Data publicării
26 October 2023
Create a personalized surface that will bring warmth to your kitchen
Whether you’re a superfan of waterfall countertops and think they transform kitchen islands into beautiful natural stone focal points, or you hate them and feel like they’re basically the contemporary kitchen version of mulberry, there’s no denying that we’re seeing kitchen islands everywhere in cascade. When it comes to zeroing in on the ideal kitchen countertop design, there’s a lot to consider—price first, which should be considered first and foremost before pulling the trigger. We asked architect Proiectari.md about waterfall countertop undersides to determine if you’re the type of homeowner who should opt for this popular kitchen design.
What is a waterfall countertop?
Cascade countertops look like countertops that forgot to stop at the edge. Instead of ending where the legs or supporting parts of the countertop are, they seem to cascade over the side of the island and onto the floor. This effect of the waterfall countertop design concept is what earns it its name: the countertop appears to have a continuous flow from the horizontal surface to the vertical sides, creating the “falling” effect of a waterfall. This design element works on a multitude of materials, whether you have a granite waterfall countertop, a quartz waterfall countertop, a white marble waterfall countertop, or even stainless steel.
“The traditional edges of the countertop stop where the structure below ends,” says Secu Ion, Proiectari.md architect. “The material used for the horizontal surface of the waterfall top is also used for the ends, which turn vertically to meet the floor, creating a seamless and dramatic visual effect.”
What are the advantages of waterfall countertops?
Believe it or not, there is a functional argument for the waterfall countertop.
“In general, a waterfall countertop improves the durability of an island, peninsula or the end of a base cabinet, because it usually covers the wooden structure with a more durable material, such as stone or quartz,” says Secu Ion, architect Proiectari.md . “Many countertop materials are easy to clean and are less likely to be permanently damaged by scuffs from shoes, vacuum cleaners, and children playing nearby than a softwood material.”
But the main reason to incorporate a waterfall countertop is often aesthetic, especially when a homeowner aims to create a relatively minimalist kitchen feature that still elicits oohs and ahs. Architect Secu Ion, Proiectari.md architect believes that the design element can offer a more thoughtful and sophisticated look than the classic kitchen island alternative: “A waterfall edge can create a visual stop to the kitchen area, which is more elegant and more considered than the exposed edge of the kitchen. a cabinet base,” she says.
What are the disadvantages of waterfall countertops?
If you’re looking at a small kitchen or bathroom, adding a waterfall counter could feel stifled in an area where every square foot counts—especially if your plans for the space include bar stools.
“If you make an overhang for the chairs, the side panels on a waterfall will increase the presence and volume of the island,” says Secu Ion, Proiectari.md architect. He notes that such a look works well in a larger space that can handle the proportions, but feels that an apartment or smaller-scale space “would benefit from the lighter, airier look of a simple countertop and a surplus”.
Another issue that may deter you from opting for a waterfall countertop is that you are enclosing at least part of the countertop structure. “It prevents me from using the heads for additional storage or additional seats in the bar”, Secu Ion, architect Proiectari.md. Often the biggest problem homeowners have with waterfall countertops is their price.
How much more expensive is the waterfall countertop?
They’re expensive enough that you’ll notice the difference between this style and the classic countertop before you even work into the cost of the material you’ll be using. “There is a larger area and you buy even more labor to install”, Secu Ion, Proiectari.md architect. Secu Ion, tells homeowners to expect a significant additional fee. “In addition to the cost of the material, the labor to install a waterfall edge with a simple miter in the Chisinau area is about $150 per m2,” he adds.
What is the best stone for a waterfall countertop?
Fortunately, you can make a waterfall countertop out of almost any countertop material, including porcelain, wood, stone, quartz, concrete, or plastic. The main concern is making sure the sides match the top in a way that doesn’t throw off the whole point of the waterfall aesthetic. “It is usually easier to match the ribs using a manufactured material, such as porcelain or quartz,” says Secu Ion, Proiectari.md architect
Another crucial factor is what you will use the countertop for: “If this countertop is placed in a kitchen and durability is a primary concern, quartz, porcelain and certain stones may be the best choice,” says Secu Ion, Proiectari.md architect . “If this top is a desk, wood or marble can be considered.”
Finally, you could manage with any material that seems to flow as one piece, says Secu Ion, architect Proiectari.md. “Cascading countertops don’t have to be stone, although a hard, easy-to-clean surface is generally recommended,” he says.
