How Much Do Edge Upgrades Cost? Countertop Edge Profile Pricing Guide
Quick Definition
How much do edge upgrades is one of the most common questions in countertop fabrication.
Countertop edge profiles range from free (standard eased edge included with most fabrication) to $30+ per linear foot for complex profiles like ogee, dupont, or mitered waterfall edges. A typical kitchen has 20-35 linear feet of exposed edge, so an upgrade from standard to premium can add $200-$1,000+ to your total project cost. Edge choice is mostly aesthetic - all standard profiles are equally durable for kitchen use.
TL;DR
- Standard eased/straight edge: Usually included at no extra charge
- Simple upgrades (bevel, half bullnose): $5-$12 per linear foot
- Mid-range profiles (full bullnose, ogee): $12-$20 per linear foot
- Premium profiles (dupont, mitered, chiseled): $20-$35+ per linear foot
- Average kitchen edge length: 20-35 linear feet of exposed edge
- Total upgrade cost for most kitchens: $100-$700 above standard edge pricing
- Edge profile doesn't significantly affect durability - the choice is primarily aesthetic
Standard Edge Profiles and Pricing
Included Edges (No Extra Cost)
Most fabricators include one or two basic edge profiles in their standard pricing:
Eased (Straight) Edge A square edge with the sharp corners slightly rounded (1/16" radius) to remove the raw advanced. The simplest, most modern look. This is what you get if you don't specify a preference.
Slight Bevel A small 45-degree chamfer (about 1/8") on the top edge. Very similar to eased but with a subtle angled facet that catches light.
Simple Upgrades ($5-$12/linear foot)
| Edge Profile | Cost/Linear Foot | Look | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beveled (1/4") | $5-$8 | Angled cut on top edge | Modern, transitional |
| Half bullnose | $6-$10 | Rounded top edge, flat bottom | Universal appeal |
| Pencil round | $5-$8 | Small rounded edge on top and bottom | Contemporary |
| Demi bullnose | $6-$10 | Slightly curved top with flat bottom | Transitional |
Mid-Range Profiles ($12-$20/linear foot)
| Edge Profile | Cost/Linear Foot | Look | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full bullnose | $12-$18 | Fully rounded top and bottom | Traditional, classic |
| Ogee | $15-$20 | S-shaped curve, traditional | Formal, high-end |
| Cove | $12-$16 | Concave curve at top | Traditional |
| Waterfall | $12-$16 | Rounded with vertical drop | Transitional |
Premium Profiles ($20-$35+/linear foot)
| Edge Profile | Cost/Linear Foot | Look | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dupont | $20-$30 | Stepped profile with curves | Luxury traditional |
| Triple pencil | $18-$25 | Three parallel rounded grooves | Detailed traditional |
| Mitered edge | $25-$35 | Two pieces joined at 45° for thick appearance | Ultra-modern |
| Chiseled/rock face | $20-$30 | Rough-hewn natural stone look | Rustic, natural |
| Laminated (doubled) | $20-$30 | Two layers bonded for 6cm look | Contemporary thick |
Calculating Your Edge Upgrade Cost
Step 1: Measure Your Exposed Edges
Only exposed (visible) edges get the decorative profile. Edges against walls and backsplashes stay square-cut.
Typical kitchen edge lengths:
| Kitchen Layout | Total Counter Length | Exposed Edge (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Galley | 16-20 ft | 16-20 ft |
| L-shaped | 20-25 ft | 20-25 ft |
| U-shaped | 24-30 ft | 22-28 ft |
| L-shaped + island | 25-35 ft | 28-38 ft |
Step 2: Calculate the Upgrade Cost
Example: L-shaped kitchen + island with ogee edge
- Perimeter exposed edge: 22 linear feet
- Island exposed edge: 12 linear feet (all four sides)
- Total exposed edge: 34 linear feet
- Ogee upgrade: $15-$20/linear foot
- Total edge upgrade: $510-$680
Example: Galley kitchen with half bullnose edge
- Exposed edge: 18 linear feet
- Half bullnose upgrade: $6-$10/linear foot
- Total edge upgrade: $108-$180
How Edge Profiles Are Made
CNC Machining
Most modern fabrication shops create edge profiles using CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines with diamond-tipped profiling wheels. The CNC follows the countertop edge contour and cuts the specified profile automatically.
Advantages:
- Consistent profile across the entire edge length
- Precise reproduction of complex profiles (ogee, dupont)
- Faster production for standard profiles
- Less skilled labor required for basic edges
Hand Profiling
Some fabricators still shape edges by hand using angle grinders with diamond profile pads. This is more common for:
- Small shops without CNC equipment
- Custom or non-standard profiles
- Touch-up work after CNC passes
- Chiseled/rock face edges (which require intentional irregularity)
Hand profiling takes more time and skill, which is reflected in higher pricing at hand-fabrication shops.
Router Profiling (Solid Surface Only)
For solid surface materials like Corian, edge profiles are cut with standard woodworking routers and carbide bits. This is faster and less expensive than stone profiling, which is one reason solid surface edge upgrades cost less than stone edge upgrades.
