Mitered Countertop vs Regular Countertops - What's the Difference?

A countertop isn’t just a functional piece in a home, it’s also a main focal point that creates one of the biggest visual impacts. This makes choosing the right slab material and edge style both vital for a visually appealing installation. Mitered countertop edges are a great way to boost a space’s overall appearance, giving a sleeker and more professional look. “Regular” countertops can come in a variety of edge types. But what’s really the difference between the two? And what are the benefits of installing one over the other?

Mitered Countertops

Countertop edges can be done in a variety of different ways, mitered edges are just one of them. But what is “mitering?” Mitering in countertops is a fabrication technique that cuts two pieces of stone at a 45-degree angle and then joins the two pieces to form a 90-degree angle. This creates a seamless, sleek, and modern look to countertops that also adds more thickness to the countertop.

The Pros (and Cons) of a Mitered Edge

Choosing a mitered countertop edge offers a variety of benefits.

• Pros: Mitered edges are considered much more luxurious than most countertop edges, as well as looking cleaner, thicker, and allowing the slab’s pattern to “fall” over the edge. Overall, mitered edges are the best for boosting visual appeal.
• Cons: Although mitered edges look the best, their “luxury” appearance comes at a higher cost than regular countertops. They also require a much more skilled touch (and tools) to execute well.

Regular Countertops

Regular countertop edges (or standard edges) are the most common edge type. Essentially, regular countertops are just a straight edge, with slightly rounded corners for safety and to prevent chipping.

The Pros (and Cons) of a Regular Edge

• Pros: Regular edges are typically more durable than mitered edges, as well as being more affordable (usually included in the installation).
• Cons: Although regular edges provide the best mix of durability and affordability, their visual impact on a space is much more basic, and a regular edge looks less thick than a mitered edge. Making them the less visually appealing option for a space.

The Different Edge Types

There are mitered edges and there are regular edges. But that isn’t where the choices end. There are a variety of edge types from different kinds of mitered edges and regular edges.

Regular Types

There are multiple different types of regular edges that can help the more basic edge look more professional.

• Eased Edge: An eased edge is the most popular of regular edges. It’s a straight, 90-degree basic edge with the sharp corners a bit rounded.
• Bullnose Edge: Bullnose edges are when the edges of the countertop (both top and bottom) have been fully rounded, looking a lot softer.
• Roundover Edge: A roundover edge is similar to a bullnose, but done on a subtler curve.
• Beveled Edge: Beveled edges create a more unique and sharp look, and are created when a 45-degree cut is made along the top edge of the countertop.

Mitered Types

Mitered edges can also be done in a variety of different edge styles, to create an even more professional and seamless appearance.

• Straight Miter: Straight miters are the most common and popular of mitered edges. They create a 90-degree corner by joining two 45-degree cut pieces.
• Waterfall Miter: Waterfall miters go beyond a straight, short edge—quite literally. They extend vertically down the side of a cabinet or island all the way to the floor, creating a “waterfall” look.
• Beveled Miter: A beveled miter creates a softer look to the corners by including a diagonal slope, usually a 45-degree angle.
• Double Miter: A double miter is created by cutting both joining slab pieces to make a more precise, durable, and thicker edge. Usually a better choice for thicker quartz counters or granite.

Omni Cubed provides a variety of countertop mitering tools to create precise, sharp, seamless edges efficiently, including tools specialized for the more difficult waterfall mitered edges.

Conclusion

Countertop edges can make or break the visuals of a space. Making the choice of edge type extremely important. Regular countertops are typically a bit more durable, easier to install, and affordable, but fail to create a bigger impact when it comes to the visual of the countertop. Meanwhile, mitered edges (although more expensive) are the best choice for a seamless, dramatic, professional, and clean appearance to an installation.