Kitchen Waterfall Edge Countertops

A Kitchen Waterfall Edge can be a striking design element, unique focal point and often used with movement natural marble, dolomite, granite, quartzite and quartz countertop. They can often give a feel of a flowing design to the floor, totally tying the floor to the countertop with an uninterrupted transition.

Concerns to Understand:

Cost Factor do to the increase in material, fabrication and installation one will have an added cost.

Difficulty Factor ..A waterfall edge is based on the countertop side and the top meet, using two 45 degree cuts. Depending on the material, when cutting a 45 degree cut, some materials can chip at the point of the cut. This chipping can show on the final edge even though it will be filled with epoxy. Perfect 45 degree cuts in stone are a challenge not to be taken lightly. Compounding the challenge, is floor to countertop fit. Great care is taken at the measurement template step to avoid issues, however a very small irregularity in floor and cabinet shimming can greatly effect the seam connection point, creating an install challenge.

Countertop Width & Cabinet Sides ..Ideally, the waterfall side will parallel cabinet side, however if one tries to make the top cuts exactly match the bottom edge of the slab but ends up even a 1/16 of an inch short, the edge will have a gap. Adding extra is best, but often leaves a gap between cabinet sides and waterfall side. Adding an overhang before the waterfall does help in this regard, however it then becomes a challenge at template since one does not have contact points for the digital software to record.

Is A Waterfall Edge For You?

Perfection in a waterfall edge can be an extreme challenge. Closeup examination may show workmanship and stone character variabilities, however the overall striking design element, unique focal point effect is still an attractive option. One needs to weigh the pros and cons before choosing a waterfall edge.