Richlite Corp.
624 East 15th Street
Tacoma, WA 98421
Toll free: 888 383 5533
Fax: 253 383 5536
Email: info@richlite.com
Website: www.richlite.com

Richlite^®: History in the Making

Established in 1943, Rainier Richlite^® Company, based in Tacoma, Washington, first produced natural fiber composites for aerospace and industrial markets in the late 1950s. The material was used for tooling purposes by Boeing and later adopted by the marine industry as a boat building material. Today Boston Whaler^® uses the product in all of its boats. Richlite^® has been used for cutting and baking surfaces in commercial kitchens since the 1960's. Sales on the commercial food side of the business continue to flourish due to the surface's sanitary properties and low maintenance requirements. Richlite^® cutting boards and baking surfaces are used in Pizza Hut^® and other popular restaurants.

In the 1990's Richilte^® introduced a similarly produced product called Skatelite^®, a ramp surface material used in the world's top skateparks and by the top professional BMX riders and skateboarders on their personal ramps. In 1999 Tony Hawk landed the first successful 900-degree spin on a Skatelite^® ramp.

Richlite Company is rich in history and the company's products are unparalleled in durability and performance. Few, if any, other countertop materials have been used for aerospace, boat building, skateboarding and commercial food service applications. Once you install Richlite, you'll have plenty of stories to tell your friends and neighbors about the world's most versatile countertops.

Attractive, versatile, durable: Richlite^® products look great and perform well under the toughest conditions whether used for industrial, recreational or culinary purposes.

Richlite^® countertops are an aesthetically appealing and environmentally sound countertop alternative that enlivens the atmosphere in any kitchen, bath or workspace. Multiple colors, sizes and thicknesses match any design taste from classic to modern and country to urban. Click on the links below to learn more about Richlite's benefits and product options.

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. Visit http://www.richlite.com/countertop/faqenv.html to find out more about the paper used in making Richlite^®.

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.

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.

Heat Resistant
Richlite^® is heat resistant up to 350° 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.

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.

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".

Visit the http://www.richlite.com/countertop/care.html for further information.