3 Top Features Every Great Kitchen Countertop Should Have
When you are designing a perfect kitchen space, a countertop is one of the key areas you should focus on.
After all, a premium countertop makes your kitchen more useful, attractive, and easier to maintain. That means it should be both functional and attractive.
Whether you choose granite, marble, or quartz countertops, there are some common features you should find in all of them. That’s why Toronto’s leading stone works company has designed a list of them to help you make an informed purchase.
Let’s get started.
Essential Features Every Top-Quality Kitchen Countertop Must Have
Irrespective of what type of kitchen countertop you have selected, it should have these features.
Backsplash
A backsplash is an extension of your kitchen countertop. It can extend only a few inches high or even as high as the ceiling. Its purpose is to prevent grease, water, and other elements from damaging the walls, particularly those behind sinks or stoves.
Backsplashes provide distinct colours and design patterns to suit your preference and kitchen decor. While they are functional in busy homes, some homeowners view them as a luxury rather than a necessity. So, it is just up to you to determine what makes sense for your lifestyle.
Working Area of the Countertop
Irrespective of what materials your kitchen countertop is made with, work surfaces may be divided into two categories:
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Work Surface
Here the countertops are mounted on the base cabinets lining the walls, with a standard depth of 24 inches and a height of 36 inches. The surface may or may not include a backsplash integrated into the countertop.
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Kitchen Island
This is a free-standing countertop work surface that is not attached to the wall. Instead, it is situated in the center of the room and its standard height is 30 inches.
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Edge Profiles
The edge profile is the finishing touch to your kitchen countertop. There are different options to choose from, based on your kitchen size and preferred style. Here are a few of the most popular countertop edge profiles.
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Eased Edge
This edge profile offers a simple yet elegant look that will never go out of fashion. The countertop corners are smoothed to reduce sharpness but they retain a square shape.
This eased edge is a great option for modern kitchens and bathrooms. Its simple design requires little maintenance because it is devoid of complicated grooves where dust or grime usually accumulate. Compared to other intricate edge profiles, this style is available at an affordable price.
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Bullnose Edge
The bullnose edge is curved along the bottom or top for a smooth, even finish. This is one of the most popular edges for granite countertops and is an ideal option if you live with small children because there are no obtrusive corners to bump into. A half-bullnose is also available, where its bottom edge remains flat.
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Bevelled Edge
The bevelled edge style features a 45-degree angle which does not have any sharp corners. This angled edge looks expensive but isn’t. Its crisp and clean lines are not distracting and add visual appeal to a contemporary space.
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Ogee Edge
This is an intricate countertop edge style mostly used in traditional kitchens. Its stylish and sophisticated concave S-curve detail is mostly used for marble kitchen countertops. This is because it matches well with the flowing pattern that appears in this stunning natural stone. The more details you add to this style, the more stylish it becomes and the more expensive it gets. This edge profile also requires careful attention to keep the corners absolutely clean and devoid of crumbs or dust.
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Chiselled Edge
This chiselled edge profile has the rough natural look of a countertop and does not have a polished, fabricated cut. This edging looks gorgeous and bold and is widely noticed by visitors.
These are the key features of granite, marble, or any other kitchen countertop. Make sure you choose these materials according to your budget, kitchen decor, and preference. If you need help choosing the right countertop and its key features, contact a leading stone company near you.
