What Edge Is Most Popular?
The eased edge (also called a straight edge with a slight bevel) is the most popular countertop edge profile in 2026, chosen in approximately 40% of all residential installations. The flat polish (pencil round) edge comes in second at roughly 25%. Together, these two simple profiles account for about 65% of countertop edge selections, driven by the trend toward clean, contemporary kitchen design and the practical advantage of zero additional cost at most fabricators.
TL;DR
- Eased edge is #1 at roughly 40% market share - minimal bevel on top and bottom, clean modern look
- Flat polish (pencil round) is #2 at about 25% - slightly rounded, comfortable feel
- Bullnose is #3 at roughly 12% - fully rounded, traditional style
- Ogee and dupont profiles are declining, now under 8% combined
- Simple edges (eased, flat polish) are included in the base price at most fabricators
- Decorative edges (ogee, dupont, lambs tongue) add $10-$25 per linear foot
- Edge profile affects both aesthetics and durability - simpler edges chip less
The 10 Most Common Edge Profiles
| Edge Profile | Market Share | Added Cost | Style | Chip Resistance | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eased | ~40% | $0 (included) | Modern/contemporary | High | Any material |
| Flat Polish | ~25% | $0 (included) | Transitional | High | Quartz, granite |
| Bullnose (half) | ~12% | $5-$12/lin ft | Traditional | Very high | Granite, marble |
| Beveled | ~7% | $5-$15/lin ft | Contemporary | High | Quartz, granite |
| Ogee | ~5% | $12-$25/lin ft | Traditional/ornate | Medium | Granite, marble |
| Full Bullnose | ~4% | $8-$18/lin ft | Traditional | Very high | Granite |
| Dupont | ~3% | $15-$25/lin ft | Traditional/ornate | Medium | Granite |
| Waterfall | ~2% | $10-$20/lin ft | Ultra-modern | Medium-high | Quartz |
| Mitered | ~1% | $15-$30/lin ft | Modern/thick look | Medium | Quartz, granite |
| Lambs Tongue | <1% | $15-$25/lin ft | Classic/ornate | Low | Marble |
Detailed Edge Profile Breakdown
Eased Edge: The Modern Standard
The eased edge is simply a 90-degree corner with the sharp edge slightly broken (chamfered) by about 1/16" to 1/8". It's the default edge at nearly every fabrication shop, included in the base price.
Why it's #1:
- Matches the clean-line aesthetic that dominates kitchen design right now
- Shows off the full thickness of 3cm stone
- Costs nothing extra
- Works with every material and color
- Resists chipping better than ornate profiles
- Easy to clean - no grooves or curves that collect grime
When to choose something else: If you have young children, the 90-degree geometry (even with the slight break) can feel sharp. A flat polish or bullnose is more forgiving if someone bumps into it.
Flat Polish (Pencil Round) Edge
This edge has a slightly more rounded profile than eased - think of it as a softened version. The top edge gets a small radius (typically 1/8" to 3/16") that you can feel when you run your hand along it. Most fabricators include this in their base price.
Best for: Families with children, anyone who wants a modern look with a softer touch. It's the most versatile edge because it reads as modern in modern kitchens and doesn't look out of place in traditional settings either.
Half Bullnose Edge
The half bullnose rounds the entire top edge into a half-circle while keeping the bottom edge squared. This was the most popular edge 15-20 years ago and is still common in traditional kitchens. It adds $5-$12 per linear foot at most shops.
Best for: Traditional kitchens, heavy granite colors, anyone who wants maximum comfort and chip resistance. The rounded profile distributes impact forces, making it the most chip-resistant option after full bullnose.
Ogee Edge
The ogee has an S-shaped curve that starts with a concave arc at the top and transitions to a convex arc at the bottom. It's the classic "ornate" edge that was everywhere in the early 2000s. At $12-$25 per linear foot, it's one of the pricier options.
Why it's declining: The ornate look conflicts with the current trend toward clean, simple lines. Ogee also collects dust and food particles in its curves, making cleaning harder. The complex profile is more vulnerable to chipping than simpler edges.
When it works: Formal dining rooms, butler's pantries, and traditional estates where the ornate look matches the architecture.
Dupont Edge
The dupont (or DuPont) edge features a straight vertical drop followed by a curved undercut. It's slightly less ornate than ogee but still reads as decorative. Cost is $15-$25 per linear foot.
Like ogee, dupont is declining in popularity but still has a following in traditional kitchen designs, particularly in the Southeast and Northeast US where traditional architecture is more prevalent.
How to Choose Your Edge Profile
Match Your Kitchen Style
| Kitchen Style | Best Edge Profiles | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Modern/contemporary | Eased, flat polish, mitered | Ogee, dupont, lambs tongue |
| Transitional | Flat polish, bevel, half bullnose | Lambs tongue |
| Traditional | Half bullnose, ogee, dupont | Mitered |
| Farmhouse | Eased, flat polish, half bullnose | Ogee, mitered |
| Industrial | Eased, waterfall | Ogee, dupont, lambs tongue |
Consider Your Material
Quartz: Eased and flat polish edges look best on quartz because they show off the engineered material's consistent pattern. Quartz also machines cleanly, so even simple edges look sharp.
