Countertop Terms Every Homeowner Should Know

Every homeowner, renovator and first-time home buyer alike should be familiar with typically used terms in the countertop industry. Brush up on your countertop vocabulary before your next renovation so you can be armed with the knowledge you need to select the best countertop for you! 

Apron Front Sink: A sink with a large front panel that sits on a low cabinet, allowing the top of the sink to be level with your marble countertops

Backsplash: Tile, stone or marble used to protect the walls above your countertops from food and liquid splatter 

Bevel: A term used to describe a slight angle on your countertop's edge

Bullnose: A rounded countertop edge 

Cook Top: An assembly of stove burners that sit directly into your countertops

Demi-Bullnose: A term used to describe a countertop that only has a rounded edge on the top half of the surface 

Drain Board: Inlays in your countertops that allow water to be drained to your sink 

Drop-in Sink: A sink that has a rim that sits on top of your countertops

Dupont: A countertop edge that begins with a squared off indent and is followed by a rounded edge

Edge Return: A thick countertop edge that gives the appearance of a thicker slab of stone or marble

Gloss: A term used to describe the finish of your stone countertop when it has a deep shine and smooth surface 

Grout: The agent used to fill and seal seams and joints in your countertops

Inlay: The use of a contrasting color between elements of the same color or as an accent 

Island: An independent piece of cabinetry, centrally located in one's kitchen, with its own slab of stone countertop

Integral Sink: A sink made from the same material as one's countertops

Matte: A smooth finish with little to no shine

Mitre: A seam, usually a corner, in a countertop where the countertop changes direction

Non-Porous: A sealed material that will not stain or wear due to exposure to chemicals, heat or acids 

Planter: A countertop edge that is angled down toward the bottom of the slab

Ogee: A slight "S" shaped curve around the countertop edge 

Quirk: A square indent around the countertop edge 

Sealing: The process of protecting a countertop from stains and damage by use of a clear solvent 

Under-Mount Sink: A sink that is mounted beneath the surface of the countertops

Vessel Sink: A sink which sits on top of the countertops

Now that you've learned the basics of countertop vocabulary, contact us today or get inspired for your next remodel by viewing our gallery!