The common edges
| Edge | Shape | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Eased (pencil or square eased) | Square, with the sharp corners lightly rounded | Modern and everyday kitchens; resists chips; easy to wipe |
| Bevel | A flat 45° cut along the top corner | Clean lines with a little detail |
| Half bullnose | Rounded top, square bottom | Soft look; drips fall off the front |
| Full bullnose | Rounded top and bottom | Families and tight walkways; no sharp corners |
| Ogee | An S-shaped curve | Traditional kitchens; costs more to cut |
| Dupont | A square step down into a rounded lower curve | Formal, traditional look |
| Mitered | A second strip of stone joined to the front at 45°, so the seam sits on the corner | Thick, modern edges and waterfall ends |
| Laminated (built-up) | A strip of stone glued under the front edge, then shaped and polished as one | A thicker look on thinner 2 cm stone |
How to choose
- Chips: the sharper the corner, the more likely a pan or bottle will chip it. Eased and rounded edges hold up best.
- Cleaning: deep curves like ogee collect crumbs; simple edges wipe clean.
- Spills: a rounded top lets drips run off the front instead of pooling.
- Style: thin, square edges read modern; curved and stepped edges read traditional.
- Cost: each extra profile is extra cutting and polishing, so decorative edges cost more.
Edges on prefab pieces
A prefab piece comes with its front edge already shaped and polished, so what you see is what you get. Every piece is 2 cm (about ¾ inch) thick, with a mitered or laminated front edge, built up so the front looks thicker. If you trim a piece, the cut end can be shaped and polished by a fabricator to match, or butted against a wall or appliance where it will not show. See prefab vs custom countertops.
Common questions
What is the most popular countertop edge?
The eased edge. It is simple, modern, chips less than a sharp square edge and is the least expensive to cut.
Which countertop edge is safest for kids?
A full or half bullnose, because there is no sharp corner at head height for small children.
What is the difference between a mitered and a laminated edge?
Both make a thin countertop look thicker at the front. A mitered edge joins a second strip of stone at a 45° angle, so the joint sits right on the corner and the veining can wrap around it. A laminated edge glues a strip flat under the front edge, and the joint shows as a fine line along the side of the edge.
Can you change the edge on an existing countertop?
Sometimes. A fabricator can reshape some edges in place, but it is dusty work and the new edge will be slightly narrower.