Installing a waterfall benchtop can be a great focal point for your kitchen. Offering an elegant look and clean style, it’s no wonder they’ve been trending for the past few years. But how can you decide if they’re right for your space? We’ve assessed the pros and cons of waterfall benchtops so you can decide whether they’re right for your home!
What is a waterfall benchtop?
A waterfall benchtop continues down the side of the cabinetry to meet the floor, creating a 90-degree angle with a seamless edge. They often will have a large overhang and highlights the stone’s craftsmanship and material quality.
Pros
Protects underlying cabinetry – Outer corners and edges on kitchen cabinetry undergo some wear-and-tear over the years. Covering these edges with quality stone will shield your cabinetry from damage over time.
Caesarstone elaborates that “base cabinets made from wood can scratch very easily. Belt buckles, utensils, and chairs all pose risks. Quartz, on the other hand, is a very resilient material. It’s very unlikely that you’d scratch a waterfall countertop made from quartz.”
Style – The seamless edges create a sense of continuity and consistency in the kitchen, making an elegant statement and cohesive space.
Versatility – Waterfall benchtops can be achieved with a variety of countertop materials, so you can select what suits your style best.
Architect and Houzz Contributor Shristi Nangalia advises that “waterfall counters can be fabricated with a wide range of materials – granite, quartz, travertine and marble. Laminates and veneers are not recommended as they are prone to clipping at the edges.”
Space – Waterfall kitchen islands often have an overhang. Not only is this great to tuck stools under, but provides you with more bench space for prep and entertaining.
Cons
Storage – Although not impossible, incorporating cabinets and shelving into a waterfall edge requires a lot of planning. Not to mention, it would interrupt the flow of the design. Blocking off an edge could potentially prevent you from utilising your whole space efficiently.
Power outlets on your waterfall edge can also disrupt the design. However, not having access to power on your island or benchtop could limit the spaces where you can use appliances, sacrificing bench space.
Cost – Waterfall kitchens can be a little more pricey due to the level of craftsmanship required. When installing, veins need to be seamlessly matched while the vertical stone must be properly supported to create a quality result.
Limited seating – Having an overhang on just a single side can limit seating options around the sides of your island.
