What are the Different Types of Countertop Edging?

Countertops are often a prominent feature in kitchens and bathrooms, and there are many different types of edging to choose from. A straight or beveled-edge design is the most common choice. Countertop edging styles such as bull-nosed and quarter-round offer softer contours. V-cap countertop edging features a raised outer rim for spill control while hardwood-framed designs are often stained to match the cabinets. Special designs such as ogee, waterfall, and DuPont are also possible with certain countertop materials.

Countertops typically occupy a large amount of visual space in a kitchen or bathroom, and their appearance is often a major component in the overall decorating scheme. Various countertop materials, colors, and textures can compliment cabinets and flooring. Countertop edging designs can add an additional touch of style, elegance, or functionality to the surface. In some cases, the available edging style may depend on the material used for the countertop construction. In other instances, the functionality of the design may be the primary reason for an edging choice.

The most common type of countertop edging features a straight, flat-edged design. This design is frequently used for one-piece, wooden, butcher-block countertops. Composite wood countertops with a laminated surface may also utilize this design. Laminate countertops are usually constructed with a narrow seam showing between the top and face of the edging. Straight-edge designs sometimes can be slightly beveled to decrease the sharpness of the edge.

Bull-nose countertop edging is typically utilized with ceramic materials and features a softly curved surface. This type of edging is also available in laminate and seamless materials, and several design variations are possible. The most common bull-nose design features an overhanging edge that curves continuously until it reaches the cabinet face. Other variations curve gently until a flat face or bottom is reached. A more traditional curved design is known as a quarter-round and features a simple curving edge with a flat bottom.

V-cap countertop edging is frequently used for surfaces around sinks and has a slightly raised outer rim to contain spills. This type of edging is commonly found in bathroom vanities as well. The raised outer rim prevents water from spilling over the edge and damaging cabinets or flooring. Wood-framed designs feature strips of hardwood attached to the countertop edge. The wooden strips are typically stained to match the cabinet finish for a customized appearance.

A number of specialty designs are also available for countertop edging purposes. Ogee, waterfall, and DuPont are among the most common styles. An ogee design features a convex curve above a concave curve and is typically utilized with natural stone countertops. Waterfall designs consist of a series of stair-stepped angles descending along the edging face. DuPont edging has a flat face with a quarter-round bottom.