The waterfall countertop trend is really strong right now so it’s about time we talked about it in more detail.
A waterfall countertop is easily recognizable by the fact that it drops vertically down the sides instead of stopping abruptly at the edge of a cabinet or island.
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 (or a bathroom) can be observed on multiple levels.
What Is a Waterfall Countertop?
Waterfall edges are design elements that create a 90-degree angle at the end of a countertop’s length and width. Rather than merely terminating with a completed edge, the countertop extends down the edges and towards the floor. The “waterfall: name derives from the design of the countertop, which appears to be “pouring” off the edge.
A waterfall countertop, though it might look out of place in a traditional home, provides the strong, clean lines that are essential to a contemporary kitchen.
The sides of a vanity can be effortlessly connected to the walls or the floors in the bathroom by a beautifully flowing expanse of stone with a smooth finish. Furthermore, because natural stone is impervious and moisture-proof, it is an excellent option for a steamy bathroom environment.
What Material Can I Use for a Waterfall Countertop?
Naturally, there are different materials that you can use to make waterfall countertops, with some being more popular and others being new additions that can still give lovely end results. While stone is the most common choice, there are other options out there, so let’s take a look at what you can get from each of the available materials.
Granite
Granite has always been the go-to-choice for countertops because the advantages are simply too good to overlook. Granite has a very high heat-resistance, is strong and will last a long time, requires almost no maintenance when properly treated, adds value to your home, and you get to choose between more than 3,000 colors and types.
However, granite is pretty expensive, very hard to install by yourself, and the naturally porous surface or granite demands a sealer to prevent stains.
Quartz
A quartz countertop is essentially an engineered stone product that comprises up to 93 percent quartz particles, combined with some other minerals. Because it is nonporous, it is more resistant to scratching and staining than granite and may be found in a wide spectrum of colors.
As far as waterfall countertops are concerned, quartz can be a good choice because DIY installation is possible, the surface itself will be easy to maintain, and quartz slabs rarely have any imperfections. However, quartz is expensive and quite heavy.
Marble
Marble is yet another natural stone that is frequently utilized in kitchen countertops. The distinctive features of marble will make each waterfall countertop unique but note that this is a material that people tend to run away from because it is easy to scratch and difficult to repair.
For waterfall countertops, DIY installation isn’t easy at all, which makes marble a less desirable choice in spite of benefits such as heat proofing, waterproofing, and unique veining.
Wood/Butcher’s block
Wood waterfall counters have a wonderful, warm appearance and are available in a variety of hues and finishes to complement any décor. Hardwoods are most frequently utilized as countertop woods because of their durability.
Waterfall countertops made from wood are easy to clean, can be resealed as needed, and are great for adding a country look to your space. However, they are more prone to damage compared to countertops made from other materials.
Concrete
If you have countertops that are in strange forms, or if you want a kitchen that is truly one-of-a-kind, concrete countertops may be a wonderful option for you. In order to accommodate their great weight, concrete countertops are typically made in molds right in your home’s kitchen.
Despite the fact that concrete is susceptible to cracking, new solutions are being developed to mitigate this problem. With the use of additives, the porousness of concrete can be minimized.
If you want to install waterfall countertops yourself, it won’t be possible. Also, custom work with concrete costs quite a lot of money. However, the surface will be sophisticated, heat and scratch resistant.
Metal
When it comes to giving your kitchen a truly contemporary and industrial style, stainless steel is a terrific option. Countertops made of stainless steel are heat resistant and long-lasting. Because they are built to your requirements, you can have a countertop that is completely seamless.
If you’re thinking of choosing metal for your waterfall countertop, know that this material is expensive to make and is prone to scratches. Some of the benefits include ease of cleaning and high resistance to heat damage.
Laminate
Surfaces such as laminate sheets are bonded to a particleboard (MDF) core to create countertops. It is possible to purchase pre-formed segments of laminate countertops or have them custom-fabricated to specifications, so if you want a waterfall countertop made with laminate, you’re going to have to place a custom order.
Although laminates have traditionally been viewed as less luxurious than premium countertop materials, they have recently had a resurgence in popularity. The downsides with choosing laminate for a waterfall countertop include visible seams and added expenses with making the custom edges.
Pros and Cons to Waterfall Countertops
If you’ve decided to give your kitchen a new look and you’re not sure if waterfall countertops are the best solution, let’s take a look at the advantages and drawbacks of these products:
Pros
- They offer variety. You can choose from materials such as travertine, quartz, granite, marble, and even wood (which recently entered the waterfall countertop market).
- They are unique. There’s no disputing that a waterfall edge can be a show-stopping focal point in any kitchen, and there’s no arguing that a waterfall edge can be both attractive and functional. Using waterfall edges to break away from the usual hard-edge style is a unique way to stand out from the crowd.
- They are durable. With children, dogs, and guests in your house, the corners of most kitchens are prone to being battered and damaged. Since the waterfall edges are constructed of robust material that extends around the corners, you will avoid unsightly scratches and scuffs.
Cons
- They are more expensive compared to other options. The manufacturer will require additional materials and will charge for additional labor as a result.
