organic of a look). We plan on making our dining room table out of one of the large spare pieces that was left over.
Trespa has additional panel lines that offer dozens more textures and colors.
In response to Seattle architect. Trespa is not an epoxy resin. As a matter of fact it is greenguard certified for IAQ and is made from 70% paper.
In response to Wren. the rainscreen supplied by Trespa is a turnkey system. Paperstone, richlite, others are offering only panels. It is up to the intaller to supply the engineering and system. In addition just panels do not always meet local codes. Only systems can be tested for many required fire code standards.
Installed pre-engineered systems can range from $30-$65/SF. Trespa is warranted and used worldwide.
I have been wanting to find an alternative to granite and soapstone and have always loved the look/feel of the lab benches in schools/laboratories.
Does anyone have experience with these? I have a few questions and would love to talk / email with anyone who has 'lived' with the counters for a while.
I hope to hear from you - Mary Erickson - mary.erickson@mac.com
I have had a PaperStone counter top for 2 years now and have been very pleased. I considered the Trespa but in the end I wanted a product that looked natural and was environmentally responsible. I don't know the environmental properties to Trespa. PaperStone being 100% post consumer recycled paper intrigued me. It very much resembles honed granite or soapstone. I checked out a sample and put it to the test and found it was impervious to water and very durable. My counter tops are always a topic of conversation. Material is around $30-$50 a SF depending on the thickness and color you choose.
Trespa counters are pretty standard in chemistry labs for countertops because the material is resistant to chemicals and heat. It is also the best quality choice for toilet and shower partitions in commercial and institutional buildings because it is resistant to vandalism. The relatively high cost per square foot is offset by the low labor cost to install it. It doesn't require edge treatment and can be cut and finished with the same tools used for wood.
