I've used epoxy on cedar countertops in my upstairs bath, and after about two years, it's holding up surprisingly well. No swelling or discoloration yet, even around the sink. It was a bit tricky to apply evenly, but definitely worth it in my experience.
Interesting to hear epoxy's holding up on cedar—I've mostly seen it on harder woods. Did you notice any issues with scratches or dings over time, especially around high-use areas like the sink? Curious how durable it stays long-term...
"Did you notice any issues with scratches or dings over time, especially around high-use areas like the sink?"
Funny you mention that—I did epoxy over pine (yeah, I know, brave or foolish?) and honestly, it's held up surprisingly well. A few minor scratches near the faucet, but nothing a quick buff couldn't handle. Cedar might fare even better!
I went with cedar countertops in our guest bath about two years ago, and honestly, they've held up better than I expected. We sealed ours with a natural oil-based finish (wanted to keep things eco-friendly), and while there are definitely some minor scratches around the sink area, they're not really noticeable unless you're looking for them. I think the wood grain helps hide imperfections pretty well.
One thing I'd ask is—are you planning on using epoxy or something else as a topcoat? Epoxy seems super durable from what I've heard, but personally, I prefer finishes that are easier to touch up without sanding everything down again. With our oil finish, I just lightly sand and reapply every year or so, and it looks good as new. Plus, cedar has natural antimicrobial properties, which is a nice bonus in a bathroom setting.
Curious if anyone else has tried other finishes on cedar counters and how they've held up over time...
We did cedar counters in a flip last year and used a water-based poly instead of epoxy or oil. Held up pretty well overall, but water spots were definitely more noticeable. Might try your oil method next time...sounds easier to maintain.
