Waterfall Benchtops: Everything You Need to Know
The right waterfall benchtop can transform even the blandest kitchen design into a stunning masterpiece. With more and more people falling in love with this in-vogue countertop trend, it’s no wonder those who are buying or building their first home want to make their kitchens sing with waterfall benchtops.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about waterfall benchtops, including the most popular materials to use, how to determine the appropriate thickness for your bench, as well as why we love using Caesarstone for our homes’ waterfall countertops.
What is a Waterfall Benchtop?
A waterfall benchtop, also known as a waterfall countertop, is a striking kitchen feature where the countertop material extends vertically down the sides of the kitchen island, creating the cascading effect of a waterfall edge. The result is a sleek, continuous flow from the horizontal bench surface all the way down to the floor, resembling a waterfall – hence the name.
What Materials Are Used for Waterfall Countertops?
Waterfall benchtops can be crafted from all sorts of materials ranging from natural stone to engineered surfaces, with marble, quartz and porcelain being widely popular choices for homeowners.
At Brighton Homes, all our benchtops are made from Caesarstone. This material not only transforms into timeless and stunning kitchen islands, but it’s also a supremely durable and long-lasting product. Check out the diversity of designs and finishes on offer at the MyChoice Design Studio, where you can try out more than 10 popular colours for your waterfall benchtop.
How Thick is a Waterfall Benchtop?
The thickness of your waterfall benchtop will play a key role in achieving the desired aesthetic. When designing your kitchen, first think about whether a waterfall benchtop will align with your overall home design. You’ll then want to settle on the stone-slab thickness.
For example, some island benchtops are very thick at around 40mm, while other countertops are more sleek at just 20mm. Whatever dimension you end up choosing, the most important factor in creating a cohesive, seamless look is to ensure all the slabs used for your waterfall design are the same thickness.
Waterfall Edge Countertops: Pros And Cons
Pros:
Visually Stunning
Waterfall benchtops add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any kitchen. The seamless flow of the dramatic material as it flows down the sides of the counter creates a visually striking focal point, elevating the overall look and feel of the kitchen space.
Durability
Waterfall edge benchtops add strength and stability to your kitchen island and cabinetry. The vertical panels protect the edges from chipping or general wear-and-tear damage, which makes them the perfect choice for any busy modern kitchen.
Versatility
Whether you want a quartz waterfall countertop or something more demure, the waterfall style complements a wide variety of kitchen designs. From modern to contemporary to minimalist – and everything in between – it can serve as a bold statement piece or seamlessly blend into the overall design of your kitchen.
Easy to Maintain
Every busy homeowner’s dream, waterfall benchtops are very easy to clean and maintain for years to come. With no crevices or seams where dirt and food scraps can build up, you’ll spend less time cleaning up and more time admiring the craftsmanship required to create such a dramatic piece.
Cons:
Cost
Waterfall edge benchtops are generally more expensive than traditional countertops due to the type of material used (e.g. marble) as well as the complexity of actually building and then the installation of the waterfall island. However, the long-term benefits and visual appeal often outweigh the higher upfront cost.
Doesn’t Work with Every Style
While waterfall countertops are visually captivating, they won’t necessarily complement every kitchen design theme. In terms of the overall aesthetic of your home and any interior design trends you want to incorporate, know that waterfall countertops are more commonly associated with a contemporary kitchen and could appear out of place if surrounded by rustic or traditional kitchen cabinetry.
Seats
One big limitation with waterfall edge benchtops is that there’s no way to ‘add more room’ once it’s installed. The amount of seating you have is restricted by the length of the countertop – you also can’t add seating on the side due to the waterfall edges on the kitchen island. Stools can also only be stashed directly underneath the kitchen island, which might influence how you want the space styled.
Waterfall Benchtop Design Ideas
Bold in Black
Colour choice can make a beautiful kitchen simply unforgettable, particularly when you are heroing a waterfall benchtop. Black marble or quartz are timeless, elegant and always welcome in an open-plan kitchen and living space. You’ll find this eye-catching waterfall benchtop in our Aria home design – with a virtual tour available and on display at Rochedale.
Cool Coastal
Nothing says beachside living like a light, bright kitchen. And elevating the space with a coastal theme can truly elevate any waterfall benchtop. Like the gorgeous kitchen set-up in our Grayson home design, which is all about bringing laid-back beach vibes inside the home. Take a virtual tour today or visit the display home at Rochedale or Ridgeview, Narangba.
Playing with Materials
While a stunning full marble waterfall countertop never looks out of place, some homeowners preferred a more pared-back look – one that complements the rest of the kitchen rather than being the star of the show. So mixing materials can help you achieve your dream design. You’ll find this in our Lola home design, which boasts a 40mm edge Caesarstone waterfall benchtop in a beautiful shade of white with wood-style panelling underneath that brings the whole kitchen space together. Take a virtual tour online or visit the display home at Bells Creek.
Is a Waterfall Kitchen Countertop Right for Me?
It ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the overall kitchen design you’re looking for. If you're after for a statement piece that enhances the visual appeal of your kitchen and adds a touch of luxury, a waterfall benchtop can be an excellent choice. So, whether you want a waterfall benchtop or prefer a more traditional island design, Brighton Homes has a range of options to suit your preferences and help you create the kitchen of your dreams.
