Epoxy countertops make beautiful design pieces for the home, but many laboratories and other types of industrial and manufacturing spaces use them as well.
Epoxy is a durable and chemical-resistant material, making it suitable for applications where resistance to harsh conditions is necessary. But is epoxy the right material for your commercial space? Let’s dive into the pros and cons of epoxy countertops and what you need to know before making this major purchase.
Pros Of Epoxy Countertops
Epoxy counters, also referred to as epoxy resin countertops, are constructed using a mixture of materials,
though most often epoxy resin, silica, a hardener and a filler. This mixture is oven cured as a solid, continuous product in which the heat permanently sets the material into a solid slab.
When it comes to the design of epoxy countertops, the possibilities are endless. The properties of the mixture can be modified to create customized characteristics like color … allowing homeowners or commercial property owners to create a final look of their choice.
However, it’s important to note that there are differences between laboratory grade epoxy resin and do-it-yourself epoxy resin that many artists and even homeowners use to create their own look. Laboratory grade epoxy resin has been tested for best practices to ensure the material can withstand the harsh conditions often found in this type of workspace.
Creating a durable product that is heavy duty offers many advantages, including:
- High bacterial resistance
- High fungal resistance
- High corrosion resistance
- High chemical resistance
- High water and moisture resistance
- High scratch resistance
- Continuous heat exposure above 350 degrees F
- Flame retardant
- Holds up to impact and stress fractures
In environments where harsh conditions persist, epoxy resin can continue to look like new for years.
Cons Of Epoxy Countertops
While epoxy resin provides many advantages, there’s always disadvantages that you should be aware of when shopping for laboratory work surfaces.
One of the biggest disadvantages to epoxy countertops is the cost. Epoxy resin is one of the most expensive materials available for worksurfaces at $100 to $200 per square foot. For smaller facilities especially, the cost of epoxy resin countertops might fit within the budget.
On top of that, epoxy resin is a very heavy product. This means shipping costs may be more than another type of material. Few manufacturers construct this product, so you may also have to deal with a longer lead time for your project.
With the high price tag, why do labs, testing facilities and other types of manufacturers choose epoxy countertops? Often, it’s because of the heat resistance that the material offers and the ability to use open flames in your workspace without damaging the work surface. Epoxy resin is one of the only types of materials that can meet these extreme requirements.
If you don’t regularly use open flames or don’t require the high heat resistance that epoxy countertops offer, another option is to consider phenolic resin countertops. Phenolic resin offers many of the same benefits of epoxy resin, but at a fraction of the cost at $15 to $18 per square foot.
Phenolic resin offers:
- High bacterial resistance
- High chemical resistance
- Moderate to high corrosion resistance
- High fungal resistance
- High moisture resistance
- High scratch resistance
Phenolic resin also holds up well to impact and stress fractures. While this material can withstand continuous heat exposure, it can only do so up to 350 degrees F, not beyond like epoxy resin. Phenolic resin is also NOT flame retardant.
Bottom Line On Epoxy Countertops
Epoxy counters can be a high-quality addition to your workspace that allows you to enhance functionality, improve durability and elevate the aesthetics of your environment.
With any major purchase, however, it’s important to consider the manufacturer or supplier as well. The best manufacturers will help you understand the differences between the materials available to you and help you weigh your options based on your budget, application requirements and preferences.
High-quality manufacturers and suppliers will also:
- Ensure your timeline is met
- Work with you to get your needs met on your budget
- Offer alternatives that still meet your requirements
- Provide customization opportunities
As technology continues to evolve, there may be opportunities for additional applications in your workspace. Preparing for these opportunities by ensuring you have the best materials available will help you secure growth for your company.
