Is It A Good Idea To Use Phenolic Resin For Kitchen Countertops?

Unless you're a scientist, phenolic resin may not be something you've heard of. Even if you check out a range of lesser-known countertop materials for a kitchen remodel, it may not get a mention. Yet the material has been around for over 100 years, and apparently was the world's first synthetic plastic. In fact, phenolic resin is already a popular choice for countertops, but these are usually found in laboratories. It is hard-wearing and easy to clean, which seems like just the kind of characteristics you'd want in a kitchen. So is using phenolic resin a good idea or not?

It certainly could be. Phenolic resin countertops are made by soaking sheets of kraft paper in phenolic resin, which is then cured under pressure at high temperatures. The resulting surface is durable, scratch-resistant, heat-resistant, and fire-resistant. When compared to trendy epoxy countertops, which have some hidden downsides, phenolic resin countertops are usually more affordable. So far, there's nothing but good news. It seems that using phenolic resin for kitchen countertops could be a very good idea. Before you decide though, we need to look at some potential drawbacks.

The first challenge could come when you're looking for a countertop color that will give your kitchen the right vibe. Currently, your choices in phenolic resin countertops appear to be rather limited. They might have descriptions like graphite, glacier, and steel, but they're actually black, white, or gray. No sparkling inclusions, no swirling veins — just a flat surface. If you're going for an ultra-clean or industrial theme, that could be ideal. If you want something with a bit more character, you'll need to look elsewhere.

You'll need to be careful with some types of spills, as chemical resistance can vary. For example, typically phenolic resin isn't affected by lemon juice, but cleaning products with bleach might cause damage. The level of heat resistance, up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, might sound good, but pans on the stove can get much hotter, so you'll still need to use a trivet or other protection.

The final problem might simply be availability. While there are numerous manufacturers of phenolic resin countertops across the country, finding a company near you that wants to deal with residential customers may not be easy. So although there are a number of reasons why it is a good idea to use phenolic resin for kitchen countertops, whether it's worth pursuing — when so many alternatives are more readily available — is another matter.