What Exactly Is a Waterfall Countertop—and Why Is It So Expensive?
Waterfall countertops are currently all the rage—but what are they, exactly?
While traditional countertops end at the edge of an island or peninsula, waterfall countertops extend past the sides, dropping all the way down to the floor. The contemporary element typically showcases a natural stone, making it waterproof—and unsurprisingly, quite pricey. But the sleek, dramatic look it creates is hard to—well, top.
Wondering if a waterfall countertop is right for your cook space? Here are a few points to consider before you invest in the high-end feature.
It can be expensive
A slab of marble, quartz, or granite is typically priced between $75 and $120 per square foot. And that doesn’t include installation (which can tack on another $60 to $100 per square foot)—not to mention the $1,000 to $2,000 fabrication fee, which covers the cost of a fabricator using a computer numerical control laser cutter to miter the edges so that they fit together seamlessly.
All in all, a waterfall countertop will likely set you back close to $6,000—about three times as much as a regular countertop.

Choosing a reputable fabricator is key
In selecting a stone fabricator, it’s important to take into account their level of experience, what type of stone-cutting technology they use, and whether they’re affiliated with any credible stone industry associations (such as the Barre Granite Association or the Marble Institute of America).

Some stone surfaces need to be resealed
For proper maintenance, granite waterfall countertops will need to be resealed twice a year. (Don’t want to bother? Opt for quartz.)
Measurements should be left to the professionals
Measuring your own space can spell disaster for your waterfall countertop. Even the slightest miscalculation can cause the seams not to fit together perfectly, causing you to dish out even more. Read More...