Edges and thickness

Choosing an edge and a thickness

The edge is the part of the counter you touch and see from across the room, and the thickness decides how heavy the stone reads. Both are decided before the slab is ordered, because thickness changes which slabs can be used.

2cm or 3cm

3cm (about 1¼ inches) is the standard for kitchen counters and reads solid on its own; the Lakeview powder room is 3cm for counter and backsplash. 2cm (about ¾ inch) is lighter and suits shelves, vanities and backsplashes, like the Gold Coast floating shelf on hidden steel.

Mitered edges

A miter joins two pieces at 45 degrees so the counter looks thicker than the slab. The Glenview island has a 2.5-inch mitered waterfall from 3cm slab; the Glen Ellyn vanity has a 6-inch mitered edge. Porcelain, usually 12mm, is mitered for the same reason, as on the Western Springs hearth.

Square, eased and built-up

A square or eased edge is clean and practical; a slight ease softens the corner so it is kinder to hands and less likely to chip. A built-up stepped edge, like the Frankfort Calacatta kitchen, adds a second layer of stone so the counter reads thicker.

Broken edge

Hand-chiseled, rough and rustic, best outdoors. The Park Ridge outdoor kitchen pairs leathered Black Pearl with a broken edge.

If you are not sure, tell us the room and how it will be used, and we will suggest the edge and thickness that suit it.