When it comes to designing and quoting for stone benchtops, one of the most important elements to consider early is the edge profile. The edge profile makes a big difference to how your stone benchtop looks, feels and wears over time.
In this guide, we explain the most popular edge profiles, how 20mm and 40mm edges differ, and why it pays to choose your edge before your measure.
Aesthetics of Edge Profiles
Edge profiles are the shaped edges applied to stone benchtops to give them a finished, polished look. They range from simple, straight edges to softer designs such as bullnose or lambs tongue. Edge profiles also play a practical role, with some edges easier to clean or gentler on hips and little hands than others.
Important Considerations
When deciding on an edge profile for your kitchen stone benchtop, consider the overall design of your space and how the edge will complement your cabinets, splashback and lighting. A modern kitchen with sleek lines and minimal detailing often suits a crisp square or bevelled edge, such as an aris edge.
If your home has more traditional décor and furniture, a softer profile like a bullnose may feel more at home.
Your Benchtop Surface
The surface you choose also affects which edges work best, as some surfaces suit crisp, straight edges while others are better with a gentle radius. Thicker or heavier benchtops may also need extra support at the edges and overhangs. We will talk you through which edge profiles suit your chosen silica-free benchtop during your measure.
Edge Profile Sizes
20mm Edge Profiles
20mm edge profiles are very common in modern kitchens and come in a variety of options including Aris, Pencil Round, Full Bullnose, Half Bullnose, Lambs Tongue and Sharknose. Aris has a square front edge with lightly bevelled corners, while Pencil Round has a softer, slightly rounded edge. Both are easy to clean, although a crisper edge may not be the best choice in a home with young children.
A Full Bullnose has a fully rounded front edge, while a Half Bullnose is rounded on the top and flat underneath. Lambs Tongue is similar to Half Bullnose but with a more defined shape, while Sharknose has an angled undercut that makes a benchtop look thinner and lighter.
40mm Edge Profiles
If you want a bolder, more substantial look than a 20mm profile, 40mm profiles are the way to go. These include Mitred Apron Aris, Mitred Apron Pencil Round and Lambs Tongue in both Half and Full Bullnose. A mitred apron edge is created by joining a strip of stone to the front edge, so the benchtop looks twice as thick.
40mm edges suit islands and statement benchtops, and give a more generous look along the front of the kitchen. They can cost more than 20mm profiles because of the extra fabrication involved.
Choose Your Edge Before Your Measure
Your edge profile is one of the smallest details on a benchtop, and one of the questions we are asked most. Settling it before your measure is one of the easiest ways to keep your project on track, especially if you are hoping to have your benchtop installed before the Christmas break. It also means your quote reflects exactly what you want, with no surprises later.
For more help choosing, read our top 5 mistakes to avoid when choosing an edge profile, and see how long a silica-free benchtop installation takes from quote to install.
Edge Profile FAQs
What is the most popular edge profile for stone benchtops?
Aris and pencil round edges are the most common choices in modern kitchens. They give a clean, contemporary look on a 20mm benchtop and are easy to keep clean.
What is the difference between a 20mm and 40mm edge?
A 20mm edge shows the natural thickness of the benchtop. A 40mm edge uses a mitred apron, a strip of stone joined to the front edge, to create a thicker, more substantial look.
Which edge profile is best for families with young children?
Softer, rounded edges such as pencil round, half bullnose or full bullnose are gentler on knocks and bumps than a crisp square edge.
Which edge profile is least likely to chip?
Rounded edges generally handle everyday knocks better than sharp, square edges, because there is no hard corner to take the impact.
What is a lambs tongue edge?
A lambs tongue edge has a rounded top that curves down into a more defined lower edge. It suits both traditional and transitional kitchens, and is available in 20mm and 40mm versions.
Need Help Choosing?
With so many edge profiles available, it is worth understanding your options before making a final decision. Our in-house team can talk you through which edges suit your space, your surface and the way you use your kitchen.
Request a quote and we will help you choose the right edge profile for your benchtop.