Most homeowners focus on material, color, and finish when making their countertop choices. There is one more component that most overlook. That component is the profile on the edge of the countertop.
While the edge of a countertop doesn’t take up the space that the surface does, it still has the ability to serve as a focal point in a kitchen design or at a minimum meld with the overall design.
The countertop edge should also complement the overall kitchen style as well as being functional based on how the kitchen is used.
Trending Profiles
The first consideration when choosing a countertop edge should be style. If you have a modern kitchen a clean edge would work best. The most popular and least expensive modern edge profile is the square-edged profile.1
A slight variation on the square-edge profile is the eased edge, which has a slight rounding to it. A beveled edge is another option for a modern kitchen and the bevels usually range from a slight 1/16″ bevel to a 1/2″ bevel. The square, eased or bevel edge profiles will take a backseat to other design elements, letting the cabinets, appliances or countertop materials serve as the focal point in a kitchen.
Easy Care and Consideration
Cleaning is also easier with these profiles as they don’t have any crevices where food particles and dirt can collect. These countertop edge profiles can be done with all countertop materials and can be used in homes with other design styles than modern or contemporary.
Square edges are prone to chipping more so than a beveled or eased edge.2 In a small kitchen, square edged countertop edges can also create a safety hazard as they are a sharper edge than most other countertop edge profiles.
Timeless Picks
Traditional style kitchens often sport more ornate countertop edge styles. One of the most popular for traditional kitchens is the ogee edge. The ogee edge has an “S” shape and is a popular choice for natural stone countertops.
Cove and cascade edges are also popular in traditional kitchens.3 The bullnose edge is also popular in traditional kitchens, although it works well in any style kitchen. The bullnose edge is slightly rounded on the top and bottom and is a popular choice when granite is the countertop material choice.
Tradeoff
One caution with bullnose edges is that spills can more easily drip onto the cabinets below. To achieve the bullnose look without the drawback of spills dripping onto cabinetry many people opt for a half-bullnose edge (or demi-bullnose edge) which has a rounded top only. The bottom of the edge is flat.
There are some standout edge styles. One is the braided edge style.4 This edge style is so intricate it has to be done by a stone mason with artisanal talent. It is one of the most expensive options and can only be done with certain countertop materials. Other unique edges include a flat ogee edge, a stepped edge, and an elite edge.
Overall
Countertop edges are pretty versatile with many profiles working in any type of kitchen from contemporary to traditional. It is really a matter of homeowner preference and functionality. There is a large variety of edge styles and it is best to spend some time exploring your options with your countertop installer. They can advise on the best options for the countertop material you have chosen.
Start Your Countertop Project with Confidence
The right countertop edge is only half the equation – expert fabrication and installation make the difference. At Wisconsin Granite Design in Oak Creek, we help homeowners across the Milwaukee area choose granite, quartz, or marble and deliver a finished countertop that looks great and lasts. Visit our showroom and explore your options, free consultations available.
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1 What Type of Countertop Edge Is Best for a Modern Kitchen? by Alexandria Taylor, 11/9/2023
Link: https://www.housedigest.com/1442261/best-countertop-edge-modern-kitchen/
2 Types of Countertop Edges
Link: https://www.homedepot.com/c/ab/types-of-countertop-edges/9ba683603be9fa5395fab90c09df73e
3 Countertop Edge Profiles
granite works stone design
4 7 Out-of-the-Ordinary Countertop Edge Profiles You May Not Have Heard Of by Sharon Kong Perring, 2/8/2025
Link: https://www.housedigest.com/1776274/7-countertop-edge-profiles-uncommon