Epoxy countertops are used in many places, including kitchens, bathrooms, and even chemical labs.
They’re also extremely popular because of how inexpensive they’re compared to granite and marble.
But do they last forever? Are epoxies really as long-lasting as you have heard?
Durability of Epoxy Countertops
Epoxy countertops last for a long time because they have a hard surface that is nonporous, moisture-resistant, and heat-resistant. They’re also easy to clean and won’t crack or scratch easily.
Here are eight reasons why epoxy countertops last longer than most other types of countertops.
8 Reasons Why Epoxy Countertops Are Durable
1. Resistant to Moisture
The first reason why epoxy countertops are so durable is that they’re resistant to moisture.
This makes them ideal for kitchens because your kitchen countertops are more likely to face spills and splashes of water and drinks.
Since epoxy countertops are moisture-resistant, they won’t absorb any liquids.
So, if you spill coffee or wine on your epoxy counter, you can easily wipe them away.
This makes epoxy counters great for homes with kids who tend to spill things everywhere.
While epoxy counters are great at preventing moisture damage, they still need regular maintenance to keep them clean from dirt, grime, and grease.
If you don’t clean up the spills regularly, then they can turn into permanent stains.
2. Heat-Resistant
Epoxy countertops aren’t as resistant to high temperatures as granite countertops, but they’re still good enough for most uses.
While the older varieties of epoxies could withstand temperatures of up to 300°F, the newer high-heat ones can withstand temperatures as high as 600°F.
This allows you to cook on your countertop without worrying about damaging it.
However, remember that epoxy countertops are heat-resistant and not completely heat-proof.
So avoid placing hot pans directly on your epoxy countertop. Instead, place them on a metal trivet.
3. Hard Surface
You have to use an epoxy countertop kit to make an epoxy countertop. This kit comes with a resin and a hardener solution.
You have to mix these two solutions and then apply the resulting liquid onto your countertop surface made of laminate, concrete, wood, etc.
Once this epoxy solution cures, it will form a strong bond with the countertop material beneath it.
This makes the epoxy countertop very strong and enables it to withstand heavy use over a long period.
4. Crack-Resistant
Epoxy countertops are resistant to cracking because they’re made from a resin and hardener mixture that solidifies quickly.
This mixture cures within minutes, creating a solid surface that resists damage from everyday wear and tear.
This means cracks and chips will rarely form on epoxy countertops, unlike other types of kitchen countertops.
While epoxies are incredibly durable, they’re not impervious to damage.
Over time, they can become dull if you fail to take proper care of them.
5. Easy to Clean
Cleaning epoxy countertops is usually pretty straightforward.
You’ll find that most stains come off easily with just warm water and some elbow grease, unlike stains on concrete countertops.
However, you should avoid harsh chemicals like bleach.
Harsh cleaning solutions are great products for removing dirt and grime from surfaces like floors, walls, appliances, etc.
However, they aren’t recommended for use on countertops because they can damage the finish and dull it over time.
If you’re looking for a way to clean your countertop without damaging it, just use warm water.
Also, if you spill something on your countertop, immediately clean up the mess.
Don’t let it sit around for too long because it can stain the surface.
Use a soft cloth to wipe up the spills as soon as possible.
6. Resistant to Mold and Bacteria Growth
Spilled food particles or liquids can cause the formation of mold and bacteria on a countertop.
The best way to prevent this is to keep your countertop free of debris.
However, this is easier said than done.
And that’s where epoxy countertops have the upper hand.
Since epoxy countertops are nonporous in nature, they’re naturally resistant to mold and bacteria.
They don’t soak the spilled liquids and food particles, thereby reducing the chances of mold and bacteria formation.
They don’t allow any type of microorganisms to grow in them.
7. Scratch Resistant
Epoxy countertops aren’t only heat and moisture resistant, but they’re also resistant to scratches.
They’re made from hardened resin, so they don’t scratch easily.
However, they can get scratched if you drop knives, scissors, or utensils with sharp edges on them.
That’s why you need to be careful while working on epoxy countertops.
As long as you take care of them, you shouldn’t have any problems using them for many years.
Interesting Further Reading: Porcelain Countertops 101: Interesting Facts About Them
8. UV-Resistant
Epoxy countertops can resist ultraviolet (UV) rays to an extent, depending on where they’re installed.
When installed in a kitchen with little direct sunlight, epoxy countertops can last well.
However, they might not last long in an outdoor area where there’s a lot of direct sunlight.
In such cases, consider using epoxy countertops made from UV-resistant epoxy resin.
This applies to indoor kitchens as well, where there’s a lot of direct sunlight.
You can also consider coating your countertop with a UV-resistant urethane varnish.
How Long Do Epoxy Countertops Last?
The average lifespan of epoxy countertops is approximately ten years or more.
However, it depends on how well you apply the epoxy resin to your countertop and how well you maintain it.
If you want your epoxy countertop to last long, then make sure to keep things clean and dry.
While quartz countertops are the most durable, epoxy countertops also last longer if you take proper care of them.
With proper maintenance, you’ll be able to enjoy your epoxy countertop for many years to come.
3 Things That Ruin the Durability of Epoxy Countertops
1. Not Taking Care of Them
Epoxy countertops are durable, easy to clean, and can withstand high temperatures, but they do need some extra care.
If you spill something on them, you should clean it up.
If you don’t clean up the spills, they will affect the durability of your epoxy countertop.
They can also result in permanent damage.
So if you accidentally drop a glass of wine on your countertop, you better clean it up sooner than later.
Otherwise, you’ll end up with some permanent stains on your countertop.
2. Not Choosing the Correct Epoxy
Epoxies come in various qualities.
So it’s essential that you thoroughly check the specifications of the epoxy kit you are buying for your countertop.
The most important thing to check is the heat-resistant rating of the epoxy.
You will need to ensure that the epoxy can withstand the heat in your kitchen.
If you have any questions about the quality of the epoxy, it’s better to do all your research upfront before buying the epoxy kit.
It’s not easy to repair an epoxy countertop once it’s damaged.
3. Quality of The Epoxy
As mentioned above, epoxies of different manufacturers will differ in quality. No two epoxies are ever the same.
This has a direct effect on the durability of the epoxy countertop.
It’s always better to choose an epoxy kit from a reputable brand.
If you have any doubt, just consult professionals in your area who install epoxy countertops for a living.
