Countertop edges can have a huge effect on function, impacting everything from cleaning to safety.
Once you have decided on the color of your quartz countertop for your home improvement project, it may seem that choosing the edge is the most important decision left to take to ensure the perfect design for your space.
And while the color and patterns of your new countertops will have a big impact on the overall appearance of the room, it is another easily overlooked detail – the countertop edge profile – that will affect the efficiency, safety and style of your new kitchen or bathroom to a much greater extent.
It’s the surface you’ll come into contact with most as you move through and use your kitchen, so its shape matters.
Here are 10 examples of some different countertop edge profiles:
Volcanic Edge
Deeply rounded at the top and bottom of the edge, this profile is sometimes also called a Bullnose or Full Bullnose.
Summit Edge
Both the top and bottom edged of this edge profile are rounded. It’s sometimes called a ¼ Round Double.
Moraine Edge
For a natural, rustic appearance, choose this hand-finished profile often named Chiseled, Broken Edge or Rock Face.
Treeline Edge
This angled edge is often called a Bevel.
Piedmont Edge
Softly rounded on the top edge. Additionally referred to as ½ Bullnose, Demi Bullnose or a ¼ Round.
Seacliff Edge
The edge is beveled, not rounded, at the top, often referred to as an Eased profile.
Boulder Edge
This profile, often called Waterfall, is one of our most ornate.
Rimrock Edge
The Mitered edge is an edge assembled from two pieces, to give a countertop with less weight the appearance of a much heavier one.
Basin Edge
Our thinnest Ogee profile. Also called a Saskatoon Ogee or Short Ogee.
Cornice Edge
Our fullest Ogee profile design also called a Cove Ogee over Ogee.
Fact: You have to consider what kind of edge your countertop should have to best suit your home!
You might not have ever considered what kind of edge your countertop should have and you might not know a bullnose from a beveled edge. And that’s okay.
This short guide should help you pick the right countertop for your home.
Square Edge
It’s hip to be square. When you want a simple, elegant line, the square edge countertop is for you.
This one’s especially useful if there are other details in your space you want to draw eyes to. Maybe an elegant faucet, maybe gorgeous lighting.
Your countertop will automatically draw some attention if it has eye-catching patterns, so consider using a square edge with one of our dazzling quartz countertops.
Rimrock (Mitered)
The Rimrock quality can be applied to a square countertop edge or any other edge you choose; it gives the appearance of thickness to your countertop.
The thickness remains the same, but a frame of countertop material comes down vertically from the edges of your countertop, forming a straight angle.
This works perfectly if you want to make your countertop a bit more eye-catching without overwhelming your kitchen’s aesthetic.
Waterfall
The waterfall is the extreme version of the Rimrock. Instead of a bit of verticality, the waterfall edge descends to the floor – countertops down!
This type of countertop is a statement piece since it can make something like a kitchen island stand out dramatically.
So if you want eyes on your countertop, or at the center of your kitchen, this style is for you.
Treeline (Beveled) Edge
Take the top half of a square countertop edge, and slant that part to a 45-degree angle, and you’ve got yourself a Treeline edge.
These are perfect if you want your home to radiate a formal elegance. The subtle contrast between the bottom and top of your countertop edge will draw eyes, though your guests might not even realize why at first!
There’s a more subtle version of this known as the Seacliff Edge, sometimes referred to as Eased.
Volcanic (Bullnose) Edge
Volcanic Edge is in some ways the opposite of the Treeline.
Use it if you want your home to have a comforting, laid-back feel. The main feature of the Volcanic style is it’s rounded edges – great if you have small children running around who might hurt themselves on countertop corners!
The softness of the style lends itself to a relaxing atmosphere.
Piedmont (Demi-Bullnose)
This variation only has the top edge rounded. It gives off the same less-formal vibe as the Volcanic while adding a depth of visual interest by the variation from the bottom (square) to the top.
There are a wide variety of other, more complicated edge profiles we have available to make your countertop look even more striking, from the ornate Boulder Edge style to the thin and striking Basin Edge.
3 Countertop Edge Styles That Work Best in Small Kitchens
It is the small details that make a kitchen unique. Each choice intersects to craft the end product — and as many who’ve endured a kitchen remodel know, the small selections may be agonizing. Picking an edge profile for the countertops is one of those selections.
The focal point of the kitchen
Most folks think kitchen countertop edges do not matter and pick an edge for a kitchen remodel based solely on impulse or personal preference. One caveat with this process of selection is that inside small kitchens, extremely decorative edges may create the illusion of less space by drawing your eye to the countertop edge as the focal point of the kitchen instead of the overall look of the kitchen.
Stone Edge Countertops
Whether you are installing a laminate, solid, or stone surface, these three edge styles are going to prevent this issue and serve you well, aesthetically and functionally. They’re easy to clean because they’ll lack the grooves in fancier styles which may collect food crumbs and dust. In addition, the single bevel appears as if you spent a load of money on your kitchen although, depending upon the material of the countertop, the cost often is comparable with the double-eased.
Bullnose
Deeply rounded at the top and bottom of the edge, this profile is sometimes also called a Bullnose or Full Bullnose.
The bullnose is a rounded, smooth edge cut that gracefully enhances any material of countertop. The curved design will add a dash of elegance to small kitchens without having to overwhelm the styles or color of the wall, counter, floors, cabinet, furniture, or appliances. In addition, the Bullnose appears as if you broke the bank, but depending upon the countertop material, the price often is compared to the double-eased.
Single Bevel
This angled edge is often called a Bevel.
It’s a square edge cut alongside the top at a more or less than 45° angle. The slight decoration and straight lines add a dash of elegance to small kitchens without overwhelming the styles or color of the furniture, appliances, floors, cabinet, wall, or counter. Also, the single bevel appears as if you spent a ton of money on your kitchen though, depending on the material of the countertop, the price often is compared with the double-eased.
Eased Edge
The edge is beveled, not rounded, at the top, often referred to as an Eased profile.
Eased edge styles are somewhat ‘softened’ squares that alleviate the sharp, hard, edges usually seen on laminate countertops. Even though the eased edge style does not detract from small kitchens. As a matter of fact, it’ll actually add an upscale appearance to small kitchens and will complement modern designs that incorporate oddly shaped or thin counters, as well as hidden counter extensions you pull out when an additional meal or workspace is needed.
Our Premium Surface Manufacturing Facilities:
SEATTLE
22445 76th Avenue S
Kent, WA, 98032
253.639.4584
SASKATOON, SK
10-710 Cynthia St.
306.665.7733
VERNON, BC
4605B 23rd Street
250.558.3773
Still not sure which of our countertop edge profiles to choose from? We can help you!
Try our free in-home consultation and we’ll help you pick the right style, then give you a price on the same day if you decide you’re ready to buy.
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