What Is a Waterfall Edge Countertop?

If you have the budget to afford a kitchen or bathroom decked out in stunning natural stone, you might want to consider the trendy but timeless design of a waterfall edge countertop or waterfall island. An elegant way to show off granite, marble, or travertine, a waterfall edge countertop offers extra durability and easy maintenance, in addition to being a serious conversation starter. Read on to learn everything you need to know about waterfall edge countertops and why you might want to install one in your home.

How to Recognize a Waterfall Edge Countertop

A waterfall edge island or countertop does not have a horizontal endpoint. Instead, the waterfall extends from the top of the kitchen island, bathroom vanity, cabinet, or peninsula, all the way to the ground, making a full bracket shape of countertop material. 

The decision to install a waterfall edge countertop is largely for aesthetic reasons. Some homeowners like the drama of the waterfall edge and use it to showcase a higher-end material, such as granite or marble. Practically, however, it can be used to hide stools, small chairs, or even appliances.

Cost of a Waterfall Edge Countertop

The cost of a waterfall edge countertop is largely dictated by the material you wish the countertop to be made of and how much area you wish to cover. For reference, here are the average costs of countertop materials:

• Granite: $15–$140 per square foot

• Soapstone: $20–$70 per square foot

• Marble: $25–$60 per square foot

• Slate: $30–$90 per square foot

• Travertine: $11–$40 per square foot

• Concrete: $50–$100 per square foot

• Stainless steel: $60–$100 per square foot

• Wood: $20–$40 per square foot

Whether using a waterfall edge or traditional, the labor cost to install a countertop will run you $15 to $30 per square foot. In addition, if you choose a natural stone material, expect to shell out an additional fee for special fabricating; the fabricator must use a computer numerical control (CNC) laser cutter to miter the edges of the waterfall edge so they lay together without a visible seam. This will add an extra $1,000 to $2,000 to your final bill. 

Pros of a Waterfall Edge Countertop

Here are the reasons you might wish to spend the extra cash to install a waterfall edge countertop in your home.

• Statement piece: Any piece of furniture with a waterfall edge countertop will make a bold statement piece in your home and likely serve as the focal point for whatever room it is in.

• Durability: The waterfall countertop design limits the number of corners you, your kids, pets, or guests can bump into, causing less damage to your countertop (and to them).

• Simple maintenance: Without extra grooves, seams, and corners, the waterfall countertop is less prone to dirt buildup and easier to clean.

Cons of a Waterfall Edge Countertop

If you are on the fence about a waterfall edge, consider these cons before making a final decision.

• Cost: As noted above, a waterfall edge countertop will cost significantly more than a traditional countertop, given the added materials and labor involved.

• Connectivity: If you desire an outlet on your kitchen island or cabinet, it might be difficult with a waterfall edge countertop, depending on the material being used. Speak to your local kitchen countertop contractor to determine what is possible. 

• Time: Since a waterfall edge countertop is a more complicated, custom design, the construction time will be longer than a traditional countertop. If you are looking to complete your kitchen remodel in a hurry, this dramatic piece might not be the best choice.

Is a Waterfall Edge Countertop Right for You? 

When determining if a waterfall edge countertop is right for you, first consider your budget, as it is a more expensive option than a standard edge countertop. Next, think of the downsides, including not being able to put an outlet in the island, along with the aesthetics of what you are trying to achieve in your kitchen.

On the plus side, a waterfall edge countertop is an incredible statement piece, provides fluidity on your countertop, and can be safer since it lacks corners that kids and even adults notoriously run into and hurt themselves on. If you have room in your budget, and the look of a continuous countertop is something you prefer, it is a great way to make an upscale change to your kitchen or bathroom.