A waterfall countertop is an island with a countertop that extends past the edges and down to the floor. This design showcases the beauty of quartz, granite, and marble. Waterfall countertops enhance your space and add practical features to a showstopping piece.
Waterfall countertops are a steadfast feature in modern kitchens, and they’ve been around for a while. But design is a living concept — it takes many forms as it shifts and changes, breathing life into your space. Waterfall countertops are still in style, and have evolved to suit any home.
The Contemporary Relevance of Waterfall Countertops
Waterfall countertops play a key role in modern kitchens. They are luxurious while also being functional and durable. Waterfall countertops provide a captivating focal point that elevates your kitchen. Their cascading design brings flow and unity to any room, and creates a distinct style for any kitchen. You can also get them custom-designed to match almost any aesthetic.
Unraveling the Benefits of Waterfall Countertops for Homeowners
Any kitchen instantly transforms into an elegant space when you add waterfall island countertops to your renovations. How do waterfall countertops elevate your kitchen? Their benefits include:
- Offers a beautiful focal point: A room’s focal point is the first thing that draws your attention. Waterfall countertops are uniquely beautiful and perfectly positioned to draw your eye to the center of the room.
- Lends pleasing visual continuity: By design, we love continuity and extensions. A cascading effect is aesthetically pleasing — it speaks to space, freedom, and abundance.
- Enhances lines and angles: We also have a natural desire for symmetry. A waterfall countertop’s edge profile is a 90-degree angle down both sides of the island, and these accents of lines and angles are a visual treat.
- Increases home value: An addition to your kitchen, like an island with a waterfall countertop, can add to your home’s value. Waterfall countertops are some of the most sought-after features in a kitchen.
Architectural Implications of Incorporating Waterfall Countertops
Waterfall counters generally require more engineering and thought than the average countertop, so it is essential to discuss your expectations with a fabricator. An expert will help you consider the steps involved and can examine your layout and space requirements.
Waterfall countertops require enough space to be correctly installed. Dimensions are typically around 3 feet by 5 feet, and there is room to customize the desired thickness and height. Also, consider that you will want enough walking space. Sufficient negative space compliments your countertops and is also a practical consideration, as you’ll want to avoid bumping against it whenever you need to walk past.
Waterfall countertops require a strong foundation because they extend past the cabinets. Installing brackets to support the countertop is vital, as is talking to your fabricator about what brackets they recommend. A qualified professional can install supporting posts where the waterfall countertop’s edge meets the ground. Depending on the design, your waterfall may also have built-in support. These supporting features will not be visible when designed and installed by an expert, so you retain a streamlined look.
Choosing the Right Material for Your Waterfall Countertop
Popular choices for waterfall countertop materials include marble, granite, and quartz. There is also an uptrend in countertops from wood and concrete. Each option has advantages, so it comes down to your preferences.
Quartz vs. Natural Stone
Here are a few things to consider if you are deciding between a quartz countertop and a stone countertop:
- Quartz: Quartz is a popular choice because it’s durable, non-absorbent, and has antimicrobial features. Quartz gives countertops an elegantly sleek, sophisticated look. Quartz is also made in such a way that it has a cleaner cut and doesn’t scratch or stain as quickly as other materials, such as wood or concrete, though it does scratch more quickly than granite.
- Natural stone: Stone is an excellent choice if you love the look of natural textures and patterns. Stone doesn’t require any more maintenance than quartz, but it must be sealed regularly to protect against staining.
Maintenance of Waterfall Countertops
Your waterfall countertops are a proper investment. Proper care and cleaning tips can keep your countertops in tip-top shape. Here are simple ways to clean quartz, marble, and granite countertops:
- Always wipe stains or spills as soon as possible.
- Make a solution of hot water and a few drops of dish soap in a spray bottle. You can also opt for a solution of hot water and white vinegar for quartz countertops, but keep in mind that you cannot use this method for cleaning marble — it can dull the marble and cause irreparable damage.
- Spritz the surface and wipe with a paper towel or damp cloth.
- Use a non-abrasive cleaning cloth for stubborn areas.
- Use a solution of isopropyl alcohol and one part water to disinfect, or use disinfecting wipes that are bleach-free.
Apart from daily care, there are ways to maintain the quality of countertops for years to come. Depending on the material of your countertops, you may need to reseal them regularly. Waterfall countertops are durable and made to last, and an expert can always assist in restoring any scratches or chips that may happen over the years.
FAQs About Waterfall Countertops
You might have some lingering questions about adding a waterfall countertop to your home:
- Do waterfall countertops need support? The counter material that runs along the side will require extra support to stay in place. Work with a design professional and an expert for installation to ensure the durability of your countertops.
- What are the advantages of opting for a waterfall countertop? There are so many advantages that come with waterfall counters — they represent a beautiful dining option with visual appeal and low-maintenance needs.
- When is the right time to choose a waterfall countertop? You can get your dream waterfall countertop right now by contacting a reputable installer.
The Significance of Craftsmanship for Countertops
A waterfall countertop is a statement piece and an investment. An eye for design and skilled craftsmanship is imperative for ensuring the countertop matches the style of your kitchen, or what you envision for your kitchen renovations. An expert will handle all the technical details, including installation.
Choose Lesher Natural Stone, Quartz, & Tile for Your Waterfall Countertop
At Lesher Marble, we are passionate about bringing quality custom countertops, tiles, and more into your home. We believe in providing you with the best design solutions to transform your home, and we’ve been creating our clients’ dream stone vanities, fireplaces, and countertops since 1994. We’d love for you to browse our galleries and visit our showroom. Contact us today to request a free quote!
