Kitchen Countertop Design: What is a Waterfall Counter?

Here is a refreshing alternative to the standard edged counter

Shristi Nangalia 9 August 2021

Houzz India Contributor, Architect, Architectural Writer and Content Writer. Painting, craft work, pets and good food are my getaways. Cultures and colours always inspire me. Email: shristi012@gmail.com, Business profile: @decoretteindia.

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Have you noticed a horizontal counter top ‘falling’ vertically down at the edge of the cabinets or an island creating an inverted ‘L’ or a ‘U’ shape? That type of edging style indicates a waterfall counter. Generally, the horizontal and the vertical pieces are joined in such a way that the patterns or grains (of the countertop material – marble, granite, wood, whatever) run across the joint in a continuous manner, creating the effect of flowing water. That is how the waterfall counter got its name. Let us now dig a little deeper into its features, advantages, disadvantages and more.

Webb & Brown-Neaves

These first caught my attention for their clean-lined and orderly look. In addition to framing any area neatly, the sharp 90-degree angle here marks a distinct statement in itself.

Browse more waterfall counters here

Arth Design Build

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.

Waterfall counters are custom-built for each home. These additions not only add a style statement through their bold lines, they ensure your kitchen doesn’t look dated anytime soon. Getting interested? Read the pros and cons for more clarity.

Find a kitchen designer to help bring in a waterfall counter

Mathew & Ghosh Architects

Pro: They look beautiful
Waterfall-styled counters inevitably become the focal point in any kitchen space. Especially in open plans, the vertical panels let you show off the beautiful countertop materials.

Read how to glam up your kitchen

Denise Hall Montgomery Architecture

Pro: They act as envelopes
A waterfall counter makes for a shield for the sides of the cabinetry against scratches and scuffs. A raised waterfall counter can conceal or hide appliances, giving a sleek, uncluttered look. Plus, outwardly extruded ones make space for bar stools to fit under.

Dipen Gada and Associates

Pro: They are easy to clean
When compared to digging out dust from the joints of the cabinet and toe kick finishes, cleaning the surface and edges of the waterfall counter is much simpler.

Best Home Magazine

Pro: They have multiple applications
Who said waterfall edges can only be installed in the kitchens? The bathroom vanity, dressing table, bars and dining table can adopt these too.

See more kitchen images

Fulcrum Studio

Con: They add an extra expense
Though the cost of finishing the side panels of the cabinet is saved, waterfall’s vertical piece made of the countertop material can cost a bit.

S. B. Long Interiors

Con: They limit seating
Waterfall edges confine the use of stools or seats to a demarcated area, leaving no room for more additions.

Tip: Installing the waterfall edge only on one side of the counter (with the other side of the edge open) is a remedy for this issue.

JAUREGUI Architecture Interiors Construction

Is a waterfall for you?
Waterfall counters don’t just look good in modern, contemporary and minimalist kitchens. They work well in industrial and traditional setups too. Take a cue from this elegant transitional space augmented by the U-shaped waterfall islands made of black stone.

Antonio Martins Interior Design

A contrasting countertop material (to that of the cabinetry) makes the seam lines more prominent and alluring.

New Generation Home Improvements

In this contemporary kitchen, both the L counter and island feature waterfall edges. The addition of the front marble panel to the island makes it look like a solid piece of perfectly-cut stone. Along with the matching marble backsplash, the characteristic grey veins of the stone add to the visual interest.

Feast on these 9 steamy backsplash tiles

Doran Construction and Design, Inc.

Wood waterfalls look unique. This one infuses the contemporary white kitchen with a natural, organic feel.

Read more:
Kitchens: 5 Biggest Problems Solved
10 Indian Kitchens on Houzz That Evoke Envy

Tell us:
Which of the waterfall counters would you want in your home? Share in Comments below.