Everything You Need to Know about Quartz Countertop Edges

While you might put a lot of thought into certain aspects of your countertop surface, from the color and finish, to accurate sizing, many homeowners treat edging as an afterthought. This could be a huge mistake. The edge profile you choose could play a role in how well edges stand up to daily wear and tear. Edging also affects the overall look of your finished countertops. In addition, if you have children in the home, you’ll certainly want to consider their safety.

Quartz countertop edges vary between each type of stone. For example, certain styles may be suitable for softer materials like marble, while other styles are ideal for thick granite slabs.

When it comes to engineered stone, such as quartz, you’ll find that some quartz countertop edges are better suited to elevating the strengths and minimizing potential weaknesses in quartz surfaces. Here’s what you need to know before choosing quartz countertop edges for the surfaces in your home.

A simple, square edge is always a great choice, whether you’re working with marble, granite, or quartz countertops. It is highly versatile and goes with many design elements. Square countertop edging complements simple designs, or alternately, ensures that bolder design elements, like backsplashes, remain the focus. The square edge works well with clean, contemporary design styles.

If you have kids in the house, you may be understandably concerned about the potential for harm with a sharp, square edge. While this style is sometimes softened with an “eased edge” to avoid the dangers of sharp angles, there are other options that still offer the simplicity you crave without as much worry about safety.

Households with young children may be better served with a rounded, bullnose edge. This popular style adds an attractive softness to the edge of the countertop surface and can serve to highlight the thickness of your quartz (or make it look thicker than it is).

If your kids are a bit older and you’re interested in an edge profile that falls somewhere between a sharp edge and a perfectly rounded one, you might want to consider beveled edging. This style features a 45-degree angled cut along the top edge of the counter surface, creating a slant between the top and the side.

You could also opt for a double bevel, with a 45-degree cutout on the bottom edge of the countertop, as well. This creates an elegant, custom appearance that maintains simplicity.  From a functional standpoint, it isn’t quite as sharp as a square edge, making it somewhat more livable for a busy family home.

Taking Your Edge to the Next Level

Perhaps you want your countertop to be the star of the show when it comes to your interior design. With so many options for quartz colors and patterns, you’ll have no trouble achieving the visual appeal you crave. However, the devil is in the details as they say, and the edge profile you choose can add a stunning finish to an already eye-catching countertop.

If you want a simple edge detail that nonetheless ups the ante of drama in your kitchen, consider a waterfall edge that hangs far below the counter surface. In some cases, this is simply an extended edge piece that makes your quartz surface appear incredibly thick. But on an island, your waterfall could descend all the way to the floor on the lengthwise sides. With a mitered edge (where the top and side pieces are joined at a 45-degree angle) you’ll avoid seams, creating a continuous flow that makes for a truly breathtaking addition to your modern kitchen space.

A classic ogee edge is a great option if you want to add timeless elegance to your countertops. The concave dip and convex bump of this edge profile creates a S-shaped curve when viewed from the side. This edge style is a great way to elevate traditional décor in kitchens and bathrooms.

A Dupont edge is another sophisticated profile that works well with traditional styles, thanks to a 90-degree angled (square) edge that descends a short way to a protruding, rounded edge. A Dupont countertop edge is similar to a half bullnose, but typically more prominent. This elegant design is sure to grab attention and ensure that your quartz countertops stand out in a high-end kitchen.

Can Academy Marble help?

As you can see, there are many options to explore when you start looking for the perfect edge profile for your quartz countertops. With professional help, you can choose the countertop edge that not only matches your aesthetic preferences, but provides the safe and functional surfaces you require for your kitchen and bathrooms. Contact us today to get started on your project.