Three Richlite boards on the CNC bed in the Mission, Kansas shop

Richlite fabrication · Mission, Kansas

Richlite.
Cut here.

Recycled paper, pressed under heat into the toughest surface in the kitchen. We cut, engrave and finish every sheet by hand for restaurants, designers and serious home cooks. NSF 51 certified material · non-porous · dishwasher safe · cut and finished in Mission, Kansas.

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what is richlite

ONE MATERIAL. EVERY KITCHEN.

Richlite is a premium paper composite material known for its durability, sustainability, and versatility. Fabricated under heat and pressure using FSC-certified paper, it provides a long-lasting alternative to stone, plastic, and traditional solid-surface materials. At Gauntt Board Company, we fabricate and install Richlite surfaces for homes, restaurants, and other commercial environments in Kansas City.

SEE IT IN PERSON

TOUR THE SHOP

GBC is based in Mission, Kansas just 15 minutes outside of Kansas City. For wholesale accounts and qualified fabrication clients, Tim occasionally opens the shop for in-person visits. If you want to see the CNC table, touch the raw material, and watch the process — reach out.

GET IN TOUCH

START WITH A SAMPLE

ORDER A SAMPLE

The same boards we cut for Kansas City restaurants are available to qualifying restaurant operators, hospitality groups, and fabrication clients. Put one on your prep station, use it in service, and see how it performs under real kitchen pressure before committing to a larger order.

REQUEST A SAMPLE

how is it made

STRENGTH MEETS SUSTAINABILITY

Layers of high-quality engineered paper are infused with thermosetting resin before they are cut to length and laid up by hand.. Each sheet is carefully stacked, alternating the direction of the paper for ultimate balance and stability. The stacks are pressed under heat and pressure, which bonds the layers of paper together and cures the product. The panels are then slowly cooled to produce a solid and stable sheet material.

Frequently asked Questions

What is Richlite made of?

Richlite is a paper composite made from layers of FSC-certified paper saturated with thermosetting resin, compressed under high heat and pressure into a dense, non-porous surface. It performs like stone, machines like wood, and is NSF 51 certified for commercial food contact. Made by The Richlite Company in Tacoma, WA since 1943.

Is it safe for food contact?

Yes. Richlite carries NSF 51 certification for food equipment materials — independently tested and approved for direct food contact. It’s non-porous, so nothing soaks into the surface. That’s why professional kitchens worldwide use it as their standard prep surface.

How does it compare to wood cutting boards?

Wood looks beautiful but needs oiling and warps with moisture. Richlite is non-porous, dishwasher safe and never needs oil.

How does it compare to plastic cutting boards?

HDPE plastic boards score and groove with heavy use — those grooves hold on to what you cut. Richlite is far denser, won’t score as deeply under normal use, and looks significantly better in professional or residential settings. It’s also sustainable — plastic cutting boards are disposable, Richlite lasts decades.

Can you custom engrave on Richlite?

Yes — that’s GBC’s core capability. We use CNC machining to cut Richlite to any shape, profile, or dimension with precise tolerances. Custom edge profiles, drainage grooves, logo inlays, cutouts, and laser engraving are all available. Commercial countertop projects receive full engineering drawings before fabrication begins.

The Richlite line