With home renovations, decision fatigue is very realistic. Kitchen Reno alone should compensate for over 150 individual choices: hardware type, hardware, layout, cabinets, appliances, fixture style and finish locations, lighting arrangements, countertop materials, and even how the edges are finished with that countertop for today’s post. (If you missed the amazing countertop material guide for a few years now, go back and bookmark it here when you need it!)
If you are working with designers, they will guide you in this process and make their recommendations on what they believe is the best. But if you go to it alone, take this into consideration your edge profile buddy and help you reach the finish line without sweating too much.
Like the others, there are so many things to consider and the options may feel endless, but let’s talk about what you can offer a fabricator or GC, what you can offer, what you can look for cool and customised, what’s best for kitchen styles and countertop types.
What are the typical counter edge profiles?
When it comes to choosing the edge of the countertop, there are basically a few options offered by all manufacturers: Easy, Bullnose, Bevel. (Even general contractors and stone yard retailers may never actually speak directly to your manufacturer, as they usually communicate your needs to them.) These are standard and often there is no additional charge. From there you will find premium profiles that are upgrades, such as Miter, Ogee, Dupont, Cove (and all variations). And beyond that, there are custom edges that require more specialized and special tools. Not all manufacturers offer all edge types, and there are several factors that may or may not be able to give you what you are looking for, including:
- Their Equipment and Tools: More complex edges like specialized Augie and waterfalls require specialized tools and machines that aren’t all Fabritters on hand.
- Your countertop material: Some types of stone have limitations depending on how hard the stone is or how hard the soft stone is. Something really complicated like Double Augie or Cove DuPont may not be supported due to the risk of chipping or cracking, and some manufacturers don’t want to take such a risk. ($$$)
- Expertise and experience: If you specify complex edge profiles, you need a high level of skill and accuracy, so make sure the manufacturer has done it before. Some Fabritters specialize in a specific style. For example, manufacturers may offer simpler, more modern designs, such as Eased or Bevel. Others may specialize in traditional styles. Find someone with expertise in what you’re looking for.
It is best to consult your manufacturer (or GC) to see which edges are available before hiring. Find out about their own limitations. If you’re looking for a more custom design, ask for a diagram or sketch to make sure you’re on the same page as what you’re looking for, as not all manufacturers use the same name for the same finish. They are equivalent, but the exact names may differ.
Let’s take a look at some of the profiles:
I’ve split these into those commonly mentioned in terms of standard, premium or customization. All manufacturers are different, and are not considered standard or premium, for example, rather than Mitered Edge Custom. I spoke to designer Alexandra Azatt. Plaster and green (The person who did that gorgeous primary suite at the Pasadena Showcase House of Design House) On this she agreed. [more on that in a bit]that may not be a big fee. It all really depends. “I think it’s like saying, “This costs money or not at all… everyone is different,” but sadly, it’s pretty true.
I’m glad that Alexandra mentioned the stacking. So, here you can “laminate” it on the countertop and immediately think of a material like Formica. Certainly, that’s true, but through the final “D”, it becomes very different. A laminated countertop means a stack of solid stone or wood, stacked on its front edge over itself to create a thicker appearance than the standard 2-3 cm.
Here’s an example I found on Instagram (scroll over to the second image).
As you can see, multiple stone fragments are glued together, but only adhere to the overhang. In other words, the countertop is not twice the thickness, it’s just the appearance. Lamination allows for thick or very unique edging (as in the first slide above).
Countertop Profile Need No (including cost)
Below we’ll bring together yet another chart to break down each edge profile with the range of costs and the most effective material type of material, but there’s a warning that a particular fabricator might do his thing.
That should be pretty clear, but the key to the marking on the right is:
✓=Good choice|! =Note, but executable | x = not advised
I would recommend that just because you check the checkmark doesn’t mean that a particular fabricator would provide it or agree to do it with the marble or quartz tight of your choice, but that’s a good guide. And like I said, the same applies to the prices shown here. It is useful to know that a double oggy is, for example, twice as many bulls. Also, costs are due to linear footing, so if you have a large kitchen, you can add up very quickly. (Side notes: Most custom, intricate or decorative edge finishes are stored for use in small bars or small bar areas on the counter rather than in the kitchen, to preserve functionality as well as to maintain your budget.
