Countertop edges are a finishing touch that helps define the personality of
your kitchen design ideas. Some edge styles will work best with a particular
theme, practical issues and cost must be considered, but feel free to get
creative and....
With a bunch of edge profiles to choose from, you're sure to find the
perfect style for your kitchen countertops, kitchen island, outdoor kitchen, bar
top or bathroom vanity.
Add extra drama by combining two different styles for something completely
original!
Are you wondering about countertop edges for different materials? Well,
most styles and profiles are possible for granite edges, marble, Silestone
edges, quartz countertops, Corian and other countertop materials.
Get Some Edgy Ideas
Square edges, straight, pencil, eased (all similar) or bevel edges are a
natural choice to complement minimalist or urban contemporary designs where
clean lines are key.
These profiles also work well with Arts & Crafts / Craftsman / Mission
styles, traditional American and transitional kitchen designs.
For the most part, the square profiles are the "free" edge styles. Every
countertop must have an edge of course, and most countertop contractors include
a straight or slightly rounded edge profile in the bid.
Rounded & Bullnose countertop edges are possibly the most versatile
easily integrating with virtually any design. The profiles in this group range
from a radius curve on just the top edge, to a waterfall-style "demi" or
half-bullnose to a fully-rounded bullnose countertop edge.
Softer than the square edges, these still reflect a sleek and modern vibe,
but can go retro, or blend nicely with the classic European and American
styles.
Decorative edges like the Ogee, Dupont or French Cove look best in a
larger, gourmet kitchen, Tuscan or Old-World motif, antique, Victorian, or a
French country decorating theme where the design lives in the details.
Or reverse this idea and use one of these fancy countertop edges as the one
elaborate element within a bath or kitchen design that otherwise features clean
lines.
Another idea is to mix edge styles in different areas. For instance, cut a
Square edge on the main countertop and a Dupot or Ogee edge on the kitchen
island.
The more decorative edges are commonly used for granite and marble vanity
tops in the bathroom as well.
Of course, decorative granite edges are typically an optional upgrade that
will "upgrade" the countertop cost a little to a lot depending on your choices
and size of the installation.
Size Does Matter
A 3cm slab provides a substantial profile that looks good with a variety
of edge styles and is the preferred size to use.
A 2cm slab is cheaper and sometimes used, but the countertop can look too
thin.
A thin edge can work well within a modern, minimalist design, however,
laminating a 2cm slab edge is common.
An additional strip is glued ("laminated") underneath the slab edge to make
the countertop look thicker and allow for something other than a square
edge.
Laminated edges are also used on 3cm slabs to create elaborate or stepped
edges that combine styles such as a Cove over Dupont edge or Dupont over Ogee as
seen below. Combined styles can be stunning when done well.
The drawback of laminated edges is a potentially visible seam that runs
horizontally around the edge.
In most cases this is not a problem and virtually unnoticeable, but for
marble and granite countertop edges the lamination seam may be visible depending
on the color and pattern of the stone.
Darker countertop colors with more consistent patterns will "hide" a seam
better than lighter countertop colors with lots of "movement" in their pattern.
This is typically less a problem with Corian, quartz or Silestone edges since
the color/pattern is more consistent.
Unless your on a very tight budget, skip the 2cm and go with the 3cm slab.
It's stronger and simply looks better.
Get An Edge
To start, narrow down your choices to those edge styles that you
instinctively like keeping in mind your theme and budget. The typically free
straight or square edge styles always look classic and classy... a solid
choice.
A decorative edge may not cost you much more, though, and if you can blow
the bank, then a combo edge may suit your style, but...
Remember it's important that all design elements resonate or create
harmony. Even a seemingly small element like your countertop edges can make the
space just "not feel right" if it doesn't match or blend well with the look and
feel of everything else.
Next, get some finished edge samples from your contractor or granite
fabrication company--preferably of the same material you're installing, but it
isn't crucial. You just want to get a feel for what the actual edge will look
like in 3-D. Good Luck!
For more stone information, please visit the following website:
http://www.de-chino.com
If you have any question, please contact: deqinuo@gmail.com.