- They aren’t a good DIY project. Know that installing a waterfall countertop is a time-consuming operation since it requires the two pieces to be mitered precisely in order for the seam line to be as undetectable and continuous.
20 Inspirational kitchen designs featuring waterfall countertop trend
Sleek white marble
Waterfall countertops have a sleek and minimal look which makes them a particularly good option for contemporary interiors. Their strong and clean lines would look out of place in a traditional or farmhouse kitchen but they’d fit nicely in a modern or contemporary bath.
Double kitchen island with wood waterfall countertop
The role of a waterfall countertop is not only to establish visual continuity between the floor and the worktop but also to hide appliances, to protect the cabinetry and be eye-catching and dramatic from a visual point of view.
Kitchen island with open shelves
Also, the waterfall design allows you to show off the material of which the countertop is made and to basically elevate an ordinary island or cabinet to a whole new level, turning it into a piece of fancy and sophisticated furniture. It’s such a simple feature that makes such a big difference overall.
Countertop material
Considering this dramatic impact that waterfall countertops have on the interior design, the material usually chosen for them is one that makes a statement. That usually means some sort of natural stone. Marble, granite and quartz are all great options and lately concrete and wood started to stand out as well. The last two offer an extra advantage: they’re DIY friendly and considerably cheaper than the others.
Marble waterfall with leather cabinet doors
A waterfall countertop is an important focal point for the entire space it’s in, be it a kitchen or a bathroom. It’s a centerpiece which puts on display the beauty and uniqueness of the material it’s made of but which can also put an emphasis on texture or color.
Modern kitchen with different accents
It’s usually the fluidity of the counter which impresses the most, the fact that it drops down like a waterfall and that it goes all the way down to the floor. The verticality of the surface is an unusual detail and the transition from horizontal to vertical has to be as smooth and as fluid as possible in order for the waterfall effect to truly be successful and worthy of attention.
Marble waterfall countertop and built-in appliances
You can witness the minimalism and beauty of the waterfall countertop in this remodeled kitchen which has a chic island with wooden storage spaces and built-in appliances and which is wrapped in a crisp white counter which drops down both sides.
Live edge wood
A waterfall countertop doesn’t always drop all the way down to the floor. This one, for instance is made of wood and ends with an asymmetric cut that showcases the live edge of the panel.{found on dwell}.
Island with seating – for large families
In addition to the aesthetic advantages of a waterfall counter, there are also practical details to take into consideration. The most important one of all is the fact that waterfall counters are easier to clean in comparison with the regular kind.
Small kitchen island
If you’re planning on having a countertop made out of a material which you love the waterfall design allows you to put an emphasis on it and to make the material stand out more. Of course, that means a considerably higher price.
Extension of the island and waterfall wood countertop
The waterfall design can also be adapted to suit kitchen islands which have a raised bar extension or which feature two different heights or materials. This is how such a design could look like if you were to have an island which blends marble and wood and which has a built-in bar.
Dark marble countertop
When working with marble, the tricky part is to perfectly line up the pattern when creating a waterfall counter. The veining has to line up if you want to put an emphasis on the fluidity and the continuity of the design.{found on timberworx}.
Over the kitchen island hood
Making it look like the counter molds onto the island as if it’s fluid is not easy. It takes a professional to get it right, especially when working with materials like marble or natural stone in general.
Natural wood kitchen island countertop
Wood is a more forgiving material, one that’s more accessible to DIYers compared to stone. Of course, that doesn’t mean anyone can make a waterfall countertop, even if wood is the material of choice. In fact, creating a fluid a continuous design can be pretty tricky even if you’re working with a single huge wood slice.
Reclaimed wood
Reclaimed wood makes things a bit easier. Imperfections are viewed as quirky features which add character to the counter and make it look special and unique. Similarly, certain types of wood and certain finishes are easier to work with from this particular point of view.{found on antoniomartins}.
Stainless steel kitchen countertop
Stainless steel is also an option. It’s a great counter material because of its antibacterial properties and the fact that it’s easy to care for and to clean. A waterfall design puts an emphasis on the polished and shiny nature of the counter.
Kitchen layout with ceiling windows
The thickness of a waterfall countertop can vary a lot. This one, for example, is quite thin and that gives it a sleek and lightweight appearance as opposed to a think counter which looks very solid and heavy.
Concrete countertop
Concrete countertops are DIY-friendly, just like those made of wood. In fact, concrete may even be easier to work with than wood in this context. It’s also a great counter material with lots of great advantages to take into consideration.
Minimalist kitchen design
A waterfall design is a perfect choice if you’re planning to have a kitchen island which can double as a bar of breakfast table. The counter can be like a shell which extends beyond the width of the cabinet, almost as if it’s an independent feature.
Luxury kitchen layout
Marble is sophisticated, elegant and classy so what better way to put the spotlight on it than with a waterfall island counter? Since the material is the focal point, the design of the island can be minimalist and focused on practicality.
The post Keep Up With The Waterfall Countertop Trend – Looks That Inspire appeared first on Home Decorating Trends - Homedit.
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