Now that you’ve chosen your desired design for your countertop, fixed the dimensions and settled on the stone material. What’s next? While most people spend a considerable amount of time and effort in choosing the design and material of the countertop, many fail to take edges into account.
If you haven’t actually considered the edging options when it comes to your countertop, we urge you to spend some extra time to select a style that fits your preferences. Why? Your countertop will be seen and touched over a dozen times a day. It is important that you consider not only the aesthetical impact of your edges but also its practicality. For instance, if you want a child-friendly environment, you may choose rounder or softer edges like the eased edge.
Before we begin, here’s a general rule of thumb – the more complex the edge, the more expensive it is. From the standard, clean Flat Polished edge to the fancier Ogee edge, there are plenty of options for you to choose from for that finishing touch, and it makes a world of difference.
Let us bring you through some of the most popular edges that you may wish to consider:
Flat Polished Edge: A 90-degree edge all around, slightly rounded for safety purposes and to minimise any risk of injury. This gives your countertops a simple, clean and streamlined look.
Eased Edge: An eased edge has rounded sides, which makes it more comfortable for you to lean on or rest your arms upon.
Chamfer Edge: Chamfer edges are 45-degree cuts onto the corner edge of the stone. At an angle, the chamfered edge gives a textured look that matches well with contemporary styles.
Bullnose Edge: The roundest out of all edges, the bullnose is fully rounded without any corner edges. This softer edge is popular for families with young children. However, spills need to be cleaned off immediately as they risk trickling down to your carpentry beneath the marble surface.
Demi Bullnose Edge: The demi bullnose edge solves the spillage issue of the bullnose edge while retaining the side curvature.
Dupont Edge: For a luxurious look, opt for the Dupont edge. A 90-degree angle dives into a rounded edge, giving off a classic and sophisticated look.
Ogee Edge: Frequently used in traditional kitchen designs, the fancy Ogee edge displays an S-shaped curve – a perfect addition to kitchens with a formal and decorative look.
Apart from the edges listed above, there are also profiles (or laminated edges). Profiling involves adding an extra piece of stone underneath your countertop edge to give an illusion of a thicker countertop and also to conceal the wood carpentry underneath.
Here are some examples of profiles that you may consider for your home:
Let’s not forget the glorious waterfall edge – an extended edge at 90 degrees of a countertop all the way to the kitchen floor. The waterfall edge acts as a focal point to your kitchen and is sure to grab the attention of all your guests as you show off your beautiful countertop.
When it comes to edge profiles, there are endless possibilities. Should you have a particular edge profile you have in mind for building your new countertop or island, contact us and we’ll work something out for you.
Kitchen Backsplash
There’s one final thing left. When installing a kitchen counter at your work stations (where your stoves and sinks are), you’ll have to consider getting a kitchen backsplash.
If you don’t know what a backsplash is, it refers to the material that covers your walls behind your workstations (such as your sinks, cookers and stoves) – to protect and guard against frequent oil and water splatters. Installed after fixing up your countertops, backsplashes help to fill the gap between your kitchen wall and cabinets or countertops, preventing oil, grease and grime from seeping through hairline cracks and causing damage. Think lesser time cleaning and lesser stains!
At least, that’s what backsplashes were originally meant for. However, backsplashes have recently become a focal point, helping to elevate the interior and look of your kitchen. Take a look at the following examples:
There are many styles you can opt for your backsplash – if you want it to be the focal point of your kitchen interior, there are many possibilities for a full-length extension. For a more traditional and budget-friendly option, there is the standard 4-inch backsplash that does the job with less material. And of course, you may choose the less conventional and explore having a mid-length backsplash as we’ve seen in the beautiful kitchens above.
No matter which backsplash option you choose to complement your interior, we are more than happy to help you get creative with our natural stones and add some extra character to your home.
