What Is Eased Edge? Definition & Guide
Quick Definition
An eased edge is a countertop edge profile where the sharp 90-degree corners of the slab are lightly softened - typically by removing just 1-2mm of material with a slight round or chamfer. The edge remains essentially flat and square, but the top and bottom corners no longer have the razor-sharp feel of an unfinished slab edge. It is the simplest, most affordable, and most modern-looking edge profile in stone fabrication.
TL;DR
- Eased edge lightly softens the sharp corners of a square slab edge
- It's the most common edge profile in contemporary and modern kitchen designs
- Fastest and cheapest to fabricate - many shops include it at no extra charge
- Maintains the full visual thickness of the slab
- Works with all stone types: granite, quartz, marble, quartzite
- Less chip-resistant than bullnose but more modern in appearance
- Sometimes called a "straight edge" or "flat polished edge"
What an Eased Edge Looks Like
If you run your finger along an eased countertop edge, you feel a flat, polished side face with slightly softened corners at the top and bottom. It's not rounded like bullnose. It's not decorative like ogee. It's a clean, straight line with just enough corner removal to prevent the edge from feeling sharp or being prone to chipping.
The visual result is a slab that looks like a slab. The stone's full thickness is visible, creating a structural, architectural feel that suits modern design.
How Much Material Is Removed?
| Easing Level | Material Removed | Feel |
|---|---|---|
| Light ease | 0.5-1mm | Barely perceptible softening |
| Standard ease | 1-2mm | Noticeable softening, comfortable to touch |
| Heavy ease (pencil round) | 2-3mm | Small visible curve at the corner |
Most fabrication shops default to a standard ease (1-2mm) unless the customer specifies otherwise. A heavy ease blurs the line between eased and pencil round - some shops use these terms interchangeably.
Why Eased Edges Are So Popular
1. Modern Aesthetic
Contemporary kitchen design favors clean lines and minimal ornamentation. An eased edge lets the stone speak for itself. There's no decorative profile competing with the material's natural pattern or color.
2. Cost Efficiency
Eased edges require minimal fabrication time:
| Edge Profile | Typical Fabrication Time (30 LF) | Upcharge |
|---|---|---|
| Eased | 10-20 minutes | $0-$8/LF |
| Bullnose (half) | 30-60 minutes | $8-$15/LF |
| Ogee | 60-120 minutes | $15-$30/LF |
| Mitered lamination | 120-180 minutes | $25-$50/LF |
Many shops include eased edges as the standard (no upcharge) edge profile, building the minimal labor cost into their base square foot price.
3. Full Thickness Visibility
Unlike bullnose (which visually narrows the slab by rounding the edge) or laminated edges (which artificially thicken it), an eased edge shows the slab at its actual thickness. A 3cm eased edge looks like exactly what it is - 3cm of solid stone.
4. Versatility
Eased edges work in virtually every design context:
- Contemporary kitchens
- Modern bathrooms
- Commercial spaces (offices, restaurants)
- Outdoor kitchens
- Bar tops and reception desks
Fabrication Process
Easing a countertop edge is straightforward:
On a CNC Machine
- After the countertop pieces are cut and shaped, a profiling wheel with a slight radius or chamfer is run along all exposed edges
- The ease is polished through 3-5 grit stages to match the slab surface finish
- Total time: minutes per piece
By Hand
- The fabricator runs a hand-held polisher with a diamond pad along the edge corners
- Light, even pressure removes the sharp corner
- Polishing pads smooth the eased corner to match the slab finish
- Total time: 5-15 minutes per piece, depending on length
On a Bridge Saw with Edge Polisher
Some bridge saws include an inline edge polishing attachment. After the slab is cut, the edge polisher runs across the cut edge, easing and polishing in one pass.
Eased Edge vs. Other Common Profiles
| Feature | Eased | Bullnose | Ogee | Beveled |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visual style | Modern, clean | Traditional, soft | Formal, decorative | Transitional |
| Corner sharpness | Slightly softened | Fully rounded | Complex curves | Angled flat |
| Chip resistance | Moderate | High | Low-Moderate | Moderate |
| Cost | Lowest | Low-Medium | High | Low |
| Fabrication time | Minimal | Moderate | High | Low |
| Design trend | Current/rising | Stable | Declining slightly | Stable |
Material Considerations
Granite
Granite with an eased edge looks crisp and architectural. The hardness of granite means the eased corner stays sharp-looking over years of use. Darker granites particularly benefit from eased edges because the clean lines emphasize the stone's depth.
