Selecting new countertops brings the chance to upgrade your kitchen or bath’s style and function. An often overlooked but important decision is choosing the right countertop edge treatment. The edge profile impacts aesthetics, durability, and cost.
From sleek contemporary bevels to classic bullnose edges, many options exist. How do you determine which edge treatment complements your decor and complements your lifestyle? Before you go to the nearest countertop store, we will break down popular edge styles, pros and cons, and guide you to the perfect edge for your space and look.
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Factors When Choosing an Edge Profile
According to HomeAdvisor, the choice of countertop edging can influence both your kitchen’s style and maintenance needs. They suggest considering your lifestyle, the style of your home, and your budget when selecting an edging option. Simple styles like eased and beveled edges are popular for their clean lines and ease of cleaning, making them a good choice for busy kitchens.
Consider these factors when selecting a countertop edge:
- Style – Edges range from modern to ornate traditional profiles. Match your kitchen or bath decor.
- Durability – Rounded edges better withstand bumps. Define any high-use areas.
- Cost – Basic squared or eased edges are the most affordable. Decorative edges add labor fees.
- Countertop Material – Certain edges pair better with some materials.
- Safety – Rounded edges minimize cutting risks. Ideal for families.
Matching your edge to use, look and budget prevents regrets down the road.
Popular Countertop Edge Styles
Based on Architectural Digest, the detail of countertop edging can add an unexpected element of design to your space. For those looking to make a statement, they recommend more decorative edges like the ogee or bullnose, which can contribute to the overall design theme of the room.
Straight Edge
A simple 90-degree angle cut to form an abrupt L-shaped edge. The crisp, clean style works well in modern or contemporary kitchens. It offers a sleek minimalist look, especially paired with flat-front cabinetry. However, the sharp corner is prone to chipping and the harsh line tends to show seams and imperfections.
Beveled Edge
Beveled edges are cut at a 45-degree inward angle to create a flat slope. The angled facet softens the abrupt drop-off of a straight edge. Bevels add a refined streamlined look in contemporary spaces but show imperfections easily. Common depths are 1/8 inch, 1/4 inch, and 1/2 inch.
Bullnose Edge
A bullnose edge features a rounded finish that creates a continuous semicircular profile. The rounded contour creates a soft, safer edge that is less prone to chipping. It accents both modern and traditional styles well. Bullnose edges come in single, double, or triple tiers.
Ogee Edge
Ogee edges have an elegant dual curve combining a concave arc flowing into a convex curve. The sloped profile provides a graceful ornate style for upscale traditional kitchens. However, the intricate contours require skilled fabrication and are vulnerable to chipping.
Chiseled Edge
Chiseled or grooved edges are straight edges with an inscribed recess cut into the underside. The deep route gives the illusion of a thicker countertop. The machined look gives a modern vibe. However, food and grime easily get trapped within the channel.
Countertop Edge Considerations
Durability
Rounded bullnose, rolled, or waterfall edges better withstand accidental bumps, impact, and improper cleaning. Avoid brittle materials like marble or concrete for heavy use areas, where chipping risks run high.
Style Coordination
Edge profiles should align with your kitchen or bathroom’s overall decor. For example, an ornate ogee matches traditional spaces, while a minimalist bevel complements contemporary rooms.
Material Pairings
Certain edges pair better with some countertop materials. Full bullnose edges accentuate the thickness of natural stone slabs. More delicate materials like concrete and laminate suit simpler beveled or eased edges to prevent chipping.
Cost
Squared, flat edges are the most econimical choice requiring just basic straight cuts. Built-up edges like triple-rolled bullnose runs add fabrication time and labor fees. Expect to pay $10-$20 more per linear foot for decorative edges.
Safety
Rounded bullnose or rolled edges minimize sharp cutting hazards, making them smart choices for families with small children. Eased edges also reduce injury risks.
Edge Recommendations by Countertop Material
To narrow options, here are the edge treatments that best complement specific countertop materials:
- Granite and Quartz: Bullnose, Bevel, Chiseled
- Marble: Double Bevel, Ogee, Flat Polished
- Laminate: Bevel, Flat Polished, Grooved
- Concrete: Sharp Modern Bevel, Chiseled
- Butcher Block: Breadboard End-Grain, Traditional Eased
- Tile: Bullnose Tile Trim, Grout Line
Consult your countertop fabricator on the best edges for your material, style, and needs. An edge that balances beauty and practicality prevents installation regrets.
Conclusion
The finishing edge profile profoundly impacts the aesthetics and functionality of your countertops. When selecting edges, carefully consider the style you want, how the edge will endure your use, ease of cleaning, and safety. Then tailor options to the specific material being installed.
Cost also comes into play, with built-up bullnose and ogee edges adding labor fees versus basic eased or square edges. Match your edge to your decor, lifestyle, and budget for the perfect finishing touch to your new countertops.
