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.
The maximum overhang is no more than 1/3 of the total dimension of the countertop – not to exceed 15”. Overhang greater than 15” requires corbels or flush mounted steel supports. Supports must be designed to bear the weight of the countertop and be mounted to studs or equivalent load bearing structure.
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 exact dimensions of a waterfall edge countertop overhang can vary wildly. Generally, it can be as little as 10.5 inches or as substantial as 18 inches. Larger dimensions are suited towards a waterfall island that you intend to sit at regularly while smaller dimensions are fine for occasional seating.
Yes, waterfall islands are still very much in style and remain a popular choice in modern kitchen design. They offer a sleek and sophisticated aesthetic that can elevate the overall look of a kitchen space.
Waterfall countertops are becoming less of a trend and more of a classic design choice that homeowners are making and for good reason—beautifully veined marble on the kitchen island streaming down both sides creates some of the lushest-looking counters you'll ever see.
If your counter is installed so that the overhang runs perpendicular to the direction of the wood rails, the maximum allowed overhang is 12". Any overhang greater than 12" must be stabilized underneath by brackets.
The first upgrade we made to our new home was adding quartz waterfall counter tops to the kitchen island and I am in LOVE. Looks so sleek with the clean lines & gives us a little more space. Added some paneling underneath & painted that Tricorn Black to compliment the other black accents & features in the space.
A good place to put electrical outlets on a waterfall island is on the inside where the bar stools go, either on the left or right side, or both. This way they are hidden from plain sight, but still easily accessible.
Avoid countertops that are largely plastic such as cultured marble, solid surface, and those that introduce formaldehyde, like laminate. If using laminate countertops, specify that the substrate be made with a no added formaldehyde (NAF) resin. Additionally, CDPH-certified laminate materials are preferred.
Using lower-cost countertop materials such as laminate for the waterfall effect can also be far more cost-effective. - Wood-look Laminate Countertop for Rustic Designs: The sleek faux-wood laminate countertops complement Rustic, Mid-century Modern, and Farmhouse kitchen designs.
Amount of overhang you have is the most important factor to consider in deciding whether you need support brackets. Most granite fabricators will recommend support brackets on overhangs over 12″ however, solely based on the overhang amount.
Typically, you could just mount the dishwasher to the underside of the counter so that it doesn't tip during use. But it your kitchen counter is quartz, marble or other stone, you risk cracking the quartz by attempting to mount it to the underside.
Standard countertop overhang is 1 ½ inches.
While some countertops may have different overhang measurements, this is the number that is seen as standard for homes. While 1 ½ inches is the most common, it's far from mandatory.
The cost of a waterfall edge countertop varies based on material and installation. Stone slabs, including quartz, range from $40 to $100 per square foot with installation expenses reaching up to $100 per square foot. Total expenses, including materials and installation, range from $200 to $1,200+, depending on choices.
“A waterfall edge will always give you a clean look. They haven't necessarily become dated.” Ultimately, it's up to you—and your silent partner: your home itself. “I personally think the look is here to stay,” Levy declares. “Particularly if it matches the architecture of a space.”
But as with all interior design trends, at the end of the day, it really comes down to what you like. And there is still plenty to like about waterfall edges in the kitchen. The style — whether used to connect the counter to the backsplash or floor — offers a slick, design-forward look in most modern kitchens.
While certain wood species may not be able to withstand the weather elements, butcher block countertops are a great way to add functionality to your outdoor space.
Solid Surface countertops can overhang 6 inches without additional support (e.g. plywood decking). 3 cm Quartz (engineered stone) can handle a 14 inch overhangs and 3 cm Granite overhangs should not exceed a 10 inch overhang without additional support.
Generally, our 6' butcher block can hold up to 50 pounds without issues.
White will always be an elegant choice for kitchen countertops.
While quartz countertops have risen in popularity as the preferred material for modern kitchens, granite countertops remain a strong and timeless choice.
If other homes sold in your area have quartz countertops and sold at or under your home's value, granite doesn't make sense. In this case, quartz adds the most value. Buyers will pay extra for upgrades but not if they can purchase a home similar to yours for a lower price without them.