Waterfall Ends: What Are Waterfall Worktops & How To Do Them

Waterfall Ends: What Are Waterfall Worktops & How To Do Them

 

‘Waterfall’ ends are gaining popularity across kitchens, becoming a prominent feature in most installations to create a striking centrepiece to the room.

A waterfall end is where the kitchen countertop appears to ‘flow’ from the top of the counter to the floor and are more commonly seen on a kitchen island and can be on both sides or just one.

It’s easy to see why so many people fall in love with this design. It ideally showcases the stones beautiful natural markings, making it a show-stopping feature in any kitchen. We felt it was about time to put a spotlight on this fantastic design and talk you through some of the options and the tooling you can use to achieve them.

 

What Is So Great About A Waterfall End?

Firstly, waterfall worktop edges don’t just look good, they also serve an important purpose. The edge of your kitchen countertop can often be the first part to show signs of distress and ageing.

A waterfall edge hides the end and therefore prolongs the life of the kitchen worktop. There are no harsh edges which makes your kitchen much safer for the heads of little ones running around, or the sides of clumsy adults!

Finally, a waterfall end also protects the cabinets underneath, shielding them from wear and tear too.

The Positives of a waterfall worktop

The waterfall end is a great way to showcase your stone in the best possible light and make them an integral part of your kitchen.

It also offers protection for both the cabinets below, as well as making it much safer for children running around or adults clumsily walking about thanks to the being no sharp corners.

They are also very simple to clean!

The Negatives of Waterfall Worktops

The only negative we can think of is perhaps the price. Compared to other designs, waterfall worktops can be on the pricier side and this could put you off if you are working on a tight budget.

 

Let’s Look At Some Waterfall Worktop Designs

 waterfall end veined

 

The Veined Look

This is where the stone is chosen because of the veining quality. The end panel pattern matches up on the stone so it seamlessly flows through to the floor.

 

  

 multi level waterfall end stonegate

 

Multi-Level

This is a stunning design and the end panel makes the island look like a proper waterfall flowing down the rocks. This look is absolutely perfect for contemporary kitchens.

  

 

 

Waterfall end kitchen countertop  

 

Contrast

For a bolder look customer’s are contrasting colour choices and even materials to create a more show-stopping kitchen centrepiece. The waterfall edges do an excellent job of creating a distinct contrast within the island.

 

  

 

Waterfall end kitchen countertop overhang

 

Overhang

Allowing an overhang across the width of the island give a fantastic place for the stools to sit under, making the island a great place to sit around.

 

How To Achieve The Perfect Waterfall End

These simple steps are our guide to help you to create the perfect waterfall worktop.

Follow the links in the instructions to check out the perfect tool for the job.

  1. Cut the island to size as usual.
  2. Mitre the top edge of the stone using a saw blade at a 45-degree angle or a CNC 45-degree edging tool.
  3. Cut the down turn leg to size
  4. Mitre the top end to match the top.
  5. Back polish the backside of the down turn panel with an Ultimum polishing pad so that if you see the underside of the breakfast bar it will look smooth as the front.
  6. Use seam it adhesive for a strong join for the mitre joint, colour matched to the stone.
  7. Use a 90-degree suction mitre clamp to pull the mitres together and create a virtually seamless joint. – *Exclusive* 90-degree clamps coming to the Stonegate shop soon!

Tooling applies to granite and quartz countertops.

For DEKTON use our accredited tooling.