Over half of the houses in the United States were built prior to 1980. If your kitchen looks dated and it's time for a refresh, updating the countertops is one of the best ways to upgrade.

If you're searching for a truly luxurious and upscale design, you can't go wrong with a waterfall countertop. It adds a touch of class to any kitchen design and creates a truly eye-catching focal point.

That said, there are a few factors to consider before choosing this design option. Here's what you need to know if you're planning on a kitchen remodel soon.

The Waterfall Countertop Design

Traditional countertops have base cabinets and a slab on top of either the cabinets or the island. Waterfall counters extend over the sides to the floor, reminiscent of water pouring over the edge. The result is a dramatic and elegant look.

If you love the look of a waterfall edge countertop, you should consider the materials carefully. Most people want their waterfall countertops to appear as one continuous material for a seamless look.

The Best Materials

A waterfall countertop is designed to showcase the beautiful material it's made from, which is why quartz, travertine, granite, and marble are the most popular choices. Although not as common, other beautiful options include concrete and wood.

Certain designs, such as veining, can affect the seamless look. Mismatched veining can affect the look of your countertop depending on the material used and make it obvious it isn't one cascading material.

That said, you don't have to avoid patterns. There are many stunning waterfall countertops with veining and patterns, and they can look great with proper installation.

The right professional can bring your ideal kitchen design to life, making the countertop appear as seamless as possible.

Cost

The material you choose will affect the cost of your countertop design.

Stone slabs, such as marble, granite, and quartz, range from around $75 per square foot to $100 or more. You also have to consider the cost of installation.

In addition, waterfall countertops require the use of a fabricator to create a nearly seamless edge. This adds an extra charge to the project.

While the look of a waterfall edge is absolutely stunning, you need to plan your budget accordingly.

Size of the Kitchen

You should make sure your kitchen is roomy enough for a waterfall countertop island. A kitchen island provides many benefits, such as extra seating and more prep space, but it does take up a lot of floor room. An oversized island can impede traffic, making it difficult to navigate and cook.

Adding an island should enhance your kitchen, not detract from it, which is why measuring is so critical. An island should take up no more than 10% of your total kitchen square footage.

Designing your dream kitchen online can help you to visualize it. Use our online kitchen design tool to see how an island would look.

Kitchen Theme

The waterfall countertop may not work with every kitchen theme. This style looks stunning in contemporary or modern kitchens, but might look out of place in a rustic kitchen. That isn't to say you can't add one, just that you might need to play around with different elements to make it blend in.

Again, a waterfall top doesn't need to be made of granite, marble, or quartz. You can also design one in wood or concrete. Wooden waterfall counters may not always look as seamless, but they're still beautiful.

Playing around with kitchen design using an online design tool or viewing some of your options in person can give you a better idea of how the finished product will look.

At Cabinet Wholesalers, we can help you bring your dream kitchen to life, from planning to installation. If you have any questions or want to learn more about your options, we're here to guide you.

Matching the Rest of the Kitchen

Your kitchen design should flow, and each element should complement one another for a truly stunning design.

Achieving this result can might sound easy, but there are many parts of the kitchen design to consider. A professional knows how to blend everything from the cabinets to the countertops and finishes together.

For instance, the kitchen countertops should complement the kitchen backsplash, the floors, and the cabinets.

If you want all the elements to blend together, you could choose muted colors, such as a soft white or gray countertop material and white cabinets. You can also have the countertop contrast with the kitchen cabinets, such as the classic look of black and white.

You can also add a touch of drama with a color or pattern that creates a focal point in the kitchen. If you can see the kitchen island from other parts of the home, such as the dining room, you can carry that "wow factor" throughout.

Where to Install a Waterfall Countertop

You don't need to install a waterfall countertop on an island. You can also install it at the end of a cabinet, a bar area, a kitchen peninsula, and so on.

If you don't have enough room in the kitchen for a full island, this can be an excellent way to use this design.

Adding Outlets

Having enough outlets in the kitchen can be a struggle, leaving many homeowners looking for a place to plug in all the appliances. This is one issue kitchen remodeling can fix. Thankfully, you can add outlets to your kitchen island.

When adding outlets, you'll want to make sure they don't clash or detract from the look of the waterfall edge. A pop-up outlet can be a good idea. Alternatively, you can install outlets and cover them with a faux drawer for a seamless and classy look.

Design Your Ideal Kitchen

Adding a waterfall countertop to your kitchen remodel can elevate the look of the room, creating a dramatic focal point and giving you more prep space.

Here at Cabinet Wholesalers, we can make that ideal kitchen a reality. From concept to installation, we cover everything you need for your remodel. Browse our selection of kitchen countertops to gain inspiration, and then contact us to talk about your project!