Obsidian Kitchen

 

elements™ Advantage

elements™ and Food Safety

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

frequently asked questions

What is elements™? ^top

elements™ was created to withstand the harshest industrial and laboratory environments.
elements™ is a proprietary blend of post consumer recycled glass, resin and fine quartz formed through our unique manufacturing process that creates an incredibly smooth and durable work surface.

Quartz is one of the hardest minerals found in nature and epoxy resin is inherently heat and chemical resistant. Combined with recycled content elements™ provides an entirely new surface option.

What are the advantages of elements™?^top

elements™ is a monolithic, non-porous material that is harder and more heat and stain resistant than other countertop materials. elements™ NSF certification for food preparation areas, naturally anti-fungal and anti-bacterial characteristics and high heat rating makes this countertop safe and extremely durable.

Why choose elements?^top

elements™ is a truly unique surface unlike any other option available today.  The discriminating homeowner and commercial specifier will find it delivers an aesthetic quality and unique durability unmatched by other surface materials. 

How does elements™ compare to other surfaces for durability?^top

elements™ meets or exceeds all other countertop materials for heat, stain, chemical and impact resistance plus has excellent flexural and compressive strength.

How does elements™ compare to other surfaces for safety?^top

elements™ has attained the highest certifications in safe food handling and preparations by the National Sanitation Foundation.  Our product does not harbor the growth of bacteria or microbes and has a Class A fire rating.

How reliable is elements?^top

elements™ never requires sealing.  It is easy to clean and maintain.  Our product has a proven history of successful installations in extreme laboratory environments that spans over 30 years.

How scratch resistant is elements?^top

Although elements™ is extremely durable, harder metals, abrasives, heavy objects or sharp items may affect the surface.  We recommend you use a cutting board or trivet to keep your countertops looking like new. Please review the surface care and consideration section for more information.

Does elements™ off-gas?^top

Our manufacturing process chemically cross-links the raw material components to create a true monolithic solid material.  Our product is completely cured, is totally inert and will not off gas.  elements™ has been tested to NASA standards for the lowest Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) emissions of any countertop material available.  

Is elements™ stain resistant?^top

Yes. elements™ resists most anything you will find in a kitchen environment. If a stain is allowed to dry, use a soft cloth and a mild detergent to remove it.  Please see our Care and Maintenance section for more information.

What type of finish does elements™ come in?^top

Your elements™ countertop comes with an industrial style, matte finish that can be maintained with routine care. If you prefer a richer appearance, apply a light amount of mineral oil or lemon oil to the surface as needed. The application of mineral or lemon oil is not required maintenance, and your elements™ countertop will remain sanitary without it.

What makes elements™ green?^top

elements™ contains at least 10% post consumer recycled glass content so elements™ can contribute to LEED credits from the U.S. Green Building Council. Between 70 and 80% of glass bottles produced end up in landfill. So every elements™ counter produced diverts glass from landfills. At the end of the long elements™ lifecycle, the countertops can be recycled into road aggregate.

Do elements™ countertops require sealing?^top

No, because elements™ is non porous it requires no sealing.

Where can I use elements™?^top

elements™ is ideal for residential applications such as kitchen countertops, vanities and fireplace surrounds. elements™ is an excellent choice for commercial applications, too, such as food service, convenience stores, health care and hospitality. The options are endless.