The detail at
the edge.
Edge profiles are one of the last decisions made on a stone project and one of the most visible. Understanding your options makes it a design decision, not a default.
Why edge profiles matter
The edge profile defines how stone meets the eye at arm's length. It affects how light falls across a surface, how the material feels to the touch, how thick the stone appears, and — subtly — how the room reads.
A square edge on a 20mm marble benchtop reads as sharp and contemporary. An ogee on the same stone reads as traditional furniture. The material is identical. The profile changes everything.
How to choose
Start with your interior style. Contemporary and minimalist schemes almost always want square or pencil round. Traditional and transitional interiors suit bullnose, bevelled, or ogee. Statement kitchens often warrant waterfall.
Then consider stone thickness. Premium profiles like ogee and waterfall require 30mm+ stone. We'll advise if a profile isn't appropriate for your specified material before fabrication begins.
Square / Eased
StandardA 90-degree square edge with the top arris slightly eased to prevent chipping. The most linear profile available — reads as clean, unadorned, and architectural. The default choice for modernist interiors.
Contemporary and minimalist interiors, commercial surfaces, thick stone
High-traffic edges where chipping is a concern
Pencil Round
StandardA small radius applied to the top edge — typically 3mm to 6mm. Softens the corner without visually changing the profile. The most practical all-rounder: comfortable to the touch, unlikely to chip, and reads as almost square from a distance.
Residential benchtops, bathroom vanities, family homes
Ultra-minimal design schemes where any softness reads as decorative
Half Bullnose
StandardA quarter-circle radius on the top edge, creating a softly rounded profile. More pronounced than a pencil round — the curvature is visible and intentional. Comfortable for seating at kitchen islands.
Transitional and classic interiors, island benchtops, curved applications
Very contemporary schemes, thin stone (under 20mm)
Full Bullnose
StandardA full semicircle profile — the top and bottom edges both rounded. Softest of the standard profiles. Often associated with traditional or classical interiors. Also practical for pool copings and outdoor edges where a fully exposed edge is required.
Classic and traditional interiors, pool copings, outdoor applications
Contemporary design, thin stone slabs
Bevelled
StandardAn angled cut along the top edge — typically 45 degrees, between 5mm and 15mm wide. Catches light distinctly and adds a faceted detail. Popular in Art Deco and heritage-adjacent interiors. Also common on splashback edges and glass-adjacent surfaces.
Art Deco, transitional, and heritage interiors; splashbacks; mirrors
Heavily contemporary or minimalist schemes
Ogee
PremiumAn S-curve profile with concave and convex elements — the most decorative of standard profiles. Requires thicker stone (30mm minimum) and skilled fabrication. Visually rich; reads as furniture rather than architecture. Not appropriate for minimal interiors.
Traditional, classical, and ornate interiors; furniture-style pieces
Contemporary design, stone under 30mm
Waterfall / Mitred
PremiumThe stone continues vertically down the side of the cabinet, creating the appearance of a continuous flowing slab. Requires a 45-degree mitred joint where the horizontal and vertical pieces meet. Material-intensive but delivers maximum visual impact. The defining look of high-end contemporary kitchens.
Contemporary statement benchtops, island ends, architectural elements
Small kitchens, budget-sensitive projects (material-intensive)
Dupont / Step
PremiumA step cut that creates the illusion of a thicker slab. The top edge is square, then steps back on the face. Often used on 20mm stone to achieve the visual presence of 40mm or 60mm. Adds architectural character without the cost of genuinely thick material.
Thick benchtops, design-forward kitchens, visual weight
Standard 20mm stone, minimalist schemes
Not sure which profile is right for your project?
Edge profile selection is part of our specification process. We review your drawings, material choice, and design intent, and recommend profiles that work. No obligation — just good advice.
Working on something?
Tell us about your project. No commitment, no brief required — just a conversation with people who know stone.