Edge Profile Selection Guide
By Kitchen Style
| Kitchen Style | Recommended Edges | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Modern/contemporary | Eased, bevel, mitered | Clean lines, minimal detail |
| Transitional | Half bullnose, demi bullnose | Subtle curve, not too ornate |
| Traditional | Full bullnose, ogee | Classic curves, formal feel |
| Rustic/farmhouse | Chiseled, pencil round | Natural, handmade aesthetic |
| Luxury | Dupont, ogee, mitered | Detailed, premium appearance |
By Material
| Material | Best Edge Choices | Edges to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Granite (3cm) | Any profile works | None - granite handles all edges |
| Quartz (3cm) | Any profile works | Chiseled (doesn't look natural) |
| Marble (3cm) | Eased, bevel, ogee | Chiseled (marble too soft) |
| Quartzite (3cm) | Any profile works | None |
| 2cm material | Eased, bevel, pencil | Thick profiles (need lamination) |
| Solid surface | Any, plus thermoformed | Chiseled (material too soft) |
By Budget
| Budget Level | Recommended Approach |
|---|---|
| Tight ($0 extra) | Standard eased edge - it looks clean and modern |
| Moderate ($100-$300) | Half bullnose or bevel across all exposed edges |
| Comfortable ($300-$700) | Ogee or full bullnose on island, half bullnose on perimeter |
| Premium ($700+) | Dupont or mitered edge on island, ogee on perimeter |
Fabricator Perspective: Edge Profiling Economics
Production Time by Edge Type
| Edge Profile | CNC Time (per 10 ft) | Hand Time (per 10 ft) | Consumable Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eased | 5-8 min | 15-20 min | $5-$10 |
| Half bullnose | 8-12 min | 20-30 min | $8-$15 |
| Full bullnose | 12-18 min | 30-45 min | $12-$20 |
| Ogee | 15-25 min | 40-60 min | $15-$25 |
| Dupont | 20-30 min | 50-75 min | $20-$30 |
| Mitered | 30-45 min | N/A (CNC required) | $25-$40 |
Profitability Analysis
Edge upgrades are one of the highest-margin upsells in countertop fabrication:
- Material cost for an edge upgrade: $0 (same slab)
- Labor cost: 15-60 minutes of CNC or hand time
- Pricing to customer: $5-$35/linear foot
- Margin: 60-80% on most edge upgrades
A shop that consistently upsells edge profiles on 50% of kitchens at an average of $300/upgrade generates $3,000-$6,000/month in high-margin add-on revenue (assuming 20-40 kitchens/month).
FAQ
How much does a bullnose edge cost on granite?
A half bullnose (rounded top edge) typically costs $6-$10 per linear foot. A full bullnose (rounded top and bottom) runs $12-$18 per linear foot. For a 30-linear-foot kitchen, expect to pay $180-$540 for a bullnose upgrade over the standard eased edge.
What is the cheapest countertop edge?
The eased (straight) edge is typically included at no extra charge with standard fabrication. It's a clean, square edge with slightly rounded corners - and it's the most popular edge choice in contemporary kitchen design.
Does edge profile affect countertop durability?
Minimally. Sharp edges (eased) are slightly more susceptible to chipping from direct impacts, but the risk is small. Rounded edges (bullnose) are marginally more chip-resistant because there's no sharp corner to catch impacts. For practical purposes, all standard profiles are equally durable.
Can I mix edge profiles in my kitchen?
Yes. A common approach: a decorative edge (ogee or dupont) on the island or bar area, with a simpler edge (eased or half bullnose) on the perimeter counters. This creates visual hierarchy and manages budget.
What edge profile is most popular in 2026?
The eased/straight edge remains the #1 choice, driven by modern and transitional design trends. Half bullnose is a close #2 for its versatility. Mitered edges are gaining popularity on contemporary islands for their thick, dramatic appearance.
Can you change the edge profile after installation?
Not easily. Once a countertop is installed, changing the edge requires removing the counter, re-profiling at the fabrication shop, and reinstalling. This is cost-prohibitive - typically more expensive than the original edge upgrade would have been.
Is an ogee edge worth the cost?
If you're going for a traditional or formal kitchen design, the ogee edge adds significant visual impact. At $15-$20/linear foot, it's a $400-$700 investment for a typical kitchen - far less than the overall countertop cost. Whether it's "worth it" depends on how much the aesthetic matters to your design.
What is a mitered edge?
A mitered edge is created by cutting two pieces at 45-degree angles and bonding them together to create a thick appearance - usually making a 3cm countertop look like 6cm at the edge. It's the most expensive standard edge option ($25-$35/linear foot) and requires precise fabrication.
Do different stone types cost more for the same edge?
Slightly. Harder materials (quartzite, some granites) take longer to profile and consume more diamond tooling. Softer materials (marble) profile faster but require more careful handling to avoid chipping. The price difference is usually $1-$3/linear foot between materials for the same profile.
How do I choose between 2cm and 3cm for edge profiles?
3cm material gives you full-thickness edge profiles cut directly from the slab. 2cm material limits you to thin profiles unless you laminate (bond) edge strips to create the appearance of thickness. If a specific edge profile matters to you, 3cm gives you more options without added lamination cost.
Include Edge Pricing in Every Quote - Automatically
Quoting edge upgrades shouldn't slow down your sales process. SlabWise's Quick Quote automatically includes edge profile pricing options so homeowners see the upgrade cost alongside their base quote - in 3 minutes, not 20. More visibility means more upsells and higher ticket values.
[Start Your 14-Day Free Trial →]
Sources
- Natural Stone Institute - Edge Profile Standards and Terminology
- CNC fabrication equipment manufacturers - Production time benchmarks
- NKBA - Kitchen Design Element Preferences Survey
- Countertop fabrication industry pricing surveys
- Diamond tooling manufacturers - Consumable cost data
- Houzz - Kitchen Countertop Edge Profile Trends