Epoxy countertops are a relatively new and more affordable way to get the look of marble or granite. Epoxy countertops are made from a two-part clear resin that is poured over a concrete surface, giving it the appearance of natural stone.
The final product looks like real stone but costs less than other options and is very durable. This article goes into detail on how epoxy countertops are made, what you need to know about them, and what they look like in comparison to other materials.
Are epoxy countertops a good idea?
Epoxy is a great choice if you want something that is durable and easy to clean. Epoxy countertops can be repaired easily and do not have the same problems as laminate or wood. They are also easy to install.
Table of Contents
- Are epoxy countertops a good idea?
- What are the disadvantages of epoxy countertops?
- How long do epoxy countertops hold up?
- Are epoxy countertops cheaper than granite?
- Does epoxy scratch easily?
- How much does it cost to do an epoxy countertop?
- Can you put hot pots on epoxy countertops?
- How do you make epoxy countertops look like granite?
What are the disadvantages of epoxy countertops?
- Epoxy is not as durable as granite.
- Epoxy is not as scratch resistant as granite.
- Epoxy is not as heat resistant as granite.
- Epoxy is not as stain resistant as granite.
- Epoxy is not as water resistant as granite
How long do epoxy countertops hold up?
Epoxy countertops can be the perfect choice for your kitchen or bathroom. They have several benefits that make them an excellent choice over other materials, including granite, marble, and quartz.
One of the best things about epoxy is that it’s resistant to scratches and heat. It’s also more durable than both granite and marble, which means it will last longer than they do in most cases.
A study conducted by RTI Concrete Solutions found that epoxies are more resistant to scratches than granite—and some types of epoxy are actually more scratch-resistant than any other material except quartzite!
Epoxies are also very resistant to heat compared with many common countertop materials like granite or marble.
The same RTI study showed that only two types of stone were harder than an 18-inch slab of 3/4″-thick polyurethane: quartzite (which is nearly indestructible) and porcelain enameled steel (which is manufactured from metal).
Are epoxy countertops cheaper than granite?
You are probably wondering if epoxy countertops are cheaper than granite. The answer is yes! Epoxy is a great material for DIYers because it’s so much cheaper than other types of countertops.
It typically costs about $2 per square foot to install, compared with $4-$6 per square foot for granite slabs or engineered stone.
In addition, epoxy doesn’t require nearly as many steps in the installation process as granite does; most people can complete the project by themselves in one day.
Plus, you don’t need any special tools or skills to work with epoxy—it’s easy enough even for beginners!
Does epoxy scratch easily?
Epoxy is not as scratch resistant as granite and should be treated with care. Best practices include:
- Using coasters for drinks, china, and utensils
- Keeping your kitchen knives in a knife block or on a magnetic strip
- Not storing metal mixing bowls on your countertops
How much does it cost to do an epoxy countertop?
- The cost of epoxy countertops will depend on the size and complexity of your kitchen. For instance, if your kitchen is already finished with appliances and cabinets, you’ll need to remove them before applying the epoxy. This can add to the labor cost as well as materials used during installation.
- The average price for laminate countertops is $1-$2 per square foot depending on where you live in North America; however, epoxy costs more than laminate because it requires a professional installer who charges by the hour rather than by square foot; however, since epoxy is thicker and much harder than laminate there are fewer seams so less time is required for installation
Can you put hot pots on epoxy countertops?
You can put hot pots on an epoxy countertop. The material is heat resistant and can withstand temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
For the best results, use trivets to protect your surface from damage if you’re cooking something that requires a lot of heat.
Don’t leave pots on the countertop for long periods of time as they may burn through or crack the epoxy coating.
Also, don’t use hot pads or abrasive cleaners like steel wool or scouring pads when cleaning your epoxy because they will scratch off its protective coatings.
How do you make epoxy countertops look like granite?
The most important thing you can do is to make sure that you have the right tools for the job.
If you’re using a belt sander, it’s going to be much easier than if you’re using a diamond grinder. If your countertop needs recessing or shaping, then definitely go with a diamond grinder because it allows more precision when grinding and cutting away at your epoxy slab.
If it’s not too big of an area (say, under 40 square feet), then just use a belt sander on one side and finish off with sandpaper on another side.
That should be enough to get things smooth and even across most surfaces; however, if there are any ridges in your epoxy slab then this method won’t work very well either because those ridges will show up through whatever topcoat or stain material is applied later on down the road.”
Conclusion
Epoxy countertops are a great DIY project, but you have to be careful. They can look like granite if you do it right, but they won’t hold up as well over time.