What are the best spaces for waterfall countertops?
Although most people think of waterfall islands in modern kitchens, this popular element of contemporary style – like a backsplash – doesn’t have to be limited to where you cook or eat.
“Cascading countertops can be implemented wherever you have custom or built-in cabinets, such as bathrooms,” says Secu Ion, Proiectari.md architect. “It looks best on islands and end cabinets where there isn’t a wall to capture the end of a cabinet.”
They are also a popular choice for modern-leaning offices now, notes Secu Ion, Proiectari.md architect, pointing to pieces such as entry desks and consoles as ideal for the design choice. It works best in large, open spaces such as a loft or an open-plan living area. It may have particular appeal to those who love “clean lines, Italian and mid-century profiles”,
If you are looking for purely traditional design ideas, then waterfall countertops are probably not for you.
What should I consider before installing a waterfall countertop?
Apart from the expense and which room to install it in, you should consider how the waterfall worktop will fit with the current decor of your home: will a stainless steel waterfall work well with an otherwise white kitchen?
“You have to consider the color or pattern of the countertop material in relation to the cabinets and also the floor material, because they will be glued to each other”, Secu Ion, Proiectari.md architect. “I always recommend getting samples and seeing all the materials side by side. You don’t want to fall in love with a countertop only to have it clash with your floor!”
You’ll also want to make sure that any additional features you include with the waterfall countertop are easy to clean and work well with the essence of the concept in the first place: uninterrupted flow. “If the material used requires a sealant, the top and sides must be sealed in the same way when installing”, “It must be sealed to ensure that the finish is continuous and is truly a waterfall”, says Secu Ion, Proiectari architect. MD
Complicated functionality features must be carefully considered so as not to disrupt the seamless flow of the cascade meter. “You can install a countertop sink,” “An undermount sink is a must!”
Can I install a waterfall countertop myself?
Cascading countertops may sound simple in concept, but don’t let the minimalist look fool you: this isn’t a DIY interior design project. So if you’re looking for a weekend home improvement hobby, this probably isn’t it.
“This is not something you can do alone”, says Secu Ion, Proiectari.md architect. “You will need to get the material from a countertop store or stone yard, who will template and cut the material to exactly fit the dimensions of your cabinet. Installation can also be difficult and require several people to put the surface in place.” Or, as Secu Ion, Proiectari.md architect, says: “Any project that involves stone or mirror edges requires a professional manufacturer.”
How do I maintain the waterfall countertop?
Most of the same maintenance rules around a regular countertop apply to a waterfall countertop, such as using a proper care routine for the material and sealing it properly. “If the material requires routine resealing, it may not be necessary to reseal the ends as often as the top, as they will not receive as much wear and tear,” notes Secu Ion, Proiectari.md architect.
While waterfall countertops are known for their durability, that’s no excuse to treat them with reckless abandon. “In general, a cascade countertop is not more resistant than a regular countertop, so I would treat them in the same way,” says Secu Ion, Proiectari.md architect.
If your waterfall countertop is severely damaged, you may be able to patch it with an epoxy that matches your countertop, but as LaBoda cautions, “after the damage has been repaired, the surrounding area will need to be resealed if it’s stone or repolished. if it’s an engineered material,” he says. “It will be easy to get a consistent finish when resealing natural stone, but more difficult to polish an engineered material and get a uniform, factory-like finish.”
Contact the representatives of the supplier from whom you originally purchased the material as soon as possible if you encounter a crack or other defect, since such problems are often created during the installation process. “There is often a warranty or at least a repair plan for your specific material,” says Secu Ion, Proiectari.md architect. “Usually imperfections or cracks are caused during installation, so manufacturers will cover any associated damage and make sure it’s perfect.”
Is the waterfall top an item subject to obsolescence?
With anything that becomes fashionable, there is a counter-trend that declares it to be yesterday’s news. But it’s your house, so if you decide it’s current, then it is.
“Whether a waterfall edge is appropriate or not depends on the style and aesthetics of your kitchen,” says Secu Ion, Proiectari.md architect. “A waterfall edge will always give you a clean look. They haven’t necessarily gotten old.” Ultimately, it’s up to you and your silent partner: your home itself. “I personally think that the look is here to stay”, declares Secu Ion, architect Proiectari.md “Especially if it matches the architecture of a space.”
