When it comes to the countertop, different options can excite as well as intimidate you. Finding the right replacement option for your old countertops can be challenging. There are two things that you can do to turn your old worn-out countertops into new ones. You can either replace or refinish the damaged parts.

Refinishing countertops is a cost-effective way to give them some shine and expand their life. However, the process has its pros and cons, as explained in this article by Caesarstone.

Epoxy countertops are quite popular among homeowners looking for something that they can DIY to refinish an old surface.

Among others, the cost is the most important reason for homeowners to choose epoxy countertops.

What are epoxy countertops?

Epoxy is a re-finishing product, which can be purchased in a countertop kit to renovate old countertops. Unlike laminate, granite, or quartz countertops, epoxy is not available in prefabricated slabs, which you can purchase and install in your kitchen or bathroom. They are made onsite.

Epoxy can be applied to most countertop materials, including laminate, ceramic, metal Formica, wood, and concrete. 

Epoxy can be used to create a glossy finish like natural stones at a much lesser price.

How much do epoxy countertops cost?

Epoxy countertops cost far less than countertops made of granite, marble, or any other material. If you are on a budget, they might be the best option for you. According to FIXr, The national average countertop refinishing cost ranges from $300 to $500. However, the price varies according to the countertop material.

Epoxy refinishing for a 60 sq. ft. tile countertop can cost you much less than coating many other countertop materials.  Nonetheless, many factors determine the cost of epoxy countertops.

The cost of hiring a contractor for epoxy counter installations can vary from place to place. And many times, the installation costs are higher than the cost of the countertops themselves. The cost may also vary depending on the type of installation. Commercial installations, for example, may be costlier than residential installations.

expoxy countertops

Epoxy countertops pros and cons

Pros

  • It has high durability.

Epoxy countertops are non-porous and that makes them moisture resistant. They don’t allow bacteria and mold to grow on their surfaces. If installed correctly, epoxy countertops provide high durability. These countertops are also heat resistant. However, be careful while placing hot pots and pans directly on their surfaces.

  • It is inexpensive

Epoxy provides a shiny gloss to old countertops. It is a good and inexpensive way to change the aesthetics of stained and worn-out countertops made of laminate and wood without replacing them.

  • It works on many countertop materials.

You can use epoxy on many countertop materials including, Formica, laminate, ceramic, metal, concrete, and wood surfaces. Due to the high durability of resin, epoxy has become a popular choice as a refinishing product.

  • It acts as a sealer

If you have concrete countertops, epoxy can work as a sealer due to its healing properties. The liquid penetrates the pores of the concrete, giving it additional resistance and durability against stains.

  • It provides versatility

Epoxy resin countertops offer versatility. You can achieve almost any pattern or color with this product. It can be used to replicate the look of marble and granite at a fraction of the cost of the original stones.

Cons

  • It is messy to install

Irrespective of your installation expertise and skills, epoxy installations are messy. Many epoxy kit manufacturers will tell you they are easy to install. However, they are not. It’s easy for things to go wrong and for your counter to get bubbles and lumps. In addition, the “self-leveling” nature of many kits means that the epoxy will run around the edges and drip, making the job a mess. Read epoxy installation reviews to learn about other homeowners’ installation experiences.

  • It doesn’t work well on granite and marble.

Although you can use epoxy on these natural stones, they shine better with other refinishing materials. Epoxy fails to bring out the original and natural look of granite and marble.

  • It releases toxins while curing.

Epoxy countertops are food-safe. However, the hardener used in the mixture contains some volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are toxic. Therefore, it is important to install epoxy countertops in a well-ventilated room to let the toxins evaporate.

  • Some epoxies are not stain-resistant.

Epoxy countertops have high durability. However, they get stained easily. You must clean up spilled food or drink immediately. If you leave the stain to stay for long, it sets in the countertop surface and becomes a permanent problem. The only way to solve this problem is to repeat the work, which can be a nightmare.

  • Epoxy DIY isn’t always successful.

Epoxy countertops are an affordable option, but they also require skilled hands to get the specific ridges and curls that natural stones have. You can watch all the tutorial videos and DIY, only to find that you don’t have the trained hands to get the results you want. You also can’t hire just any contractor to do the job for you. The epoxy coating requires a lot of experience and skills, which can make the installation expensive.

Should you invest in epoxy countertops?

All in all, the epoxy resin countertop cost is affordable compared to other countertop alternatives. 

Even when compared to polyurethane, epoxy still benefits in terms of strength and durability. It is also quite resistant to high temperatures and harsh chemicals.

Due to the structure of its component, epoxy coating is scratch-resistant and lasts longer than many other coatings.

Although it is heat resistant, it is highly recommended not to put hot plates and cups directly on the surface of epoxy countertops; they might leave a slight impression. Always use a coaster or a placement for placing hot substances on the countertops.

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