Epoxy countertops can be an inexpensive way to add beautiful new countertops to your home. If you're looking to refresh your home's kitchen or bathroom counters, epoxy is a high quality, stylish way to do just that! You may be wondering what the real cost of epoxy countertops is. The answer to this question depends on whether you do the job yourself or have someone install it. There are some tools and other items that you may need to purchase to complete the installation yourself and you should consider the cost of the epoxy itself.
Here is a great guide to some things to consider before investing in the epoxy needed to cast your own epoxy countertops.
What is an epoxy countertop?
Epoxy meters are made from a castable resin that is placed on another surface such as wood, laminate, or concrete. The resin makes the surface durable and shiny, and also protects it from spills or other possible causes of damage. Epoxy comes in bottles or boxes, in some kits. You mix it and pour it over the countertop to create the signature high gloss finish. This is a process that takes a little practice, but it can be a great way to breathe new life into tired kitchen surfaces at a reasonable cost.
How much does an epoxy countertop cost?
You should expect to pay between $ 3 and $ 8 per foot installed if you do this yourself. When you hire someone to make your epoxy meters, you pay more per foot as well as countertop preparation for installation, and cleaning and finishing processes. If you are planning on installing your epoxy counter yourself, you need to remember that you will not have to pay for the installation process yourself, but for all the materials and products that the installer would use to create the ready-made epoxy countertop. The $ 3 to $ 8 only cover the epoxy itself. Be sure to think about other items and tools that you may need to purchase to complete the project. If you are unsure of what else to budget for before installing your epoxy meter, read on to learn more about the items you will need to install your new meters.
What else do i need?
For this project you will need some tools as well as some sealant and other items. All of this can cost money that you did not expect for your installed new countertops. So be sure to consider these when planning the budget for your epoxy countertops.
- Eccentric sander
- Router for smoothing worktop edges
- Plastic wrap
- Masking tape
- Brush and paint roller
- A couple of buckets
- Paint scraper
- Sanding blocks
- Rubbing alcohol
- Acetone for cleaning
All of these elements can mean that if you build the project yourself, it can cost your overall installation process money. You may need to add $ 200-300 to additional tools and products on top of the cost of the epoxy itself.
What if I pay someone to install the meter for me?
If you pay a company to install your epoxy meters for you, count on $ 35 to $ 85 per hour worked. This could mean labor plus materials could add up to $ 100 or more per square foot. While this may seem like a daunting amount of money to install, it doesn't require you to purchase any products or tools to install, which will save you money. You also don't need to take the time to cover the work area and go through the prep processes for the surfaces to be epoxidized.
The finishing process can also be extensive, saving you a lot of time and effort by paying someone to take care of the smoothing, grinding, and sealing of your newly cast epoxy counters. You should always keep in mind that you can make mistakes during the installation process that can cost you extra money if they need to be corrected. Removing and reinstalling epoxy surfaces that have not been properly installed can really add up and necessarily add to our overall cost of your new countertops as well.
What does an epoxy countertop really cost?
Installing your new countertops yourself will save you money in the long run unless you encounter difficulties that require you to restart the project. However, always remember that this is a complicated process that will require a great deal of time, effort, and attention to detail. If you are unsure whether you have the time and attention to detail to install an epoxy meter, it may be wise to let someone do it for you.
While the upfront cost of having your epoxy meter professionally installed can result in a slight sticker shock, the result is definitely worth it. The need to do all of the tedious prep and meticulous rework on an epoxy counter can be well worth the extra cost to you. The cost of an epoxy meter varies depending on whether you install it yourself or pay someone to do it. You will need to budget your installation based on your level of comfort with the skills and time it will take to do this work yourself.
Epoxy countertops are gorgeous and will stand the test of time
Whether you install your epoxy countertops yourself or have someone do it for you, you'll be delighted to have used this material for your countertop surfaces. Epoxy is beautiful, shiny, and looks chic. Epoxy countertops are a great way to brighten up any countertop and bring it back to life!