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Epoxy countertops are an attractive and modern choice for both homeowners and businesses. They look great and don't require regular maintenance like other countertop materials, such as tile or wood. While epoxy is definitely an upgrade from the typical laminate countertop in kitchens and bathrooms around the country, there are some disadvantages to consider before you decide to invest in this material. Read on to learn more about the disadvantages of epoxy countertops so you can make an informed decision when choosing your next kitchen or bathroom project. 

What Are Epoxy Countertops?

Epoxy countertops are made of a unique blend of resins, fillers, catalysts, and pigments that produce a thick, hard, durable finish. This results in a product which is similar to quartz or granite countertops but at less than half the cost. While you may think you're getting a great deal on an expensive-looking material for your home kitchen or bathroom countertop, there's more to these products than meets the eye - and it isn't always good news. Let's take a look at why epoxy countertops have had so many issues over their short lifespan thus far. 

Health Risks

One of the things you have to consider when it comes to epoxy is that it isn't food-safe. If you choose to use epoxy, you will have to also buy new kitchen and bathroom countertops. While any material can potentially be damaged by heat, staining, cuts, or gouges (no matter how durable or stain-resistant they may be), keeping your kitchen clean and safe is something that most people worry about when they think about epoxy countertops. Aside from having a slightly different texture, stains from vegetables like avocados are impossible to remove from epoxy countertops. This makes it more difficult for families with kids who tend to make messes when eating.

Cost

We're still in an era of rising prices, with some areas seeing a 3.7% increase over last year. At least where countertops concerned, you can get a great price on your new kitchen or bathroom countertop by choosing an alternative option instead of epoxy. With a few DIY steps and some elbow grease, you can save hundreds while also making sure that your project is eco-friendly and completely customizable to your style and needs. What's more? Switching to a solid surface countertop (like quartz) will never have to worry about water spotting or staining again! 

Installation

Epoxy countertops are popular because they look great and make your kitchen or bathroom look like something out of a magazine. But, as with most things, there is more to consider than just visual appeal. There are some disadvantages to epoxy countertops that you may not know about. Here's what you need to know if you're considering installing them in your home or business. 1. Cost - Although you can get cheaper alternatives to epoxy, they tend to be far less durable and require replacement after only a few years (at best). Installation costs will vary by company but expect to pay at least $600 per square foot; professional installation is recommended due to it being an extremely messy process (you'll want someone else cleaning up). On top of that, these counters can chip easily, which means regular maintenance is necessary.

Maintenance

Epoxy countertops are great, but they're not as resilient as other surfaces. They can crack if you drop something on them, especially if it's heavy. Dropping a piece of your own silverware is one thing—cracking it because you dropped a coffee mug is another thing entirely. Another disadvantage of epoxy countertops is that they need to be sealed with materials like mineral oil or silicone sealants, both of which have disadvantages too. Mineral oil can degrade over time, so there's some work involved in keeping them looking nice.

Conclusion

Many people choose epoxy countertops because they look great, last long, and don't require a lot of maintenance. However, if you choose to go with an epoxy countertop, make sure you are aware of its disadvantages before making your final decision. If any of these disadvantages are deal breakers for you, then it's best to consider another type of countertop. Knowing how epoxy is made also gives you a more informed choice about what type of countertop is best for your needs.