You’ve found the perfect countertop now all that’s left to do is choose the edge treatment. So what are your options for countertop edge treatments?
Wondering what the heck an edge treatment is? It is the front edge of the countertop that is available in several styles. A countertop top can be made to look much thicker just by laminating ¼” or ½” thick material together on the front edge. This is a great option for many different edge profiles so check it out.
What edge treatments are available?
Drip Groove
This style keeps liquid from running off the front edge and down the counter. This is a great choice for a solid surface countertop or a built up edge. A groove that’s 1/8” wide and 1/8” deep gets cut into the under side of the top.
NO Drip Edge
This is a standard plastic laminate countertop has a slight bump on the front edge to prevent liquid from running off the edge. This same effect can be created by using a strip of material used to build the edge up. A ¼” deep rabbet that’s 2” wide needs to be cut into the front top edge. Then you need to cut a second piece of material which is shaped and adhered to the rabbet.
Back Splash
The back splash prevents liquid from getting splashed up on the wall. There needs to be a water proof seal both at the top of the back splash and where the back splash and counter join. Use a silicone seal. Your back splash can be a variety of heights or thicknesses depending on what you want.
Back Seams
If your counter top is more than 12 feet in length you will need to have a seam. Bends will also require seams. Seams are impossible to hide so use a silicone that’s either clear or a complimentary color.
There are all kinds of edges on the market: Full Roundover, Bullnose, Flat Polish, Waterfall Edge, Self Edge, Accent Color Edge, Beveled Edge, T Edge, Triple Waterfall, or Round Edge. Your edging will run anywhere from $5 to $20 a linear foot.
Your edging will require little maintenance other than warm soapy water. There should be no reason to use abrasive cleansers. In fact avoid using if at all possible as they will cause scratching.
Laminate countertop edge treatments are plentiful but choosing one will be completed after you pick your countertop.