Granite: All edges work well on granite. The natural variation in granite can make ornate edges harder to appreciate visually, so many designers recommend simpler profiles that let the stone speak for itself.
Marble: Eased, flat polish, and half bullnose are safest. Marble is soft (Mohs 3-5), so complex profiles like ogee chip more easily. If you choose an ornate edge on marble, expect to repair chips over time.
Quartzite: Treat quartzite like granite for edge selection - it's hard enough (Mohs 7-8) to handle any profile, though simple edges are still the safest choice.
Factor in Cost
For a kitchen with 25 linear feet of exposed edge (typical L-shaped layout), upgrading from eased to ogee adds $300-$625 to your project. Here's how it breaks down:
| Edge Upgrade | Cost per Linear Foot | 25 LF Kitchen Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Eased → Flat polish | $0 (both included) | $0 |
| Eased → Half bullnose | $5-$12 | $125-$300 |
| Eased → Bevel | $5-$15 | $125-$375 |
| Eased → Ogee | $12-$25 | $300-$625 |
| Eased → Dupont | $15-$25 | $375-$625 |
| Eased → Mitered | $15-$30 | $375-$750 |
Think About Maintenance
Simple edges are easier to clean and more resistant to damage:
- Eased and flat polish: Wipe clean in one motion. Minor chips are less noticeable because there's less profile detail to interrupt.
- Half bullnose: Easy to wipe but shows chips clearly because the rounded surface is uniform.
- Ogee and dupont: Food and grime collect in the curves. Chips in ornate sections are noticeable and harder to repair invisibly.
Edge Trends by Region
Edge profile popularity varies by geography, reflecting regional design preferences:
- West Coast (CA, OR, WA): Eased dominates at ~50%. Waterfall and mitered are growing fastest.
- Northeast (NY, NJ, CT): More balanced split. Ogee and dupont still hold ~15% combined.
- Southeast (FL, GA, NC): Traditional edges remain more popular. Half bullnose and ogee each hold ~15%.
- Midwest: Flat polish leads. Practical choices dominate over ornate or trendy options.
- Southwest (AZ, TX): Eased is strong. Rustic and chiseled edges have a niche following.
FAQ
What is the most popular countertop edge in 2026? The eased edge holds roughly 40% market share, making it the clear #1 choice. Combined with flat polish at about 25%, simple edges dominate two-thirds of all installations. The trend toward clean, modern kitchen design continues to drive these numbers.
Is the eased edge the same as a straight edge? Almost. A true straight edge is a sharp 90-degree corner with no break at all. An eased edge has a very slight bevel or chamfer (1/16" to 1/8") that removes the sharpness. Most fabricators won't install a true straight edge because it chips too easily.
What edge profile is best for resale value? Eased and flat polish are the safest choices for resale because they appeal to the widest range of buyers. Ornate edges like ogee can actually hurt resale in some markets because buyers associate them with dated 2000s-era kitchen design.
Do all fabricators charge extra for edge profiles? Nearly all fabricators include eased and flat polish edges in their base price. Most charge extra for anything beyond these two. Some high-end fabricators include all standard profiles (eased, flat polish, half bullnose, bevel) in their base price.
What edge is safest for homes with children? Half bullnose and full bullnose are the safest because the rounded profile eliminates sharp corners entirely. Flat polish is a good middle ground - modern look with a comfortable, rounded edge.
Can I have different edges on different countertop sections? Yes, and it's more common than you'd think. Many homeowners choose one edge for the perimeter counters and a different edge for the island. For example, eased on the perimeter and waterfall on the island.
Which edge is most durable? Full bullnose and half bullnose are the most chip-resistant because the rounded profile distributes impact forces. Eased edges are a close second. Ornate profiles like ogee have the most vulnerability to chipping because of their complex geometry.
Can I change my edge profile after installation? Technically yes, but it requires removing the countertop and re-fabricating the edges, which costs $500-$1,500 or more. It's far cheaper to get the edge right the first time.
What edge profile makes countertops look thicker? A mitered edge (two pieces joined at 45 degrees) creates the illusion of 6cm thickness from a 3cm slab. It's a popular modern technique for kitchen islands. Cost is $15-$30 per linear foot.
Do edge profiles affect countertop strength? Slightly. Ornate profiles remove more material from the edge, which can reduce edge strength. Simple profiles like eased maintain the most material and are therefore the strongest. The difference is minor for daily use but matters if you're prone to bumping heavy objects against counter edges.
Get an Accurate Quote with Your Edge Choice
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Sources
- Natural Stone Institute - Design Trends in Residential Stone Installations, 2025
- Marble Institute of America - Edge Profile Standards and Guidelines
- National Kitchen & Bath Association - Kitchen Design Trend Report, 2026
- Houzz - Kitchen Trends Survey, 2025
- SBA - Consumer Spending in Kitchen Renovations
- IBIS World - Countertop Fabrication Industry Report, 2025