Edge Profiles

With the recent advance in CNC technology, granite and marble countertops can have practically limitless possibilities for edge profiles. When you are ready to purchase your countertop, you will be offered a variety of edges. Some very basic edges will be included in the square-foot or linear-foot price of the countertop. More decorative or complex edges can be added at an additional cost, which is usually nominal considering the investment you are making in the countertops.

Basic
The most basic countertop edge is the straight edge. It is a squared edge, with only a very slight bevel, called a chamfer, to take the sharpness from the edges. A popular modification to this is the quarter round, where the top edge is rounded off, or the double quarter round, where both the top and bottom edges are rounded. Bullnose is a variation where the top edge is rounded more dramatically, and a full bullnose converts the edge of the countertop to a perfect half-circle. Beveled edges are also popular, and the bevel can be carved on either the top or bottom edges…or both.
Premium Edges
Fancier edges are available, usually at extra cost to the consumer. Perhaps the most popular is the ogee. Inspired by medieval European architecture, the ogee edge consists of two graceful, sweeping arches, one concave, and the other convex. It adds a very elegant look to countertops. Other popular edges include dupont (a straight edge dropping down to a curve), cove (a concave bevel on the top edge), stair tread (a curved undercut lip), and waterfall (three cascading convex arches).