Waterfall Countertop Trend Flows Into US Kitchens

The waterfall countertop trend has taken US kitchens by storm. As a popular design, homeowners are discovering new ways to include them in their interior spaces. It’s an exciting period and will be interesting to see how the trend develops.

Waterfall Countertop

According to interior designer Kate Lindberg, “A waterfall edge is not only for the ultramodern home. It can work in a contemporary, transitional, coastal, or even the right type of traditional space if you are open to blending elements.”

Sleek wood waterfall countertop

A waterfall countertop drops vertically down the sides instead of stopping abruptly at the waterfall edge of a cabinet or island. It has a continuous flow, connecting the floor to the cabinetry in a fluid and natural way. 

What Is A Waterfall Countertop?

What Is a Waterfall Countertop

Waterfall edges are design elements that create a 90-degree angle at the end of a countertop’s length and width. Rather than merely terminating with a completed edge, the countertop extends down the edges and towards the floor. The “waterfall: name derives from the design of the countertop, which appears to be “pouring” off the edge. 

A waterfall countertop, though it might look out of place in a traditional home, provides the strong, clean lines that are essential to a contemporary kitchen design.

However, in bathrooms, the vanity sides are connected to the walls or floors by a stone slab with a smooth finish.

20 Inspirational Waterfall Countertops For 2022

Handpicked by our team of kitchen design experts, the following examples showcase the beauty of waterfall countertops.

Modern White Marble Waterfall Countertop

waterfall countertop

Waterfall countertops have a sleek and minimal look which makes them a particularly good option for contemporary interiors. Their strong and clean lines would look out of place in a traditional or farmhouse kitchen but they’d fit nicely in a modern or contemporary bath.

Double Island Countertop

Sleek wood waterfall countertop

The role of a waterfall countertop is not only to establish visual continuity between the floor and the worktop but also to hide appliances, protect the cabinetry, and be eye-catching and dramatic from a visual point of view.

Kitchen Island Open Shelves

Sleek wood waterfall countertop

The waterfall countertop allows you to show off the material, turning your space into a piece of fancy and sophisticated furniture. Waterfall countertops provide an aesthetic focal point for a space while increasing its functionality.

Countertop Material

Sleek wood waterfall countertop

Considering the dramatic impact that waterfall countertops have on the interior design, the material chosen for them is one that makes a statement. That means some sort of natural stone countertop.

Marble, granite, and quartz are respected options and lately concrete and wood started to stand out. The last two offer an extra advantage: they’re DIY friendly and considerably cheaper than the others.

Waterfall Island

Sleek wood waterfall countertop

A waterfall countertop is an important focal point for the entire space it’s in, be it a kitchen or a bathroom. It’s a centerpiece displaying beauty and uniqueness, emphasizing texture and color. 

Modern Kitchen Different Accents

Sleek wood waterfall countertop

This example drops down like a marble waterfall countertop, touching the floor. The verticality of the surface is an unusual detail and the transition from horizontal to vertical has to be as smooth and as fluid as possible for the waterfall effect to be successful and worthy of attention.

Marble Waterfall Countertop

Sleek wood waterfall countertop

You can witness the minimalism and beauty of the marble waterfall countertop in this remodeled kitchen which has a chic island with wooden storage spaces and built-in appliances and which is wrapped in a crisp white counter which drops down both sides.

Live Edgewood

Sleek wood waterfall countertop

In this example made of wood, it ends with an asymmetric cut showcasing the waterfall edge of the panel. {dwell}.

Island Seating

Sleek wood waterfall countertop

The most important detail of the waterfall countertops is how they’re easier to clean when compared to regular countertops.

Small Kitchen Island 

Sleek wood waterfall countertop

The waterfall design allows you to put an emphasis on it and to make the material stand out more. Of course, that means a considerably higher price.

Island Extension

Sleek wood waterfall countertop

The waterfall design can also be adapted to suit kitchen islands that have a raised bar extension or that feature two different heights or materials. 

Dark Marble Countertop

Sleek wood waterfall countertop

When working with marble, the tricky part is to line up the pattern when creating a waterfall counter. The veining must be in line if you want to emphasize its fluidity and continuity of the design. {ftimberworx}.

Kitchen Island Hood

Sleek wood waterfall countertop

Making it look like the counter molds onto the island as if it’s fluid is not easy. It takes a professional to get it right, especially when working with materials like marble or natural stone countertop in general.

Natural Wood Waterfall Countertop Kitchen Island

Sleek wood waterfall countertop

Wood is a more forgiving material, one that’s more accessible to DIYers compared to stone. That doesn’t mean anyone can make a waterfall countertop, even if the wood is the material of choice. Creating a fluid a continuous design can be challenging when working with a single huge wood slice.

Reclaimed Wood

Sleek wood waterfall countertop

Reclaimed wood makes things easier. Imperfections are viewed as quirky features which add character to the counter and make it look special and unique. Similarly, certain types of wood and finishes are easier to work with from this particular point of view. {antoniomartins}.

Stainless Steel Kitchen Countertop

Sleek wood waterfall countertop

Stainless steel is an option. It’s a good counter material because of its antibacterial properties and it’s easy to care for and clean. A waterfall design puts an emphasis on the polished and shiny nature of the counter.

Ceiling Windows Layout

Sleek wood waterfall countertop

The thickness of a waterfall countertop is not the same with each design. This example is thin, giving it a sleek and lightweight appearance. 

