The look of a bar or restaurant can be heavily influenced by the design of its tables. A wooden table with an oil finish gives the impression of a vintage establishment, while a modernist concrete top brings to mind something more minimalist.
But even before you begin thinking about what type of table might suit your space best, you’ll need to decide on what material it should be made from. Even if your bar or restaurant has a specific theme, you don’t want materials like wood and metal to feel restrictive in terms of design possibilities. That’s why so many establishments have begun using epoxy resin table tops instead.
Read on to discover everything you need to know about this material, as well as its pros and cons:
What Is Epoxy Resin?
If you’ve ever encountered epoxy resin in a professional setting, you’ve probably heard people refer to it as a form of plastic. However, epoxy resin is a type of synthetic material that, when combined with other substances, forms a tough, high-strength, high-impact coating.
Epoxy resin was first developed in 1941, and is now used in everything from medical applications to construction materials where it’s often used for industrial or marine applications, such as bridge repairs and boat hulls, due to its high strength and resistance to corrosion. It’s also used in the construction of concrete floors in industrial settings.
When used as a table top, epoxy resin is most commonly combined with a hardening agent in order to form a solid, durable top. That’s because it is a very versatile substance that can be molded into numerous shapes and has the ability to be pigmented to almost any color.
It’s also possible to purchase an epoxy resin table top that is already hardened, although this is more expensive.
Different Types of Epoxy Resin Tops
The type of epoxy resin top you choose will determine the look of your table. Each has its own pros and cons, so you’ll need to decide which best fits your needs.
- Epoxy Resin – This resin is the most common type used in the epoxy resin top table product. It’s a thick, clear liquid that hardens as it dries.
- Epoxy-Polymer Resin – This type of resin is also used in the epoxy resin top table product. It’s a mixture of epoxy and a polymer binder.
- Epoxy-Cured Resin – This resin is the third type used in the epoxy resin top table product. It’s a mixture of epoxy and a polymer binder.
Why Use Epoxy Resin?
Epoxy resin is a synthetic material that is incredibly durable and impact-resistant. It is also resistant to scratching and staining, making it a great choice for commercial environments. This means that it can withstand the wear and tear of many foot traffic patterns.
So, if you’re looking for a table that can withstand years of heavy use, without requiring a lot of maintenance, an epoxy resin table is definitely worth considering.
Epoxy resin table tops come in a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes giving you the opportunity to create a table that complements the rest of your décor. The fact that epoxy resin can be pigmented to almost any color means that it can be used to match virtually any interior design aesthetic. This makes it an incredibly versatile option for table tops in restaurants, bars, and other commercial spaces.
If your restaurant is decorated in a specific color scheme, you can even choose a table top that matches it exactly.
Epoxy resin table tops are also water resistant, which makes them a good choice for areas where liquids are spilled frequently. They are also very easy to clean, which is often a priority in food service environments.
Things to Keep in Mind When Selecting an Epoxy Resin Table Top
When selecting an epoxy resin table top, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you’ll want to decide on your desired dimensions. You can create almost any table size using epoxy resin. However, you’ll want to keep in mind that a round table will typically be larger than a square table.
Next, you’ll need to decide on the colour of your table. While there are many shades of epoxy resin available, you’ll want to select a colour that will blend in well with the rest of your interior design.
Note that darker epoxy resin table tops are more expensive since they contain more pigment. Epoxy resin table tops come in a variety of thicknesses, with 3/16” being the most common. The thicker the table top, the more expensive it will be.
In addition, the type of epoxy resin table top you choose will be determined by the look and surface texture you want. If you want a glossy, shiny finish, you’ll need to use a hardener with a high resin content. If you want a more textured surface, you’ll want to use a lower resin content.
Finally, you’ll want to think about what type of table top you will use on your epoxy resin table. While the table top is epoxy resin, the legs and base of the table will likely be made from a different material.
How to Care for an Epoxy Resin Table?
Epoxy resin table tops are water resistant, but they should be cleaned regularly to prevent buildup.
Because epoxy resin is a very durable material, it can be difficult to scratch. Therefore, you shouldn’t have to clean your table very often other than doing so to prevent buildup.
You’ll want to avoid cleaning the table with abrasive materials, as this could scratch the top of the table. Instead, you can try using a soft cloth and warm, soapy water to clean your table top.
Avoid using abrasive scrubbers or brushes, as this could scratch the surface.
In Conclusion
Epoxy resin table tops are an attractive and durable material that is perfect for commercial environments. While they may be more expensive than other materials, they’re also more durable and long-lasting.
Since epoxy resin table tops are resistant to corrosion and scratches, they are ideal for businesses that have high-traffic foot patterns and need a table that can withstand years of heavy use. They are also easy to clean, making them an attractive option for just about any setting.