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:

Wooden Worktop Construction Types Explained

How to Find a Kitchen Fitter

The Worktop Express Nutshell Guide to Treating Real Wood Surfaces

How to Sand Solid Wood Worktops

A Nutshell Guide to Cleaning Hardwood Worktops

Choosing the Best Oil for Your Wooden Work Surfaces

Please note: This guide was originally posted on 25^th June 2012 and has been updated to include additional information. The most recent update was on 12^th April 2018.