Concrete Countertop

Sleek wood waterfall countertop

Concrete countertops are DIY-friendly, just like those made of wood. In fact, concrete may even be easier to work with than wood in this context. 

Minimalist Kitchen Design

Sleek wood waterfall countertop

A kitchen design is complete when you have a waterfall island. The counter can be like a shell that extends beyond the width of the cabinet, almost as if it’s an independent feature.

Luxury Kitchen Layout

Sleek wood waterfall countertop

Marble is sophisticated, elegant and classy so what better way to put the spotlight on it than with a waterfall island counter? Since the material is the focal point, the design of the island can be minimalist and focused on practicality.

What Kind Of Materials Are Used For Waterfall Countertops?

Naturally, there are different materials that you can use to make waterfall countertops, with some being more popular and others being new additions that provide glowing results. While stone is the most common choice, there are other options out there, so let’s take a look at what you can get from each of the available materials. 

Granite

Granite has always been the go-to-choice for waterfall countertops because the advantages are simply too good to overlook. Granite has a high heat-resistance, is strong, will last a long time, requires almost no maintenance when properly treated, adds value to your home, and you get to choose between more than 3,000 colors and types.

However, granite is expensive, hard to install by yourself, and the naturally porous surface or granite demands a sealer to prevent stains. 

Quartz

A quartz waterfall countertop is essentially an engineered stone product that comprises up to 93 percent quartz particles, combined with some other minerals. Because it is nonporous, it is more resistant to scratching and staining than granite and may be found in a wide spectrum of colors.

Quartz is a good choice because DIY installation is easy. The surface doesn’t require much effort to  maintain. Plus, quartz slabs rarely have imperfections. However, quartz is expensive and heavy. 

Marble

Marble waterfall countertop

Marble is yet another natural stone that is frequently utilized in kitchen countertops. The distinctive features of marble will make each waterfall countertop unique. However, thei countertops are difficult to repair.  

For waterfall countertops, DIY installation isn’t simple. When looked at from this perspective, marble is less desirable.

Wood Butcher’s Block

Sleek wood waterfall countertop

Wood waterfall counters have a wonderful, warm appearance and are available in a variety of hues and finishes to complement any décor. Hardwoods are most frequently utilized as countertop woods because of their durability.

Waterfall countertops made from wood are easy to clean, can be resealed as needed, and are great for adding a country look to your space. However, they are more prone to damage compared to countertops made from other materials. 

Concrete

If you have countertops that are in strange forms, or if you want a kitchen that is truly one-of-a-kind, concrete countertops may be a wonderful option for you. In order to accommodate their great weight, concrete countertops are typically made in molds right in your home’s kitchen.

Despite the fact that concrete is susceptible to cracking, new solutions are being developed to mitigate this problem. With the use of additives, the porousness of concrete can be minimized.

If you want to install waterfall countertops, it won’t be possible. Also, custom work with concrete costs more money. However, the surface will be sophisticated, heat and scratch-resistant. 

Metal

When it comes to giving your kitchen a truly contemporary and industrial style, stainless steel is a terrific option. Countertops made of stainless steel are heat resistant and long-lasting. Because they are built to your requirements, you can have a waterfall countertop that is completely seamless.

If you’re thinking of choosing metal for your waterfall countertop, know that this material is expensive to make and is prone to scratches. Some of the benefits include ease of cleaning and high resistance to heat damage. 

Laminate

Surfaces such as laminate sheets are bonded to a particleboard (MDF) core to create countertops. It is possible to purchase pre-formed segments of laminate countertops or have them custom-fabricated to specifications, so if you want a waterfall countertop made with laminate, you’re going to have to place a custom order.

Although laminates are considered less luxurious than premium countertop materials, their popularity is rising. The downsides of choosing laminate for a waterfall countertop include visible seams and added expenses with making the custom edges. 

Waterfall Countertops: Pros And Cons

If you’ve decided to give your kitchen a new look and you’re not sure if waterfall countertops are the best solution, let’s take a look at the advantages and drawbacks of these products:

Pros

  • You can choose from materials such as travertine, quartz, granite, marble, and even wood. 
  • A waterfall edge can be a show-stopping focal point in any kitchen, and there’s no arguing that a waterfall edge can be both attractive and functional. 
  • They are durable. With children, dogs, and guests, the corners of most kitchens are prone to damage. 

Cons

  • They are more expensive compared to other options. 
  • They aren’t a good DIY project. Know that installing a waterfall countertop is a time-consuming operation since it requires the two pieces to be mitered for the seam line to be as undetectable and continuous.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ

Do Waterfall Countertops Have A Toe Kick Allowance?

Most kitchen cabinetry has a three-inch cutout space at the bottom. The small area allows you to stand closer to your counters. The toe kick is considered an ergonomic feature. This is one drawback of the waterfall countertop. It looks nice, you if you spend time in your kitchen, you will be uncomfortable.

What Is Agatha Black Granite?

If you want to accentuate your kitchen, Agatha Black is an exotic granite stone featuring jet black hues and veins mixed with gray and white colors. The granite material is considered a lux stone based on its exquisite beauty.

What Is Whisper White Granite?

The granite features abstract venous patterns in dark hues like brown and black. Today, the granite stone is one of the most popular materials for waterfall countertops. Black colors highlight the purity and patterns of the white stone.

Waterfall Countertop Conclusion

A quartz waterfall countertop will transform your kitchen space from bland to luxurious. Waterfall countertops are easy to install and they last a long time. One thing to consider is a waterfall edge countertop. Should you not want to commit to a full countertop design, an edge counter would be enough to get you started.