What Is A Pencil Edge Countertop? (Find Out Now!)

Stacy Randall
by Stacy Randall

Choosing a countertop for your kitchen is a significant decision in your renovation project. You need to consider the durability, maintenance, color, material, cost, and style of countertop you desire. Plus, you need to select the edge style, for example, a bullnose, straight, half-bullnose, or pencil edge countertop, among others.

A pencil edge countertop is a relatively common style deriving its name from its resemblance to the side of a pencil. Typically, the edge is slightly rounded at the top, dropping down to a straight, smooth and flat side. In some versions, a pencil edge countertop also has a slightly rounded edge or a beveled edge at the bottom.

The pencil edge profile is a basic countertop style, but it doesn’t necessarily have only one shape. Depending on the manufacturer, the top and bottom edges might feature a distinct or subtle roundness. For this reason, it isn’t uncommon to find the term sometimes used interchangeably with an eased-edge countertop.

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Why Is It Called A Pencil Edge?

If you look at the side of a typical pencil, you’ll notice a slight curve or bevel between smooth sides. The edge of a pencil-edge countertop mimics this rounded look.

The most common is a straight edge that is slightly rounded on the top with a small bevel on the bottom. It looks very much like a pencil from the side.

Other versions might be rounded at both the top and bottom, while others keep the bottom edge completely straight. Still, many variations of the profile fall under the umbrella of a pencil edge countertop.

Also, you might discover that the countertop company you choose doesn’t offer a pencil edge. Or do they?

It’s likely the company does have a pencil edge, but they don’t call it that. Instead, the company may refer to the edge as a single round-over edge. Other possibilities are an eased edge or even a straight edge.

What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of A Pencil Edge?

Pencil edge countertops come with many advantages and a few disadvantages. The rounded corners make them safer for homes with children, removing sharp corners that could otherwise lead to injury. For this same reason, they’re a good choice for smaller kitchens with tight spaces.

Pencil edge countertops are also less prone to chips and damage along the edges. Plus, you will find they aren’t difficult to clean, are typically less expensive, and are easier to install. You can opt for a pencil edge in various materials, including granite, quartz, Corian, and more.

Although the simplicity of pencil edge countertops makes them more affordable, they lack a luxury feel. So, if you have a more high-end kitchen, a pencil edge countertop might seem a bit out of place.

If the edge also features a rounded bottom, it could direct spills underneath the counter and toward the cabinets. In contrast, rounded at the top and straight on the bottom would direct spills straight down to the floor.

This latter setup would make cleanup a lot easier. As you can see, every detail matters when it comes to choosing a countertop.

Is A Pencil Edge The Same As An Eased Edge?

Eased edge countertops lend a more modern feel to a space with their linear shape. Pencil edge countertops and eased edge countertops are extremely similar. It’s not uncommon to get the two styles confused.

In fact, they’re so similar, many manufacturers might use either name for the same edge. One company might refer to a style as a pencil edge, while others call the same style an eased edge.

In a nutshell, a pencil edge is a form of an eased edge. Typically, the pencil edge countertop might feature more rounded edges than an eased edge. However, again, it all depends on the manufacturer.

You might see one company with a pencil edge significantly more rounded than its eased edge design. However, compare that company’s pencil edge countertop to another manufacturer’s. When you do, you might find it looks exactly like the second company’s eased edge.

How Do You Know What Countertop Edge To Choose?

Are you sure you want a pencil edge countertop? Or do you actually prefer an eased edge? Because many points of these countertop edges can be left up to interpretation, it’s best to get specific with the company.

Always ask the representative to share samples so you can see the actual edges. This practice is a good rule of thumb in general as you shouldn’t order countertops sight-unseen.

Don’t assume one place’s edges will be the same as another. Then, base your final selection on the company’s samples and offerings.

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Related Questions

What are other common countertop edges?

Some other countertop edges are bullnose, beveled, chiseled, and ogee. Bullnose edges are also popular, featuring a fully rounded edge. A half-bullnose is rounded at the top then straight at the bottom. It sometimes resembles a pencil edge, but it has a much more pronounced roundness about it.Chiseled edges provide a more natural look, while beveled and ogee edges provide a more high-end feel. These more ornate edges are also more expensive than basic edges like pencil, eased, and bullnose.Typically, more rounded edges will be less susceptible to chipping. Sharper edges not only tend to chip more easily but can also cause more injury if you bump into them.Some people will vary the countertop edges based on the countertop’s location in the kitchen. For example, they may use a beveled edge throughout for a more dramatic look but keep a pencil edge around the sink. Using rounded edges in higher-use areas can help reduce the risk of damaging or chipping the countertop.


What is a triple pencil edge?

Some people refer to a curved, tiered countertop edge as a triple pencil edge. Others call the same style a waterfall edge. This edge offers an elevated look and a more ornate design. However, it can be trickier to clean due to the grooves. It’s also usually tougher to install and costs more. 

Stacy Randall
Stacy Randall

Stacy Randall is a wife, mother, and freelance writer from NOLA that has always had a love for DIY projects, home organization, and making spaces beautiful. Together with her husband, she has been spending the last several years lovingly renovating her grandparent's former home, making it their own and learning a lot about life along the way.

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