If you love the modern look, yet want to incorporate marble (a fairly traditional natural stone), you may consider waterfall countertops. This type of counter brings a modern touch to any kitchen, because, unlike traditional countertops, waterfall countertops continue from the edges down to the floor. Thus, you get a seamless flow of marble, to result in an injection of clean elegance into any space.
First, you should understand some basics when considering waterfall countertops. Keep in mind, it’s not technically a waterfall countertop if the horizontal and vertical sections don’t join with a 45-degree angle.
The first question you should ask yourself is: do you have space to properly install a waterfall countertop? You’ll need the dimensions of the island to be at least 3×5 feet 5-ft with counter height and thickness varying based on personal preference and intended usage.
Make sure you don’t sacrifice your walking space. You still want your kitchen to flow well with ample space.
Next, consider the existing style of your kitchen right now. If you have a traditional room or a rustic one, a modern waterfall countertop may look very out of place. The last thing you want to do is break up the visual flow of the room. A waterfall counter is more suited for a contemporary, transitional or modern kitchen, thanks to their clean, sleek lines with sharp edges.
Waterfall countertops are usually seen in kitchen islands, a great way to create a powerful focal point in the room. But that’s not the only place you can use them. Of course, it will depend on your budget, but if you really love the clean look of the waterfall countertop, you can get them installed throughout the kitchen, under cabinets and even for bar/eating areas.
Marble waterfall counters can get expensive. If you want to save some money, a concrete or wood version of the waterfall countertop is a cheaper option. That being said, a proper waterfall countertop should technically be made of marble (or granite) to show off the effect of the stone’s veining down the vertical pieces. In addition to the cost of the marble, you will also have to pay for the cost of labor, so don’t forget to factor that in. You need a professional installer who knows what they’re doing, so don’t skimp on this part!
The bottom line is, it’s whatever makes you happy. If you want a waterfall kitchen counter and it’s a bit more expensive than you budgeted, rearrange your renovation budget and cut from somewhere else. Perhaps you can cut corners on your cabinetry or flooring, so you can have the counters of your dreams. If you’re certain a marble waterfall countertop is exactly what you need to complete the look of your kitchen, you shouldn’t let money concerns get in the way of that.
If you need help choosing the right marble waterfall countertop for your kitchen, contact us at 508-460-7900.