A waterfall countertop is a countertop that heads toward the floor and continues down the side of the cabinet, island, or seating area. By doing that it creates a continuous flow and links the floor to the cabinetry in a fluid and natural manner. The impact that a waterfall countertop has on a kitchen is really big and your kitchen looks more refined and chic. This trend is really strong now, so it’s time to discuss these countertops and decide whether we need them for our kitchens or not.
What Materials Can Waterfall Countertops Be Made Of?
More often you will see stone, granite, or quartz but you may also design a concrete, wood, butcherblock and many other countertops if you want, it all depends on the kitchen cabinets or island and the effect you want to achieve.
Pros of Waterfall Kitchen Countertops
Waterfall kitchen countertops are showstoppers, they instantly make your kitchen unique, give it personality and an impressive look. Besides, the stone on the side of the cabinets also acts as a protective barrier, shielding the cabinets from normal wear-and-tear.
The waterfall design is incredibly versatile, you can find a solution for any kitchen and a countertop of any material. A sleek white stone countertop will be great for a contemporary or minimalist kitchen, a marble slab countertop will add a refined touch to your luxurious space, a butcherblock waterfall countertop is perfect for a rustic kitchen. Besides, even inside each type of material there are tons of options, for example, a marble waterfall countertop can have several colors and different veining, a wooden countertop can feature a living edge or not, a butcherblock countertop can have different shades of staining and so on, and the material of the island itself makes this look evne more unique, for instance, you may go for a wood or tile clad kitchen island. A waterfall countertop is a long-lasting trend and will always present your personal style.
Durability is an important feature for a kitchen as it’s a functional space for peeling, cooking, cleaning, and waterfall countertops are very durable, especially when made of quartz — which is versatile and resistant to damage.
A waterfall countertop is rather easy to maintain. For example, a quartz waterfall countertop can last for years without any maintenance or showing any signs of wear. It’s also worth mentioning that a waterfall countertop is simpler to clean compared to traditional countertops.
Waterfall countertops provide a lot more space. In fact, you can design with storage in mind, creating space to hide away unused appliances and utensils while allowing enough space to slide stools under it.
Cons of Waterfall Kitchen Countertops
Because of the craftsmanship required to match and fit waterfall countertops, they tend to cost more than standard kitchen counters. There is little room for error, especially when it comes to matching the veins along the connection. The counter material that runs along the side will require extra support to stay in place, thus adding to the cost of materials. Simply put, this is not a good fit for budget kitchen remodels.
If you want an outlet on the side of the cabinets, it will be difficult to install with a waterfall edge. The outlet may also take away from the effect of the waterfall. Think about the function of the kitchen first. Then you can decide if this design element is the right fit for your needs.
Stools can only be stashed directly underneath the kitchen island, which means you cannot add more seats along the sides.