If you like the double bullfighting look but not the price, don’t forget that only your island can choose such a custom edge to add drama. It is not recommended to mix two specialist finishes in one kitchen. If you are pairing edges, make sure the styles are compatible. Very thick modern miter doesn’t work well with traditional Augie.
Actual kitchen examples of counter edges in operation
Charts can get you so far when imagining what these edge profiles look like. I dig through the archives and found some kitchens to find some kitchens and complete disclosure: Most kitchens we photographed have standard counter profiles like this.
I love the relaxed profile. There is no problem choosing such criteria. There is nothing wrong with this, especially considering that it doesn’t cost money to make stones. It works well in modern kitchens, transitional kitchens, Yup and even traditional kitchens.
If you don’t want something a little more decorative and want an Oggie (or any variations like flat Oggie, Bull North Oggie, or Double Oggie), it’s a very popular and beautiful finish. It’s not very sharp anywhere. Apart from the double Oggy, which has a crisp transition, it is relatively easy to clean and maintain, and works well in both traditional modern and warm kitchens. The ridge may catch crumbs, but it needs to be wiped out without being trapped.
The above are two examples of Oggy finish. The shot on the left is from Emily’s previous kitchen in Los Angeles. In a public post, she pointed out that she chose Oggie’s bull. This essentially marries more bulls and Oggies at the bottom. Sarah’s kitchen has a more standard Augie, with the counter falling straight down rather than bending around the bottom.
Mountain House Kitchen has straight edges that appear to look thicker than standard. The edges are sharp and crisp, and you can see how it speaks to the more modern style of the kitchen. Designers love using this edge profile with dramatically pulsating marble to actually showcase the stone.
I’ve digged into Instagram and found some examples of both general and trendy profiles.
Below is a visual of the Bullnose countertop. Bullnose is pretty standard from a manufacturer’s point of view, but I haven’t seen that much anymore. It was very popular in the early 2000s and has returned a bit, but it is still lovely and you can see that it adds some great dimensions and movement to the charming space. Used in modern kitchens, they may quickly feel outdated.
Taking a rather basic Bullnor, double it and even laminate it to a triple is very exciting now. I’ve seen it everywhere. And while beautifully dramatic, it’s very niche so be careful and careful as it can expire stylistically. (If you love it, then after that!)
Ogee is great, but relaxed or flat Ogee as follows Mayfair Work Top It’s a great midfield for those who want to go into the details but don’t want the space to look overly classic. Note: This longer sloped object, such as Longegie or DuPont, may not be suitable for kitchens with limited counter space, as its smaller available surfaces.
You could create two profiles of beloved edges to make it look like a cove bull nose to me, as it may have been picked up in some of the naming conventions. Connect the sharp cove with the softened bull. The cove’s transitions and slopes are much more serious than Oggy in case you’re wondering.
Now I admit that they are not attracted to bevel cuts as they read more modern than the kitchen, but on Block Endgrain Island, the butcher below, it’s great as the wood gets warmer and doesn’t feel cold and modern. It is proof of how the material you are using changes the appearance of your profile. The surrounding edges look like waterfalls.
The following two images are from the same kitchen and include a beautiful wood countertop. Not sure, but the wooden pieces appear to have laminates (remember, that means stacked rather than fake), while Oggy Edge and Marble Island feature more Oggy bulls. I wouldn’t have thought about mixing them together (Re)Work Architecture and Design I’ll pull it apart.
And finally, this beauty Deborbecause the kitchen summary is not complete. Both black and white stones are cut deeper than Augie and have DuPont with a longer slope at the edges. This edge profile has a rather traditional and high-end look, but it takes up more surface space, like the flat Augie, making it perfect for a large counter-rich kitchen.
It takes us to the end of today’s guide. I hope it was kind and insightful. If you are planning a kitchen renovation or are in the middle of your life, let us know questions that will make your life easier. We may already have the resources for it or be willing to build some (you know I always play games for that). If there is anything to add, a comment is open.
Until next time…
Source: Emily Henderson – stylebyemilyhenderson.com
