Countertop edge profiles and what they do

An eased edge has only its sharp corner softened. It is simple, modern and the least likely to chip, because the corner is not exposed to a hard point.

A bevel cuts the corner at an angle, a bullnose rounds it fully, and decorative profiles such as an ogee add curves in steps. Rounded edges are friendlier to knees and children and tend to chip less than sharp ones.

A mitered edge joins two pieces at an angle so the top appears much thicker than the slab, and a waterfall edge continues the same idea down to the floor. Mitered work depends on precise cutting and a careful dry fit.

Whatever the profile, it should be machined to a template and then finished by hand, so the line stays true along the whole run.