Four Edge Profiles for Bathroom Vanity Tops

Four Edge Profiles for Bathroom Vanity Tops

A complete remodel is one way to upgrade your bathroom, but it is not the only one. You can make quite an improvement on its look and function by putting in a vanity or, if you already have one, putting in a granite or marble vanity top.

One of the decisions you need to make when putting in any type of granite or marble countertop is the edge profile. The fabricator hews the edge profile at the same time as the sink cutouts, so you need to indicate your choice after choosing the stone slab you want. It may not seem like a major issue, but it may be more important than you first realize.

The primary purpose of the edge profile is to enhance the countertop by showing off the beauty of the stone. In some cases, it also has a practical function. A description of four edge profiles for granite or marble vanity tops below will demonstrate its importance for you and your bathroom.

Square edge profile

The square or standard is a classic, one of the simplest and most common edge profiles. It is popular for both kitchen countertops and bathroom vanity tops, particularly popular for modern designs because of its clean, sleek look.

The square edge profile may seem to have sharp, straight lines at a casual glance. However, a closer look will show the edges are actually slightly round. Fabricators put in “kerfs” or tiny cuts in the granite or marble to soften the sharpness. A truly sharp edge may cause injuries, especially to the heads of small children that are just at the right height for it. Rounding the edge also makes it less likely to chip or break over time.

Variations of the square edge profile include the eased top and eased top and bottom. The eased top edge has a much more obvious rounding at the top and flat front, while the eased top and bottom has a rounded top and bottom edge, still with a flat front.

The square edge profile is suitable for granite or marble slabs of more or less solid colors and few noticeable features, and in smaller rooms, as the simple construction gives an illusion of spaciousness. It also focuses attention to other elements in the bathroom, such as an ornate mirror or dramatic light fixtures.

Beveled edge profile

The beveled edge profile is also a popular style for bathrooms as well as kitchens in both traditional and modern styles. The angled cut of this edge treatment is reminiscent of classic architectural styles, but also has a sleek look. Designers recommend this style as it provides additional reflection of light at the edge.

The popularity of the beveled edge style is due to its subtle elegance, an ideal element in most bathrooms. It was also a treatment used to prove that it is really granite or marble and not some cheap imitation, as the cut provided an inside look into the distinctive grains and features of the stone. Of course, this is no longer a reliable way to assess the nature of the material today. Engineered stone and laminate countertop manufacturers can mimic these features by incorporating these types of edge profiles into their products. However, this does not detract from the esthetic value of edge treatment for your countertops.

The bevel, also known as a chamfer, refers to the 45-degree slope at the top edge of your granite or marble countertops that extends nearly to the bottom. A simple beveled edge will feature just that. However, several variations of this type of edge treatment are available. One is where the angle is much steeper than 45 degrees, and called an extreme bevel or knife-edge profile. Another is a 45-degree cut at the top half of the edge, or alternately, a 45-degree cut at both the top and bottom of the edge, or a double bevel.

In some cases, you can direct your fabricator to customize an edge profile by combining a beveled edge profile with other edge profiles. Expert fabricators will almost always put kerfs along the sharp edges, but the beveled edge profile will always present a strong element to your design.

Mitered edge profile

Granite and marble countertops are much more affordable today than a few decades ago. Nevertheless, they are still among the more expensive materials for countertop materials, so a mitered edge profile can help you save some money.

Granite or marble stone slabs typically come in 2 cm and 3 cm thicknesses, with some producers producing even thinner ones. As you might have guessed, thinner slabs are less expensive than thicker ones. If you are on a budget, you will probably choose the thinner, less expensive options, which is good enough for bathroom vanity tops. However, if you want to mask the fact that it is a thin slab, a mitered edge profile can create the illusion that it is much thicker than it really is.

A mitered edge profile presents as a simple square edge, so you can use it for any style of bathroom. However, this edge treatment joins two pieces of the stone set at a 90-degree angle to create this look. The fabricator cuts the edges of the stone at a 45-degree angle so that they fit together seamlessly. Using a special type of adhesive, the installer attaches the two stones together after installation. If you want something a bit more rounded, you can request your fabricator for an eased mitered edge.

The important thing with this type of edge treatment is the precise cutting of the stones in such a way that there appears to be no break in the stone where the two edges meet. This requires considerable skill on the part of the fabricator, as natural stones are notoriously random in terms of color and pattern.

Bullnose edge profile

You have probably seen the bullnose edge profile in many bathrooms and kitchens in your time, and you may even already have them for your kitchen countertops. This type of treatment is popular because it has a soft, graceful look, and it is particularly safe for young children.
A bullnose edge is round from top to bottom with not a sharp edge or angle in sight. It is suitable for many types of bathrooms, but particularly attractive in contemporary designs.

Two variations are available for this edge treatment: demi-bullnose, and half-bullnose. Some people might point out that “demi” also means half, but in this case, at least, they refer to slightly different treatments. The demi-bullnose has a round top and angled bottom. The half-bullnose is similar, but the bottom half is more rounded.

Conclusion

These four basic edge profiles provide homeowners with additional design options for their bathroom vanity tops. Some companies offer these basic edge profiles as a freebie in their packages, but edge treatments are actually a complicated process requiring considerable skill on the part of fabricators.

If you are still feeling doubtful about your ability to choose the right edge profile for your bathroom upgrade, consult with a reputable remodeling company about it. Fairfax Kitchen Bath services the DC, MD and Northern Virginia metropolitan areas. We are a Class A, licensed and insured remodeling company, registered in the Commonwealth of Virginia, with a showroom in Fairfax, Virginia.

When you contract with us, you can be sure you will get a quick turnaround on your products, and receive it much faster than ordering what you need from big box stores. We specialize in fabricating kitchen countertops to specifications, and installing them within budget and on time.
Fairfax Kitchen Bath guarantees you will love it for life. We sell only top quality products for all your remodeling needs manufactured by leading brands in the industry.

We carry the products you need for your bathroom upgrade, from natural and engineered stone slabs, cabinets, shelves, sinks, faucets tiles, backsplashes, knobs and pulls, and hardwood flooring. We carry only the top brands for these products, such as Schrock Cabinetry, Silestone, Blanco, Kohler, and Mosaic Décor.

Our products come with manufacturer warranties that ensure your satisfaction with the quality and installation.
Contact us today to get a free quote for your bathroom upgrade.

Share this post
Sam Kazanci <br/><span id="position">Owner</span>
Sam Kazanci
Owner

Sam Kazanci is the owner of Fairfax Kitchen Bath Remodeling. He has experience to build and remodel the kitchen and baths with his team and the author of fkb blog: You can find Sam on LinkedIn and Twitter.

FLEXIBLE FINANCING OPTIONS

AVAILABLE FOR YOUR NEW KITCHEN OR BATH?