Choosing an Edge for Your Kitchen Countertop

You thought the hard work was over when you selected the countertop material, color and pattern that you wanted for your kitchen. Then you are asked “what edge would you like to go with your countertop?” You soon learn the choices there are plentiful as well, who knew there were over a dozen countertop edges to choose from? In any kitchen design it is often the details that set it apart, and choosing your countertop edge is not a detail you want to overlook. The edge can complete the style of your dream kitchen. Let’s look at the various options and understand how to complement the style of your kitchen, as well as your budget.

Perhaps the first logical step is to choose between a streamlined, clean look or a more rounded, decorative look. Let’s first explore the available Standard Edges we offer at Great Lakes Granite and Marble.

Standard Edges

The first type of edges we will explore are standard edges, and there are still choices within this category. Standard edges can be either straight or curved and can complement any kitchen style.

In a clean-lined kitchen design, a straight edge often fits the profile of the kitchen best. If you have chosen to highlight another material in your kitchen, such as an eye-catching tile or beautiful appliance, a straight edge countertop will blend with the kitchen rather than attract attention or steal the show. Despite their name, straight edges are not sharp, the corners are slightly rounded to protect the stone from damage. You even have the flexibility to customize the amount of rounding to best fit the style of your kitchen.

In a more traditional design, you may choose a curved edge to pair nicely with your crown molding or another design feature of the kitchen. The options in curved edges are plentiful and we’ll explore a few of them below.

Flat Polish

Flat Polish is a simple, clean, and classic edge profile, often seen in contemporary designs.

Bevel

A bevel edge features a subtle, angular edge, customizable to enhance contemporary designs. A standard bevel edge is a 45-degree angle.

Full Bullnose

The full bullnose is a timeless classic with a rounded edge, commonly seen in traditional designs.

Half Bullnose

The Half Bullnose is similar to the full bullnose but with a thicker appearance.

Quarter Round

With the quarter round edge, the top edge of the granite has a slight radius, about the diameter of a pencil. This gives the countertop edge a sleek look, pairing nicely with a traditional design.

When selecting your edge style, another item to consider would be the Chip Reducer treatment. Selected at fabrication, this can alleviate concerns of potential chipping around your sink cutout. This innovative treatment adds a slightly rounded edge along the inside perimeter of your sink cutout, proven to reduce chipping due to impact while providing a beautiful finished edge to the cutout.

Specialty Edges

For those aiming for high design or elegance, specialty edges offer a variety of choices.

Double Quarter Round

The double quarter round edge features pencil round edges on both the top and bottom, giving a thinner look suitable for traditional designs.

Double Bevel

The double bevel edge features customizable angles and width, catching light on both sides, perfect for traditional designs.

Waterfall

A waterfall edge is when a countertop makes a 90 degree angle wrapping down the side of a cabinet or island, ending at the floor.

Mitered Drop Apron

The Mitered Drop Apron Edge is assembled from two pieces, allowing customization of edge size and matching of veins for a consistent look. At Great Lakes Granite and Marble, we pride ourselves on a beautiful mitered edge. The other way to create this appearance is a double laminated edge where two pieces of granite are glued together. The downside with a double laminated edge is that you may see the seam, and it is very difficult to match the vein on the countertop. Therefore, we’ve taken the approach of the mitered drop apron vs. the double laminated edge.

Dupont

The Dupont edge features a convex radius, also known as an inverted Ogee edge, pairing well with traditional-style kitchens.

Ogee

The Ogee edge is a classic, elegant look with a concave radius, ideal for traditional kitchens.

Triple Pencil Edge

The triple pencil features three layers of quarter-inch radius, adding a touch of sophistication.

Rock Face or Chiseled Edge

Yet another style is the rock face or chiseled edge profile. This edge exposes raw stone for a natural or rustic appearance, adding a touch of rustic appeal.

Choosing a custom edge

While standard edges are beautiful, if you’re aiming for high design, there are various specialty edges to explore. Keep in mind that some exotic materials may require more fabrication care, and certain intricate specialty edges might not be suitable. Consult your Project Manager at Great Lakes Granite and Marble for advice based on the material you’ve chosen.

Can I choose any edge with any material?

Some exotic materials require more fabrication care. With those edges, we advise against the more intricate specialty edges such as the Triple Pencil, Double O’Gee, or Triple Lindy. Your Project Manager at Great Lakes Granite and Marble would be able to advise you if this comes into consideration with the material you’ve chosen for your project.

Is Durability a factor when choosing a countertop edge?

In our experience, some custom edges can prove to be more delicate.

Making the Choice Right for You

With options like straight, curved, decorative, and custom edges, it might seem overwhelming. To narrow down your choices, evaluate your kitchen style and coordinate the countertop edge with features like drawer or door fronts. Reflecting the profile features of your cabinet design in your countertop edges creates a cohesive look. The project management team at Great Lakes Granite and Marble is ready to help you choose the countertop edge that best fits your kitchen design and personal style.