A Guide to Choosing the Right Edge Profile for Your Quartz Countertop

General Category

Nov 10

Kitchen countertops serve both a functional and aesthetic purpose in kitchen design, making them one of the most critical elements, from the material to the specific details of style. Use our guide to countertop edge profiles to perfect the finishing touches for your countertop installation.

What are countertop edge profiles?

Countertop edge profiles are applied to the exposed edge of the counter. Although the countertop edge might seem like an unimportant detail, it impacts the following aspects of your counter installation:

Overall design: The edge is a subtle touch that should blend into your kitchen design. If you get the profile wrong, suddenly that little detail becomes a glaring mistake. For example, having an overly ornate countertop edge in a sleek modern kitchen distracts from the minimalist feel. At the same time, a too-simple edge in a classic Italianate kitchen cheapens the space's high-end feel. The right edge creates unity in your kitchen.
Safety: Although you won’t find a “sharp” countertop edge in today’s kitchens, the profile does contribute to overall safety. A smooth, rounded edge reduces the risk of injury on impact, especially on corners and islands where people constantly manoeuvre around the counters.
Maintenance: Smooth edges that have less ornate cuts and curves are easier to clean than highly ornate designs, where debris, dust, and grease can get caught in the grooves. Also, rounder edges on counter bottoms direct drips to the lower cabinets, which are harder to clean than drips on the floor.
Durability: Sharp, square edges and corners are more prone to chipping and breaks compared to softer, rounded designs.

Which countertop edge profiles are available for stone?

Stone materials, such as quartz edge profiles, can be honed to create simple designs or highly ornate detailing to suit any kitchen style. The most common countertop edges include the following:

Bullnose: The bullnose edge is the happy medium of countertop edges, offering the sleekness of a square edge and the practicality and function of softer edges. Bullnose edges are fully rounded on the top, front, and bottom, creating a softer, safer look. As mentioned, the rounded edge allows drips to hit the lower cabinets and drawers below. The half bullnose is an excellent choice for functional kitchens with a slightly modern feel. The top is rounded to reduce injury and damage on impact, while the bottom is squared for a more contemporary look that helps direct messes to the floor.
Eased: The front of the eased edge is completely flush, while the top and bottom are slightly rounded, making them safer and more durable for elderly homeowners, households with kids, and island installations. They also work well in smaller, narrower kitchens, offering added durability to help prevent chipping. This affordable option is neutral enough for modern kitchens and pretty enough for traditional kitchens.
Square: Square edges are a must for ultra-modern kitchens with their sleek, crisp finish. On the plus side, they are easier to clean. On the negative side, the corners are more prone to chipping and pose a higher risk of injury.
Bevelled: Bevelled edges have a 45-degree angle at the top, leading to a flush front and squared bottom. They are simple yet elegant, adding a little flair to your kitchen counters. The bevel can become more defined with a half-inch design or more subtle with a quarter-inch design. Bevels also create a more refined corner at counter ends and islands, with greater durability than perfectly square corners.
Ogee: Ogee edges are more traditional, with curves creating an S profile. This counter edge is more expensive, as it is harder to achieve, creating a higher-end look for kitchen designs. Ogee-edged counters tend to be less durable and more high-maintenance than options such as bevels and bullnoses. Their intricate design creates vulnerable curves more prone to chips, while the grooves make the edges harder to clean.

Are customized countertop edges available?

Yes, you can request a customized countertop edge, although not all countertop companies have the resources to design and create them. At Quartz Co Surfaces, we can work with you to create a tailored surface to your exact specifications. Some examples of premium edge profiles might include:

Double bevel: A double bevel adds a bevel to the bottom of the counter edge, creating an ultra-chic look that pairs beautifully with high-sheen finishes. The extra cut helps capture light for a more dramatic edge in contemporary kitchens.
Double ogee: A double shallow S curve is rich and sophisticated with a high-end detailing suited to elaborate finishing touches in cabinetry, handles, and woodwork.
Pencil: Pencil edges stack thin, rounded layers for a noticeable detail that works well in contemporary kitchens. You can create tiers ranging from two to four layers based on the slab thickness.
Chiselled: The chiselled edge is much like the live edge used with wood shelving, tables, and counters. It leaves quartz edge profiles raw for a rustic look, ideal for artisanal kitchens. The chiselled edge also works well in a more industrial kitchen with honed matte countertops.
Completely bespoke: We can work with you to create a completely bespoke look with design elements that reflect your unique sense of style.

Countertop Edge Profile Tricks and Tips

There are a few tricks and tips that can help you make the most of your budget and design plan, including the following:

Use half bullnose edges to create the illusion of more substantial, thicker countertops.
Choose a less ornate, more neutral style to reduce costs and make cleaning easier.
Consider the type of stone when choosing your countertop edge profile, with marble being more delicate and granite and quartz edge profiles being more versatile.
Choose a straight or square edge for a minimalist or ultra-modern look.
Opt for custom or ogee edges that are ideal for a traditional, ornate look.
Half bullnose or eased edges are perfect for transitional designs.

Contact the Countertop Specialists

Quartz Co Surfaces has a team of designers to help you find the perfect finishing touch for your stone countertops. We can recommend a countertop profile edge that suits your lifestyle, kitchen size, and design aesthetic, creating a liveable space that brings you years of enjoyment.

Quartz Co Surfaces is the go-to provider for luxurious natural stone interior design. For more information, book an in-person or virtual consultation or visit one of our showrooms near you.