It sounds like the last thing you would want as part of a kitchen island work surface. After all, we are familiar with the normal properties of paper when it gets wet and bleeds ink, or readily cuts under any sharp object.

Mixed with non-petroleum, eco-friendly resins, though, these old sheets become classy dark-colored tiles – deep browns, grays and blacks – with a wood-like texture.

They are also somewhat-surprisingly able to withstand the wear and tear of cooking and prepping, thanks to their dense reconstitution and tough thick finishes with robust rounded edges and corners.

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As an alternative to granite countertops, they would certainly look nice in a modern residence, (as in these example layouts) surrounded by industrial concrete floors and modern stainless steel appliances and fixtures. Designs and images by Key.