Concrete countertop with waterfall edge. | Photo Source: Concrete Pete
We all know that a gorgeous stone countertop can add a touch of luxury to just about any kitchen space, but choosing the right edge can take your countertop and ultimately, your entire kitchen design, to a whole new level. Waterfall countertop edges, also known as a riser or infinity edge, are a refreshing break from the standard horizontal countertops that simply run from one end of the cabinetry to another. Not to be confused with the curved edge of the same name often used for laminate countertops, waterfall countertops continue pass the joint of the cabinet edge and run vertically down towards the floor, creating a seamless, elegant look. If you’d like a contemporary kitchen design, the clean lines and angles of a waterfall edge will fit in perfectly.
The smooth, flowing look of a waterfall countertop isn’t the only benefit to choosing this edge for your kitchen design. While end panels are a perfectly viable way to bring closure to the ends of an island or the end of a base cabinet, if they’re made of wood they’re still susceptible to accidental scratching, particularly if you have pets or children. Covering the sides with a hard, durable surface like granite or quartz can help prevent this.
A waterfall countertop, particularly if made from granite, quartz or another aesthetically pleasing stone material, would be the star attraction in your kitchen design. If this flowing countertop edge is exactly the kind of look you’re going for, check out these kitchen designs for ideas on how to pair a waterfall edge with your Stock Cabinet Express cabinetry!
Photo Source: Space Architects + Planners
This marble countertop falls down both edges of this island, creating a seamless, continuous look. Along with the matching marble backsplash, the gorgeous, characteristic gray veining of this stone adds a touch of visual interest to this otherwise all-white kitchen. For a simple, clean, contemporary look, try pairing a marble waterfall countertop with Ice White Shaker cabinetry. For a more classic look, this countertop would also make a great complement to the raised panel design of our Signature Pearl kitchen cabinets.
Photo Source: Biglar Kinyan Design
Your island does not have to be simple to incorporate a waterfall edge design. This L-shaped island features a granite countertop that also falls to the floor on two ends. On the far end of the island, the countertop extends off of the cabinetry to create leg room for a seating area. The extensive, varied patterning of the natural granite stone makes it the focal point of this kitchen design. Recreate this look with dark Pepper Shaker kitchen cabinets, or for a more complex, traditional look, pair with Signature Brownstone kitchen cabinets.
Photo Source: Epic Development
This simple waterfall edge countertop is made of quartz and provides a great visual contrast to the dark cabinetry. By extending past the edge of the island cabinetry, this countertop serves to both provide leg room for seating as well as to hide the cabinets underneath, making this design a utilitarian’s dream. The clean lines and plain, all-white design of this countertop makes it the perfect accompaniment to any contemporary kitchen design. Such a countertop would pair well with our Pepper Shaker, Downtown Dark, and Gramercy Midnight cabinets.
Photo Source: Sustainable Sedona
You may feel that choosing a stone countertop with a waterfall edge might limit you solely to dark or white cabinetry. However, stone countertops are available in a variety of colors, many of which can pair well with warmer, light-colored wood cabinetry such as in the above design. Feel free to choose the quartz countertop of your liking and pair with our Shakertown kitchen cabinets to create a similar look.
A Few Things To Keep In Mind
If you do decide to go with a waterfall countertop, be sure to choose a reputable stone fabricator with experience working with this particular countertop design. The precise edges require the proper machinery and skilled craftsmen. Be sure to ask your stone fabricator if they’re prepared to install a waterfall edge before choosing to use their services. If they’re comfortable creating this edge for you, be sure to provide them with all the measurements of your island, including the sides.