Picking an edge profile for your benchtops is one of the most crucial choices in benchtop design, although it is often undervalued. At EmporiumStone, we have seen far too many homeowners make horrible and costly mistakes when they have selected an edge profile; mistakes that impacted safety, maintenance, and aesthetics from day one. When the edged profile is incorrect, chipping, difficulty in cleaning, and mismatching designs can make your beautiful kitchen or bathroom a headache.
In this article we will share the most common mistakes to avoid when choosing an edge profile for your benchtops, ensuring that your benchtop not only looks amazing, but performs well over time. Read on to discover how to ensure your benchtop edge will compliment your space, instead of detracting from it.
Top Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing an Edge Profile
When choosing an edge profile for your benchtops, even the smallest detail can make a big impact on durability, safety, and design harmony. To help you avoid an expensive case of buyer’s remorse, here are the top mistakes you should avoid.
Mistake 1: Ignoring Functionality
One of the Mistakes to Avoid when choosing an edge profile for your benchtops is weighing only aesthetic appearance over functionality. An edge that looks sharp in the showroom can become annoying in a hurry in a busy household.
- Choosing a complex edge that is difficult to clean or regularly chips.
- Not thinking about how the edge will deal with everyday things like kids, cooking and spills.
- Tip: Always consider functionality for high-use areas so they last a long time.
Mistake 2: Overlooking Safety
The safety factor in selecting an edge profile for your benchtops is often overlooked, but it can affect the comfort and well-being in your household. To ignore how edges can affect interactions in everyday life could lead to the risk of injury or wasted space.
- In homes with kids, sharp edges pose significant safety hazards.
- Very rounded edges are softer and have some merit, yet they will require greater surface area on your counters.
- Tip: Try to find a balance between safety and aesthetics by considering eased or bullnose edges in kid-friendly households.
Mistake 3: Not Matching the Style of Your Space
When taking into account an edge profile for your benchtops, design harmony is essential. An edge profile that is out of alignment with cabinetry, or the larger design of your kitchen or bathroom will break the design aesthetic, making it feel disjointed.
Examples include:
- Choosing an edge profile that conflicts with cabinetry or overall design.
- Choosing overly ornate edges in modern minimalist designs.
- Tip: Always match the edge profile with the overall style of your home; whether modern, classic, or transitional style!
Mistake 4: Neglecting Material Limitations
Every material has strengths and limitations, which is particularly relevant when it comes to selecting an edge profile for your benchtops. If you ignore these limitations, you may find yourself dealing with increased costs, fabrication issues or long-term durability issues.
- Some edges are more difficult to achieve in materials like concrete or marble.
- More complex edges could increase costs or increase the risk of damage during fabrication.
- Tip: Always check with your stone supplier to ensure the edge profile works with your chosen material.
Mistake 5: Focusing Only on Aesthetics
It can be easy to get lost in the aesthetics of an edge profile for your benchtops, but it’s important to consider more than just looks. What looks stunning in a showroom will quickly lose its luster if it’s impractical, or hard to maintain.
- Choosing a style over durability, ease of maintenance, and practicality.
- Tip: Remember to find a balance between beauty and function – choose edge profiles that work with your style but can stand up to daily life.
Mistake 6: Ignoring Budget Implications
Budget is often overlooked when choosing an edge profile for your benchtops, yet it directly impacts your overall project cost. Some edge styles may look appealing but can substantially increase expenses during fabrication and installation.
- Complex edge profiles can significantly raise fabrication and installation costs.
- Tip: Always balance your design preferences with budget constraints to avoid overspending.
Edge Profile Options
Choosing the right edge profile for your benchtops is crucial to achieving the look and function you desire. Each edge profile has its own design characteristics and functional advantages. Therefore, it’s important to choose one that works for your lifestyle and vision. Below are some of the most commonly selected:
- Bevelled Edge: A classic, timeless choice with a sleek angled cut. This edge profile would suit a modern kitchen such as a Contemporary or Minimalist style. A Good bevelled edge profile is not too design specific, it will add a little character to any Quartz and Granite benchtops but won’t take away from the overall design.
- Bullnose Edge: This edge profile is smooth and fully rounded which will suit a household with children. A Bullnose edge will go hand in glove with materials such as Corian and Hi-Macs with its soft and tactile finish.
- Ogee Edge: This edge profile is ornate and elegant. The Ogee edge profile will suit a traditional or luxurious interior. It works particularly well with Granite and Marble benchtops and gives it the touch of sophistication.
- Squared Edge: This is a minimalist and contemporary edge profile. A squared edge profile will deliver a clean and sharp look to your benchtops. Especially in urban designs, a squared edge works well with any Quartz and Hanex surfaces.
- Waterfall Edge: Designed to make a bold statement, this option continues the benchtop material vertically down the sides for a flowing, dramatic effect. It’s ideal for modern spaces using materials like Tristone and Minerva.
Expert Tips from EmporiumStone Melbourne
At EmporiumStone Melbourne, we know that deciding on an edge profile for your benchtops can be daunting due to the choices available. To assist you in making the right choice, our experts suggest the following:
- Ask for some samples of edge profiles first, ideally physical samples. Seeing and feeling the edge will give you more clarity about its texture and proportions compared to looking at photographs.
- Consider using different edge profiles (eg. use bullnose in high-use spaces for safety and durability while using a more decorative profile on an island bench for impact).
- Consider the presence of light and color. Edge profiles will catch light differently which can subtly affect how the stone’s color and patterns appear in your space.
Now that you are ready to select the edge profile for your benchtops, contact EmporiumStone Melbourne for industry-specification advice, tailored recommendations and premium stone solutions to achieve your design perfect vision.
As you select an edge profile for your benchtops, it’s not only important to select the right design but equally important to avoid common mistakes. There are many factors to consider; from mixing and matching style and functionality (for example, creating overhangs) to potential safety issues. Your budget can also limit your choices. And don’t forget about material limitations! Every single detail can have a lasting impact on how your benchtop will look and function over time. By knowing your options and guidance from the experts, you can make sure you are left with something practical and visually stunning.
At EmporiumStone Melbourne, we can guide you to making the right choice. Connect with our team for a personal consultation, high-quality materials, and craftsmanship that will transform your kitchen or bathroom to last a lifetime.
