Choosing a Worktop Edge Profile for your Solid Wood Worktops
The standard square-edged finish of our solid wood worktops is very attractive; perfect for the popular ‘chunky’ look. However, if you would like to increase the durability of your worktop or want your worktops to fit in with a different style kitchen, there are several options to choose from. Profiling tends to produce a more hard-wearing edge, with the smoother edge increasing the wood’s resilience against minor knocks and surface impacts. The edge is also less sharp and more tactile, which can be safer in family homes.
Before choosing a worktop edge profile, there are some things we would recommend that you consider when making your decision:
- Are there likely to be any young children using your space?
- Does the edge of your worktop constitute one side of a busy walkway?
- Are you opting for ellipse ends?
- Are you opting for radius corners?
- Does the interior design for your space make use of particular shapes or angularity?
If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, it’s definitely worth considering a suitable worktop edge profile for your kitchen worktop. But which one would be right for you? We’ve listed the choices below:
Choose a Worktop Edge Profile for Wood Worktops
Pencil Edge (6.0mm)
- Our most popular edge profile
- Also referred to as a ‘quarter round’ or ‘double quarter round’
- Straight finish with some minimal rounding.
If you opt for a pencil top, the top edge will be slightly rounded off; for rounding on both edges, opt for a pencil top and bottom. A good compromise: the clean planes of a straight-lined worktop, without any sharpness.
Rounded Edge (12.0mm)
- The same style as our pencil edge option above
- Also known as ‘half bullnose’ or ‘full bullnose’
- A more dramatic curve on the rounded edge or edges
If applied to both edges of a 27mm worktop the rounded profile will create an almost complete curve; for a 40mm thick worktop, rounded top and bottom will incorporate approximately 16mm of square edge between the profiles (40 – 2 x 12mm), producing an elegant juxtaposition of planes.
The softest of profiles, the rounded edge creates an attractive contrast between the straight planes of the worktop surface and its curved sides. If you possess curved cabinets, we’d recommend a rounded top and bottom for a slick, streamlined look. The absence of any sharp corners makes this an excellent choice for a busy kitchen, particularly if children are likely to be passing through.
Chamfered Edge (Small: 6.0 mm; Large: 12.0mm)
- Decorative edge featuring a flat bevel profile on either the top or both top and bottom edges
- Available in two sizes
This profile features a small bevel – known as a chamfer – easing sharp corners in an angular manner that is timeless (chamfered edges feature on the base of the Taj Mahal!) and yet would still suit a contemporary kitchen design.
The two sizes provide the option of a dainty (Small) or pronounced slope (Large). Whatever you choose, the delicate, clean lines of the chamfer add a subtle ornamental twist to any wood worktop.
Ogee Edge
- Perfect for a traditional kitchen style
- Detailed decorative edge
This profile adds farmhouse character to any wooden worktop, and is particularly well-suited to lighter timbers including oak or ash worktops. Ogee worktop edge profiles can be ordered on worktops with a square bottom edge, or combined with a pencil edge on the bottom to create a softer, family-friendly finish.
Edge Profiling for Ellipse Ends/Radius Corners
We strongly recommend opting for an edge profile if you have selected ellipse ends or radius corners. The uniformity of the resultant, curved edge and the ellipse end/radius corner creates a streamlined, three-dimensional appearance only possible with solid surfaces. This is an extraordinary effect that really accentuates the dazzling potential of your solid wood worktop.
Ordering Worktops with Edge Profiles
Edge profiles can be ordered when buying bespoke kitchen worktops from Worktop Express. The easiest way to purchase a worktop edge profile is to order your new kitchen worktops via the Online Bespoke Worktop Tool. It’s easy to choose your preferred edge profile on this handy tool, and you’ll also save 10% on the cost of the edge profiling service.
You may also find the following guides useful:
Please note: This guide was originally posted on 25th June 2012 and has been updated to include additional information. The most recent update was on 12th April 2018.
15 Responses to “Choosing a Worktop Edge Profile for your Solid Wood Worktops”
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hello, Can you let me know if you can profile a wooden shelf I would like to buy. Thank you
Hello,
Unfortunately we are unable to offer an edge profile service on our floating shelves. They come with a square edge profile as standard, though you may be able to add an edge profile yourself using a router and the appropriate router cutter.
Kind regards,
Ben @ Worktop Express
Hi, Can you tell me if I have two worktops joined at 90 degrees to form an L shape how does the edge profile go round the inside edge? Without a 45 degree mitre doesn’t it look odd? Does the edge profile get applied only to the edges up to the join or would it run the entire length of the wood and therefore create a groove all along where they meet? Do you have any images of where this is done? Thanks
Hello Dave,
When joining two worktops at 90 degrees to form an L, the edge profile will only be applied to the exposed inside edge to create a smooth join.
You can see pictures of butt jointed worktops in our gallery at the link below:
http://www.worktop-express.co.uk/gbu0-display/worktop_butt_join.html
Kind regards,
Ben @ Worktop Express
[…] Choosing a Worktop Edge Profile for your Solid Wood Worktops […]
Hi I need worktop cut to size 500×750 white. How much this will cost me. Thank you
Hello Wioletta,
We have a variety of white worktops and the cost of these starts at £60 – if you would like to select the surface you need from our range here: https://www.worktop-express.co.uk/white-worktops we can cut to size via our bespoke cutting service. The prices for our bespoke services can be found here: https://www.worktop-express.co.uk/laminate-kitchen-worktops-cut-to-size or you can design your worktop using our bespoke online tool (here: https://www.worktop-express.co.uk/online-bespoke-worktop-tool.html) for an instant calculation of cost.
Alternatively, please contact our fabrication team at [email protected] to discuss your requirements.
Kind regards,
Stephanie @ Worktop Express
Hi can I buy a laminated kitchen worktop with a 640mm width and bevelled on both sides. This is what I currently have in my kitchen and I want to replace it.
Many thanks
Peter
Hello Peter
Unfortunately, we do not supply 640mm wide laminated kitchen worktops with bevelled edges. However, we do offer an edge profiling service for wooden worktops which could be of use to you.
Kind regards,
Stephen @ Worktop Express
Hello
Can some bespoke floating shelves be made which are wider than 200mm? I need one which is 270mm wide.
Many thanks, Joanna
Hi
When ordering a bespoke cut worktop can I have the off-cuts also edged for shelving?
Many thanks, Joanna
Hello Joanna,
Thank you for your message. We provide the off-cuts with your bespoke order as standard unless you specify otherwise. You can create the off-cuts using our online design tool or you can email our fabrication team at [email protected] and they will be able to assist you with any special requests.
Kind regards,
Ellie @ Worktop Express
Hello Joanna,
Thank you for your message. Our bespoke floating shelves have a maximum width of 250mm. For more information regarding this service click here: https://www.worktop-express.co.uk/floating-shelves/bespoke-solid-wood-floating-shelves
If you require any additional help, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Kind regards,
Ellie @ Worktop Express
Can bamboo worktops have a pencil or chamfered edge?
Hi Jo,
Edge profiling in a range of styles is available via our Bespoke service. You can design your bespoke worktops online using our Online Bespoke Tool or send your requirements by email to [email protected]. Pencil and chamfered edges are available on all of our solid wood worktops, including Bamboo.
Many thanks,
Adam @ Worktop Express