pencil/standard square edge on granite (chips?)

18 years ago

While selecting our slabs of granite today, we had to make the decision about edge profiling. We had envisioned a plain squared edge for our shaker cabinets. The fabricator suggested a rounded or beveled edge, at least on the top side, to prevent chipping. I have done some sleuthing around this site and it looks like they were giving us sound advice.

I was just wondering if I could live vicariously through one of you... Does anyone have first hand experience going with the squared edge? How long have you had it? Any chips? Does it depend on the rock? Ours is called Brown Suede, but it might be called something else elsewhere (similar to Tan Brown without the scratchy rosy stones --- a murky blackish brown from India). If some fine chips do happen, are they fillable? We have a few days to decide.... I'm fearing regrets.

Thanks in advance!

Sandra

Featured Answer

mmme

18 years ago

I'm currently living in a rental house that has granite counters with a pencil edge. There are no chips on any of the edges, and because it is a rental house, I suspect it has taken some abuse. I don't think the counters are very old--maybe 2-3 yrs--but it really doesn't seem like a problem.

I wonder if it has something to do with the type of stone you choose? Maybe some are more chip-prone than others?

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Comments (10)

mckennajs
18 years ago
We had both in our old kitchen and the squared edge of the Dakota Mahogany on the island did have chips on the edge. (over a couple of years) The 1/4 inch rounded on the other counters did not.

In the new kitchen I opted for 1/4 inch rounded on the perimeter and ogee on the island. Counters were just installed last week but the rounded edge with the Shaker cabinets looks great.
theresab1
18 years ago
we have what is called pencil edge- for almost a year- no problems chipping and we have shaker cabinets- it makes for nice clean lines. i can post a pic if you'd like.
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sam_b
Original Author
18 years ago
Thank you sandtab and theresab1. I don't want to be demanding, but it's great that each of you posted with the opposite counter edging on shaker cabinets. It would be really helpful for me to see a picture of them so I can make a comparison .... if it's not too much bother.

Thanks again,
Sandra
acountryfarm
18 years ago
I have had squared edge for 4 years, heavy use, many children. We have not had any chipping problems whatsoever . I am doing same edge in new build. I prefer the clean look especially with our shaker cabs.

Here is our old house....

Here is new house.....
karalouise
18 years ago
Not to hijack, but acountry farm, WOW!! Would you mind telling me all about your countertop materials???
redroze
18 years ago
I much prefer the look of a square edge. Our granite is 1 1/4" with no lamination, and I think it has the right amount of thickness to show off the stone without being chunky. Mind you, it's going in now so it's not like I have experience with chipping. I'll post again in 6 months!! ;-)
ella_socal
18 years ago
FWIW, we've had our granite countertops for almost 8 years and the only blemish on them is a small chip on the squared edge around the sink. I hadn't even thought about whether the edging influenced that chip until I read this thread. All the other edges are bullnose and look great.
theresab1
18 years ago
here is a pic of our pencil edged granite:
acountryfarm
18 years ago
karalouise -- Old house or new? I will give details for both, but I am guessing you wanted info for new.

Old House- New Venetian Gold

New House -
Perimeter counter top is AB (absolute black) Honed granite, island, baking centers, bar top are Carrera marble.