What Are the Most Popular Edges for Granite Counters?

The year 2019 will mark the 25th anniversary of HGTV, the cable television network that initially launched as the Home, Lawn, and Garden Channel in December 1994. More than one million viewers tune into the channel's primetime programs, and there’s no doubt North American homeowners have been substantially influenced by HGTV interior design trends, particularly in the kitchen, where granite countertops have become a 21st century standard.

The elegance and durability of granite makes it a perfect choice for kitchens or bathrooms. When shopping around for granite slabs, you can choose more than just the color and veining patterns. There’s also the surface finish and edging to consider, and the considerations go beyond aesthetics. Here are the most popular edges for granite countertops along with the reasons they’re often chosen.

Flat

Also known as flat polish, this cut essentially projects the edge perpendicularly at a 90-degree angle, but with a slight roundness right at the point when the surface drops. The small curve is more functional than appealing since it protects the slab from chipping. Since modern kitchen design is often angular, this edging will fit most tastes, and it looks great with polished finishes.

Bullnose

This is a more classic look because it can also be seen on glass and wooden countertops. The edges for this style are round, and they can be cut at half or full profile. When you choose the full bullnose, the slab appears to be slimmer. The half bullnose provides a visual effect to enhance the thickness of the slab.

Drop Apron &Waterfall

As its name suggests, this edging technique drops down toward the floor, which means two slabs are joined so the entire counter looks as if it was cut from a granite block. This type of edging requires more intricate work from fabricators and installers since they often have to line up the veining as they join the horizontal slabs with the vertical panels.

Bevel

The most common bevel cut is the double quarter bevel round, which not only looks great but also provides a degree of protection against accidental nicks and scratches, which explains why home chefs who use their kitchen countertops for high volume food preparation often ask for this edging. A straight double level has a look similar to a diamond cut section, and it’s ideal for reflecting natural or artificial lighting.

No matter which type of edge you choose for your countertops, make sure you clean them regularly with a stone-safe granite cleaner. All of the stone care products provided by Granite Gold® are safe to use on granite, travertine, slate, marble, and all other types of natural-stone and quartz surfaces. Call one of the Stone Care Experts today at 1-800-475-STONE (7866) to learn more).

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