Quartz
Engineered quartz produces an excellent eased edge. The uniform composition means the polished edge face matches the surface perfectly - no hidden pitting or color variation that might appear on natural stone.
Marble
Marble's softness means an eased edge can dull faster in high-contact areas (like where people lean against an island). The sharp-ish corners are also slightly more vulnerable to chipping than with bullnose. That said, eased marble is extremely popular in modern kitchen design.
Quartzite
Quartzite is hard enough that an eased edge stays pristine. The challenge is that quartzite is also brittle, and the barely-eased corners can chip from sharp impacts. Some fabricators recommend a slightly heavier ease on quartzite to reduce chip risk.
Quoting Eased Edges
Because eased is often the default (no-upcharge) edge, quoting pitfalls usually go the other direction:
Watch For These Issues
- Customers who say "eased" but mean "flat polished" - some stones come with a polished face but an unfinished edge. Easing and polishing the edge is still labor, even if it's minimal.
- All-sides finishing on islands - a standard quote might include eased edges on the front only. Islands need edges finished on all exposed sides, increasing the linear footage.
- Eased with lamination - customers sometimes want an eased profile on a laminated (thickness-doubled) edge. That's two operations: lamination first, then easing.
- Specialty finishes - honed or leathered countertops need the eased edge to match. This is straightforward but sometimes overlooked in pricing.
SlabWise's Quick Quote system accounts for edge length on all exposed sides, applies the correct pricing per material, and flags lamination requirements - generating accurate quotes in 3 minutes.
Installation Notes
Eased edges have a few practical installation considerations:
- Wall scribe - where the countertop meets an irregular wall, the back edge is typically left flat (not eased) and scribed to the wall contour
- Undermount sinks - the inner edge of the sink cutout should be eased and polished, not left with a raw cut edge
- Seam alignment - at seams between countertop sections, the eased edges must align perfectly in height. Even 0.5mm of height difference is visible on a straight, eased edge
- End caps - if a countertop terminates at a visible end (not against a wall), the end should be eased and polished to match the front
FAQ
What is an eased edge on a countertop?
An eased edge is a countertop edge where the sharp 90-degree corners have been slightly softened (1-2mm removed), leaving a mostly flat, square edge with comfortable, non-sharp corners.
Is an eased edge the same as a straight edge?
Essentially yes. "Straight edge," "flat polished edge," and "eased edge" are used interchangeably in the countertop industry. All refer to a square edge with lightly softened corners.
How much does an eased edge cost?
Many fabrication shops include eased edges at no additional charge as the default profile. When charged separately, eased edges typically cost $0-$8 per linear foot.
Does an eased edge chip easily?
Eased edges are more chip-prone than rounded profiles like bullnose because the corners retain more of their angle. However, the slight easing significantly reduces chipping compared to a completely raw, un-eased edge.
Is an eased edge modern or traditional?
Eased edges are strongly associated with modern and contemporary design. Their clean, minimal lines suit today's popular kitchen aesthetics. Traditional designs more commonly use bullnose or ogee profiles.
What's the difference between eased and beveled?
An eased edge has a tiny rounded softening at the corner. A beveled edge has a flat angled cut (typically 45 degrees) at the corner, creating a visible flat face at an angle. Bevels are more pronounced and intentional looking.
Can you add a profile to an eased edge later?
Yes. If a customer decides they want a bullnose or other profile after installation, a fabricator can re-profile the edge in place or remove the countertop, re-profile, and reinstall. This is uncommon but possible.
Should I ease the edges around a sink cutout?
Yes. The inner edges of sink and cooktop cutouts should be eased and polished, especially for undermount sinks where the edge is visible. Leaving a raw, sharp edge at the cutout is a quality issue.
What finish options work with eased edges?
Eased edges can be polished, honed, or leathered to match any surface finish. The edge treatment should always match the countertop face finish.
Is an eased edge good for families with kids?
The slightly softened corners are more comfortable than raw edges, but not as forgiving as a fully rounded bullnose. For families concerned about sharp edges, half bullnose may be a better choice.
Get Every Edge Right from the Quote
Even the simplest edge profile needs to be quoted correctly across every exposed side. SlabWise calculates edge lengths automatically and prices them per material, so nothing gets missed.
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Sources
- Natural Stone Institute - Standard Edge Profile Specifications
- National Kitchen and Bath Association - Kitchen Countertop Design Standards
- Stone World Magazine - "Edge Profile Trends in Modern Fabrication"
- Cosentino Technical Manual - Quartz Edge Finishing Guidelines
- Park Industries - Edge Processing Equipment Technical Guide
- Houzz Kitchen Trends Study - Consumer Edge Profile Preferences