With the recent advance in CNC technology, granite and marble countertops have practically limitless possibilities for edge profiles. When you are ready to purchase your countertop, you will be offered a variety of edges. Some very basic edges will be included in the square-foot or linear-foot price of the countertop. More decorative or complex edges can be added at an additional cost, which is usually nominal considering the investment you are making in the countertops.

Basic edges
The most basic countertop edge is the straight edge. It is a squared edge, with only a very slight bevel, called a chamfer, to take the sharpness from the edges. A popular modification to this is the quarter round, where the top edge is rounded off, or the double quarter round, where both the top and bottom edges are rounded. Bullnose is a variation where the top edge is rounded more dramatically, and a full bullnose converts the edge of the countertop to a perfect half-circle. Beveled edges are also popular, and the bevel can be carved on either the top or bottom edges…or both.

Fancy edges
Fancier edges are available, usually at extra cost to the consumer. Perhaps the most popular is the ogee. Inspired by medieval European architecture, the ogee edge consists of two graceful, sweeping arches, one concave, and the other convex. It adds a very elegant look to countertops. Other popular edges include dupont (a straight edge dropping down to a curve), cove (a concave bevel on the top edge), stair tread (a curved undercut lip), and waterfall (three cascading convex arches).

Technology
With CNC technology, though, the possibilities are limitless, and completely unique, custom edges can even be created. “Premium” edges were originally more expensive because they took much longer to fabricate. But with CNC ultimately making an ogee edge as easy to carve as a straight edge, we should see the price of premium edges decrease.

The thickness of the countertop makes a difference in which edge profiles are available, and which look best. The standard kitchen countertop is 1 ¼” (30 millimeters) thick. Luxury countertops are cut 2 ¼” (40 millimeters) thick. Some economy countertops are ¾” (20 millimeters) thick, supported underneath by a layer of medium density fiberboard. Bathroom vanities are typically ¾” thick.

The more complex edge profiles don’t look good on ¾” (20mm) countertops, and aren’t as strong. For ¾” bath vanities, it’s best to choose a basic edge profile. If you’ve chosen an economical ¾” kitchen countertop, and still desire a complex profile, you may be able to choose a 20+20 edge option, which is a strip of stone molding glued to the underside of the countertop edge, therefore providing the illusion of a 2 ¼” (40mm) slab. However, this often costs enough extra that a 1 ¼” (30mm) countertop with a premium edge could be purchased for the same amount.

Tips
The popular edges are, for the most part, practical for any use in the kitchen or bathroom. So the primary factor to consider when you make your edge profile choice is aesthetic. Which do you like the best? Which will compliment your space? If your kitchen is contemporary or industrial, an ogee edge will look out of place with its classic curves, and you’d be serviced better by a half bullnose or a bevel. A country-style kitchen would be enhanced by waterfall edges. And the stair tread or ogee edges would fit nicely in a modern, elegant space.

Do keep in mind, though, that any crease in the edge profile may be a potential trap for food and dust, and the more creases within the edge profile, the more maintenance and cleaning the countertop will require.

Ultimately, you should choose the edge profile that you like the best. Your supplier will have samples for you to look at, or a website with photos and sketches. Remember that once you buy a natural stone countertop, it will last the rest of your life (and probably your children’s and grandchildren’s lives), so choose the edge that you love, even if it costs a little more. You’ll be glad you did.