Edensaw Woods is a top
richlite brand supplier in Washington for house construction, woodworking, remodeling projects, and even skate parks. Richlite collections available at Edensaw include the heritage collection, the northwest collection, skatelite, and the stratum collection.
Richlite is a novel and environmentally friendly paper composite material that has found traction in the field of contemporary design. Richlite, which is made of resin-infused paper, provides a unique combination of durability, aesthetic appeal, and environmental concern. This composite material offers a number of benefits that make it an excellent choice for a variety of applications in both residential and commercial settings.
Richlite is extremely long-lasting. Under high heat and pressure, the resin-infused paper is compressed, resulting in a dense and robust material that is resistant to moisture, heat, impact, and wear. Richlite's excellent resilience ensures that it will withstand hard use while retaining its original beauty for many years.
Richlite vs. Traditional Materials - Richlite provides unique advantages compared to common surfacing materials:
- Vs. Stone (Granite/Quartz): Richlite is significantly lighter than stone, making large countertop installations easier. It is also inherently warmer to the touch than stone. Unlike unsealed natural stone, Richlite is non-porous and never requires sealing.
- Vs. Wood: While it can be worked with standard woodworking tools, Richlite is impervious to water and humidity, eliminating the expansion, contraction, and warping associated with solid wood.
- Vs. Solid Surface (Corian, etc.): Richlite offers a darker, richer, more matte aesthetic and better scratch resistance. It is also often preferred for its unique layered appearance and superior environmental profile (FSC-certified paper).
Richlite comes in a variety of colors, patterns, and textures, allowing designers and builders to create eye-catching designs. Richlite offers alternatives to suit any aesthetic, whether modern or traditional. Because the material is easily machined and constructed, it is suitable for a wide range of applications such as countertops, wall cladding, furniture, cabinetry, and more.
Richlite is also an environmentally sound choice. The material is free of hazardous toxins thanks to the use of FSC certified paper and a formaldehyde-free resin in the manufacturing process. Richlite is often created from post-consumer recycled paper, which reduces the need for new resources while diverting waste away from landfills. This environmentally friendly component of Richlite appeals to consumers and businesses looking for sustainable materials for their projects.
Key Properties for Countertops and Kitchens - Richlite is widely used in commercial kitchens and high-use residential spaces due to its performance characteristics:
- Non-Porous and Hygienic: The material is non-porous, meaning it does not harbor bacteria or absorb liquids. This makes it an ideal choice for commercial food prep areas and residential kitchen countertops. It holds NSF International Certification for food contact.
- Heat Resistance: Richlite is highly resistant to heat, capable of handling high temperatures (up to $\mathbf{350^{\circ}F}$) without damage, although the use of trivets is still recommended to protect the finish from extreme thermal shock.
- Repairability: Unlike many other materials, Richlite is easily repairable. Minor scratches can often be buffed out using a light abrasive pad (like scotch-brite) and mineral oil, restoring the surface's appearance.
- Patina: Over time and with use, Richlite develops a beautiful, natural patina, much like fine leather or natural wood, deepening its color and character.
Richlite has various collections, each with its own distinct features.
The
heritage collection is popular for heritage restoration projects because it contains traditional hues and patterns that convey a timeless feel.
The
northwest collection is inspired by the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, and it features earthy tones and textures that lend warmth and character to any environment.
Skatelite, a specific variety of Richlite, is designed for use in skateparks and ramps, providing skateboarders with a durable, weather-resistant, and high-performance surface.
The
stratum collection features contemporary designs with bright colors and patterns, ideal for giving a modern touch to any interior or exterior environment through visible, layered construction.
Fabrication and Installation Tips - Richlite is beloved by woodworkers because it can be fabricated using standard woodworking equipment:
- Cutting and Shaping: Richlite can be cut, routed, sanded, and drilled using typical carbide-tipped blades and bits, much like working with dense hardwood.
- Installation: Countertop sections are typically joined using standard wood biscuits and strong epoxy or polyurethane adhesive. Its relative lightness makes lifting and positioning large slabs simpler than stone.
- Finishing: The surface is typically sanded to a smooth finish and then treated with a food-safe mineral oil or a zero-VOC sealer to enhance the color and depth of the material.
As your local rough sawn & surfaced lumber supplier and local wood veneer supplier,
Edensaw Woods (
Edensaw.com) offers a wide selection of top-quality
richlite materials - durable, unique composite panels used for everything from countertops and cabinetry to architectural surfaces. From our locations in Port Townsend-Tacoma, Washington, USA, we provide professionals and hobbyists in Seattle-Port Townsend-Tacoma and the nearby Pacific Northwest region with this premium paper composite material. Browse our diverse collections, including the classic
heritage collection, the popular
northwest collection, and the layered
stratum collection, among many more options. As a local domestic & exotic supplier specializing in fine woods, we also offer a wide array of
products and
services; please
contact us for assistance with your design or material needs.
