Epoxy countertops are the fastest-growing trend in luxury kitchen design. They’re easy to install, durable, and don’t break down like laminate. The only thing is that they are expensive!
So how do you know if you’re getting your money’s worth from an epoxy contractor? And how do you choose between granite and epoxy? These questions and more will be answered below:
Do epoxy countertops scratch easily?
Epoxy countertops are hard enough to be durable, but not so hard that they’re difficult to clean. The hardness of epoxy countertops is comparable to granite and marble, but the scratch resistance is noticeably better.
It’s an excellent choice if you have kids or pets in your home, as there aren’t many things that can scratch up an epoxy surface (and those things are generally easily removed by using a damp cloth).
If you want a countertop that will keep its original appearance for years to come, go with an epoxy finish!
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How long will an epoxy countertop last?
Epoxy countertops are extremely durable and can last for decades. They’re also very resistant to damage, which makes them easy to clean and maintain.
The material is easy to repair, too. If a glass or plate is dropped on an epoxy countertop, the impact will leave a small mark but not shatter anything or cause any serious damage.
There are no special precautions required when it comes to cleaning these types of countertops—just wipe them down with a damp cloth and dry them thoroughly afterward!
Does epoxy countertops chip?
As with anything else, epoxy countertops are not invulnerable. The best way to prolong the life of your countertop is to be careful and use it properly.
If you drop a knife on it, it may chip. If you drop a hammer on it, or any other heavy object, there’s a good chance that it will chip your epoxy as well.
However—and this is important—epoxy countertops are very strong and resilient to scratches, dents and chips over time under normal usage (meaning: not dropping heavy objects on them). So don’t worry too much about damaging your countertop if you use it properly!
Do epoxy countertops melt?
If you have an epoxy countertop, it is not heatproof. Epoxy countertops should not be used for cooking or hot pans. They should also not be used for hot food or drinks.
Can you put hot pans on epoxy countertop?
Epoxy countertops are great for kitchens. They’re durable, heat resistant, and easy to clean. Epoxy is also a good choice if you’re looking for a material that won’t show scratches or wear as quickly as other materials like granite or marble.
When epoxy is heated it becomes soft and can scratch easily, so be careful when putting hot pans or dishes on your countertop—you may want to use trivets under hot items instead of placing them directly on the surface of the countertop itself (unless you’ve got some kind of protective coating).
Is epoxy better than granite?
A lot of people want to know if epoxy is better than granite or marble countertops, and that’s a difficult question to answer.
Granite and marble are beautiful finishes with unique characteristics that make them ideal for certain applications.
Their natural beauty adds character to your kitchen and makes it feel more like home. They can also be used in many different ways in a space—like as an accent or even part of the island itself.
Granite is also an excellent material for built-in appliances because its dense surface won’t scratch easily from pans or plates sliding across it.
However, epoxy countertops have several advantages over granite: they’re more heat resistant (up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit), less prone to scratches, easier on knives during cutting and chopping tasks, stain resistant (no staining!), dent resistant (no dents!), chemical resistant (no stains!), waterproof in case you spill something—this list goes on!
Does epoxy damage easily?
Epoxy countertops are very durable and scratch resistant, but they are not completely damage-proof. There are a few things to keep in mind to ensure the longevity of your countertop:
- Don’t use abrasive cleaners on your epoxy surface. You should treat your Epoxy Countertop like you would any other kitchen surface. Cleaning products that contain bleach or ammonia can cause discoloration and damage the finish of your Epoxy Countertop. We recommend using mild soaps with warm water for regular cleaning and then using an all-purpose cleaner periodically to maintain shine and remove stains from everyday use. Never use abrasive cleaners on your epoxy surface.
- Do not place hot pots on top of the countertop as it may cause cracking or even melting of the material; instead, place them on trivets or cooling pads made specifically for this purpose
How thick should epoxy countertop be?
1/4 inch is standard for most epoxy countertops, but 1/2 inch would be better. You’re looking for a thickness that’s just right—not too thick and not too thin.
Thinner than 1/4 inch will make it very easy to chip or scratch and can even crack if you drop a heavy object on it (like a hammer).
Thicker than 1/2 inch makes the surface course, making it feel like tile rather than granite or marble.
1″ is best, because then you’ll have something that’s an inch thick! But more importantly: since epoxy is composed of two layers (a top layer and bottom layer), any thickness less than 2″ won’t allow enough room between the two layers to fill them with resin; this results in weak joints between both sides of your countertop surface and will cause your countertop to start cracking after some time has passed since installation completed.
Conclusion
Epoxy countertops are strong and durable, and they can last for years to come. They’re also a great option for those who don’t want to invest in granite or marble because of their high price point.
Epoxy is affordable and easy to install, making it the perfect choice for your kitchen renovation project!
