Waterfall Island
A waterfall island is a kitchen island where the countertop material continues vertically down one or both ends to the floor, like water flowing over an edge. Instead of stopping at a flat top with a cabinet below, the stone, quartz or wood slab wraps down the side as a solid panel.
The look is bold and modern. A waterfall edge turns the island into a feature piece and shows off the pattern in stone or wood grain, which is why it is popular with veined stone and quartz. It can also protect the end of the cabinet from knocks.
Some things to plan for. Waterfall edges use more material and need careful cutting and mitred corners to keep the pattern flowing, so they cost more than a standard island top. The slab is heavy, so the cabinet and floor must support it, and the island’s end cannot be used for storage, since the panel covers it. Seating, outlets and the position of the sink or cooktop should be sorted out early.
Waterfalls can be one-sided or two-sided, and you can pair the stone with wood cabinets, painted cabinets or contrasting colours for a custom look.
Planning an island? See our custom kitchens in Toronto.