Are Waterfall Countertops Out Of Style? (Find Out Now!)

Ryan Womeldorf
by Ryan Womeldorf

Decisions as far as kitchen design are of the utmost importance. The look of a kitchen can not only tie into the overall aesthetic of the home at large but can also dramatically swing the value of the home at large.

One trend that has been seen of late in kitchen designs is the waterfall countertop. When it comes down to it, waterfall countertops are still very much in style. It has proven to be one of the hottest modern trends in kitchen design. The reason being that there is a premium on high-end countertop material like quartz. It is just a way to implement more of this high-end material into the kitchen design.

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What is a Waterfall Countertop?

Before we get started analyzing this trend, it helps to even know what a waterfall countertop is in the first place. Most traditional countertops stop at the edges. They are a completely flat, rectangular piece of material that sits on a base.

But waterfall countertops don’t stop at the edge. The material “flows” continuously over the sides and down to the floor. It is also important to note that the pieces don’t all have to be continuously connected. There are waterfall countertops that have a harp stopping point but the material continues down into the base.

The decision on whether or not to go seamless is entirely up to you. Having the seam that connects base to countertop does not make it something else other than a waterfall countertop.

Are They a Fad?

The biggest question those in the home decoration and design industry want to know is whether or not waterfall countertops are here to stay. While some would argue that it is a fad, others can see that it has the potential for real staying power.

Any design is going to come and go over time, with very few remaining timeless. Waterfall countertops are very popular and in-demand right now, meaning that they likely are not going anywhere any time soon.

The Pros of Waterfall Countertops

If you are uncertain about whether to add a waterfall countertop to your kitchen, it helps to weigh the pros and cons. There are clear pros and cons to choosing this type of countertop, so let’s get further into it.

The Visual Appeal

The one thing that you can clearly say about waterfall countertops is that they are stunning. Because they are made of high-quality materials, they can add to the luxurious feel of the kitchen at large. Whereas you may not get that dynamic look with a normal countertop, you can give the entire kitchen a high-end feel.

Where high-end kitchens are concerned, waterfall countertops are right at the top of the discussion. Implementing more of a premium material is never going to be considered a bad thing from a design standpoint.

Versatility

Another great thing about waterfall countertops is that the design is very versatile. It doesn’t have to go in your cookie-cutter high-end kitchen. For the most part, they will fit in with just about any stylistic choice you can imagine.

It all comes down to choosing the right material, but the waterfall aspect works no matter what. You can get creative with it and implement a waterfall countertop into any design fairly easily.

Added Cabinet Protection

One aspect of waterfall countertops that really doesn’t get considered is the added layer of protection it provides. Waterfall countertops provide a protective barrier between the cabinets and the rest of the kitchen.

At the ends especially, cabinets are more vulnerable to things bumping into them. That can mean more dents, dings, scratches, and holes. But with the waterfall countertop protecting it, the ends of your cabinets can remain in great shape.

The Cons of Waterfall Countertops

That said, it is not all sunshine and roses when it comes to waterfall countertops. If it were that much of a slam dunk, everyone would implement them into their kitchen designs. There are a few cons in particular that can make them a tougher choice than you would think.

Cost

Cost is the single biggest detraction from going with waterfall countertops. They require a lot more craftsmanship to not only build, but to match and fit them together. More time and precision also means more cost.

Not to mention the cost of premium materials and you suddenly have a very expensive countertop. We all have budgets and the cost of implementing a waterfall countertop may be breaking the budget for some.

Having a waterfall countertop installed will likely run more than several thousand dollars on the low end. It may also very well add several thousand dollars to the value of your home when it comes time to sell. Weighing the costs of installations like these can be difficult to make.

Functionality

While waterfall cabinets definitely offer a level of versatility and flexibility, they do lack in practicality in one way. In most modern kitchens, a plethora of outlets is a must. Not only to plug in kitchen appliances, but to make room for chargers as well.

Adding in an outlet or two can be a problem for a few reasons. For one, it is difficult to install. That just adds to the cost of the installation. It should be said that waterfall countertops are not a good fit with budget renovations.

There is also the question of whether or not the outlet impacts the aesthetic. There is the prevailing theory that the outlet can take away from the overall appeal of the waterfall countertop. The last thing anyone would want is to pay a premium price for this look only to feel like it is lost with the added outlet.

Are Waterfall Countertops the Best Move for Your Kitchen?

If you are in the middle of kitchen renovations, there is a good chance that waterfall countertops have come onto your radar. But the million dollar question becomes whether or not they are the right fit for your kitchen.

From an aesthetic standpoint, waterfall countertops are versatile. There should be no doubt about whether a waterfall construction would work for your kitchen. So long as the right materials are chosen, the waterfall construction will fit in seamlessly.

It all comes down to cost. Most people are looking to maintain a somewhat reasonable budget in their renovations. Waterfall countertops can get to be very expensive, blowing up a modest budget in no time. Unless you know beforehand that you can do a full remodel with a higher budget, it may not be the best option.

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The Final Word on Waterfall Countertops

For those in the middle of a kitchen remodel or who plan to have one done in the near future, waterfall countertops will no doubt be a point of construction. They are beautiful, versatile, and even offer an added layer of protection for your cabinets.

Not only that, but they are also one of the most popular trends going in kitchen renovations today. There is a good chance of seeing one put in for many modern renovations. Whether it remains a trend or turns into a fad will only be told with time. But as of right now, it is clearly a favorite of the modern kitchen design crowd.

Ryan Womeldorf
Ryan Womeldorf

Ryan Womeldorf has more than a decade of experience writing. He loves to blog about construction, plumbing, and other home topics. Ryan also loves hockey and a lifelong Buffalo sports fan.

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