If you’re thinking about getting new countertops for your kitchen or bathroom, you might be considering epoxy resin. Epoxy resin countertops are durable and easy to maintain, but they’re not without their drawbacks.
Before deciding whether epoxy is right for you, let’s take a look at how sturdy they are.
Do epoxy countertops scratch easily?
It’s true that epoxy countertops are scratch resistant, but not scratch proof. Just like any other material, epoxy can be scratched if you use the wrong tools on it.
For example, your knives will cause divots on the surface of your countertop if you don’t use a cutting board or proper chopping technique when preparing food.
If you want to keep your new kitchen looking brand new for as long as possible, here are some tips:
- Use coasters when placing drinks on the countertops.
- Place hot pots and pans onto trivets before setting them down on the countertop (this will prevent any residual heat from damaging its surface).
- Cut vegetables with a bamboo cutting board instead of metal or glass (the former two will leave marks).
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Why You Should Not Do epoxy resin countertops?
Epoxy resin countertops aren’t as long-lasting as many other countertop options. They can also be difficult to repair, and if you have a small kitchen like mine, epoxy resin can make your space feel even smaller than it is.
In general, there are some things that you should know before deciding on an epoxy flooring product:
- Epoxy resin countertops are not as durable as granite or marble – they scratch easily and are more likely to stain over time than other types of stone;
- Epoxy resin countertops are not as durable as quartz – quartz has a higher Mohs hardness rating (a measure of scratch resistance);
- Epoxy resin countertops are not as durable as wood – wood has natural oils that help protect it from dirt buildup;
Does epoxy countertops chip?
Epoxy countertops are very durable, and they’re resistant to scratches and chips. They can also be made in any color you want, which is great if you have a basement bar or a kitchen only used by your kids (or both).
While they may chip, it takes quite a bit of effort to do so—so much so that it’s probably not going to happen if your epoxy countertop gets some everyday wear and tear.
How easily does epoxy scratch?
You may be surprised to learn that epoxy countertops scratch easily. They can be marked by knives, forks, spoons, and other hard materials such as keys and coins.
Because of this, it’s essential to keep your epoxy countertops protected from sharp objects like knives or scissors.
The best way to do this is with a cutting board or barrier mat that prevents scratches on the surface of your countertops.
Epoxy will scratch when rubbed against another surface with enough force to create friction between the two surfaces.
While there are certain factors that may contribute to how easily a scratch will appear (such as if you have an abrasive surface), generally speaking, most scratches in your kitchen will occur at some point during everyday use.
Can you put hot pots on epoxy countertops?
Yes, you can put hot pots on epoxy countertops. But you should know that epoxy is not heat resistant.
Therefore, it’s best to avoid putting pots directly on your new countertop and instead place a trivet or other protective pad between the pot and the surface of your countertop.
It’s also worth mentioning that many people choose to install oven mitts in their kitchen cabinets so they can easily grab them when needed without having to open multiple drawers.
This is an excellent idea if you frequently cook with pots and pans that get very hot—and it’s one more way to protect your epoxy countertops!
Is epoxy better than granite?
If you’ve been around the block and are looking for an upgrade, there are a few things that make epoxy better than granite.
Epoxy is more durable than granite
Epoxy is more scratch resistant than granite
Epoxy is more resistant to staining than granite
Epoxy is more resistant to heat than granite (though both can get damaged by extreme heat)
Epoxy is more resistant to cold than granite (though both can be damaged by extreme cold)
And finally, epoxy resists chemicals better than granite
How many years do epoxy countertops last?
The answer is: it depends. Epoxy countertops can last for a long time, with some epoxy companies saying that their product can last decades.
It’s hard to know how long they will actually last because there are so many factors that come into play when it comes to longevity—but this doesn’t mean you should skip out on having them installed in your home or business!
The best way to find out how long the epoxy countertops will last is by asking your installer about their warranty and what kind of materials are used in the manufacturing process (like catalysts).
If a manufacturer has been around for a while, then chances are good that their products have undergone rigorous testing and quality control checks over time.
What is the most durable countertop material?
Granite is one of the most durable countertop materials. According to The Natural Stone Institute, a nonprofit trade association dedicated to promoting the use of natural stone in residential and commercial construction, granite can withstand extremely high temperatures.
It’s also resistant to acids and alkalis (acids are found in many household cleaners), making it ideal for high-traffic areas like kitchens with kids or pets running around.
Granite has another advantage over other materials: its nonporous nature means that stains don’t set in as easily as they do on countertops made of wood or laminate surfaces.
This can be especially helpful if you have children who are prone to spilling things at mealtime!
Conclusion
There are a lot of different countertop options out there, and it can be overwhelming to decide which one is best for your home.
It all comes down to what look you want and how much maintenance will be required over time.
