Adding elegantly sloped beveled edges to your granite countertops can give your kitchen or bathroom a high-end, luxurious look. While beveling granite requires specialized tools and skills, the stunning results are worth the extra effort. This comprehensive guide will provide you with expert insight on how to achieve perfectly beveled edges.
What is a Beveled Edge?
A beveled edge on granite countertops refers to edges cut at an angled slope rather than leaving them at a 90-degree angle. This creates a chamfered or beveled appearance. The sloped cut can range from a subtle easing of the edge to a deep, prominently angled surface.
Beveled edges add dimension, reflect light beautifully, and soften the transition between countertop and cabinetry. They upgrade the look of natural stone for a more elegant aesthetic.
Types of Bevel Angles
There are three main categories of bevel angles that can be cut on granite edges:
- Shallow Bevel: Approximately 10-15 degrees. This subtle sloped edge softly eases the corner transition.
- Medium Bevel: Around 15-30 degrees. A moderate bevel that begins to show the angled cut more noticeably.
- Deep Bevel: 30-45 degrees. This is the most dramatic and pronounced beveled edge.
The depth of the bevel cut impacts the overall look significantly. Shallow bevels maintain a bit of the straight edge appearance while deep bevels make the angled cut a major design feature.
Bevel Angle Guide
| Bevel Depth | Angle Range |
|---|---|
| Shallow | 10°- 15° |
| Medium | 15° – 30° |
| Deep | 30° – 45° |
Why Choose a Beveled Edge?
Beveled edges offer several advantages that make them a popular choice:
- Adds elegance and visual interest
- Creates the illusion of thicker countertops
- Enhances the beauty of natural stone
- Allows light to reflect for added dimension
- Provides a softer, safer edge compared to a 90-degree corner
- Distinctive custom look compared to straight edges
Industry surveys show that nearly 60% of homeowners choose a sloped beveled edge for their granite counters and islands, favoring the high-end appearance over standard straight edges.
Equipment Needed for Beveling Granite
Specialized equipment is essential for executing beveled edges properly in granite. Wet saws make the initial cut, while other power tools refine the shape.
Wet Saw
A professional grade wet saw is necessary to make the angled bevel cuts in granite slabs. Quality wet saws designed specifically for stone cutting have diamond coated blades and water cooling systems to control friction and dust.
Look for well-known brands like MK Diamond, Husqvarna, and RYOBI designed for the rigors of cutting granite. A saw like the MK-370EXP features a 7.5" diamond blade and adjustable beveling from 0-45°.
Angle Grinder
After the initial cut, an angle grinder with a diamond wheel is used to smooth and shape the beveled edge. The grinding process refines the angle and roundness of the edge profile. A variable speed 4" grinder allows optimal control.
Top angle grinder brands include Makita, Bosch, and DeWalt. Match the tool‘s angle capacity to your desired bevel angle.
Diamond Polishing Pads
Diamond impregnated polishing pads, from 50 grit up to 3000 grit, finish and refine the beveled granite edges once grinding is done. Use a sequence of varying grits with water to achieve a high gloss polished edge.
Silicone Caulk
A clear silicone caulk is used to seal any tiny gaps where the beveled edges meet the bottom of the slab. Apply a steady bead with a caulking gun and tool smoothly. Look for 100% silicone.
How to Bevel Granite Countertop Edges
With the right tools and careful technique, you can execute flawless beveled edges. Follow these key steps:
1. Mark Lines for Cuts
Measure and mark straight cut lines around the perimeter of the countertop using a pencil and ruler. Consider the blade thickness in your line position.
2. Make Initial Angled Cuts with Wet Saw
With water running over the diamond blade, cut along the marked lines at your desired bevel angle using the wet saw. Take slow, steady passes keeping the saw perfectly vertical.
3. Smooth and Shape Edges with Grinder
Use the angle grinder with a diamond wheel to further shape and smooth the beveled edges. Maintain a consistent angle matching the original cut. Work carefully.
4. Refine Edges with Diamond Polishing Pads
Switch to 50 grit pads and work upward to 3000 grit, rinsing after each pad. This refines the bevel to a glossy polished finish. Take care to apply even pressure.
5. Apply Clear Silicone Caulk
Run a steady bead of caulk along the bottom seam and tool smoothly. This seals any tiny gaps. Wipe away excess before caulk dries.
6. Seal and Protect Granite
Clean away all dust. Once fully dry, apply multiple thin layers of quality penetrating impregnator sealer to protect the stone.
Beveling Tips for Perfect Results
Follow these tips as you bevel edges to help ensure optimal results:
- Select the bevel angle carefully – this can‘t be changed once cut!
- Work slowly and focus on consistent angle with grinder
- Change polishing pads frequently to avoid clogging
- Wipe away any dried caulk immediately before hardening
- Do test samples of sealer on scraps to check absorption
- Consider matching edge profiles on all granite surfaces for a cohesive look
Finishing Steps for Beveled Edges
Proper finishing is critical to maximize the beauty of your beveled granite edges.
Polishing
Use diamond polishing pads up to 3000 grit to achieve a smooth, light-reflecting luster. Take care to polish the beveled surfaces evenly without applying too much pressure.
Sealing
Penetrating impregnator sealers soak into the stone to prevent staining or etching. Use multiple thin layers for best protection on the newly cut granite edges and surface. Reapply yearly.
Caring for Beveled Granite Edges
While durable, beveled granite edges do require some periodic maintenance to stay looking sharp:
- Polish out minor chips and scratches carefully
- Re-seal every 1-2 years with quality impregnator sealer
- Avoid exposing to excess moisture that can lift sealer
- Clean with gentle, pH-balanced stone cleaner only
- Use trivets and cutting boards to protect from daily wear
With proper care, your beveled edges can maintain their beauty for many years before needing professional restoration.
Pros and Cons of Beveled Granite Edges
There are several potential advantages and disadvantages to weigh when considering beveled edges:
Pros
- Adds elegance and visual interest
- Softens hard corner transitions
- Easier to keep clean than 90-degree edges
- Creates the illusion of thicker countertops
- More light reflects off the angled surface
Cons
- More expensive than standard edges
- Not ideal for thinner granite slabs
- Can chip more easily than straight edges
- Requires diligent sealing and maintenance
- Shows wear over time if not cared for
For most homeowners, the aesthetic benefits of the beveled edge style outweigh the additional cost and care needed. But consider your personal style, priorities, and granite thickness when deciding.
What Does Beveling Granite Cost?
Due to the additional fabrication expertise required, beveling granite edges costs more than leaving them straight. On average, expect to pay:
- $40 – $60 per linear foot for basic beveling
- $70 – $100+ per linear foot for deeper, more complex bevels
The overall cost for your project will depend on several factors:
- Depth of bevel angle cut
- Complexity of edge profile
- DIY vs. professional installation
- Local granite fabricator rates
For example, adding a standard bevel to the edges of a 10 linear foot kitchen countertop could increase your total cost by $400 – $600 in most areas. Deeper bevels with more complex profiles could add $700 – $1000 or more to the final price.
Hire a Pro Fabricator or DIY?
While dedicated DIYers can potentially handle beveling granite themselves, hiring a professional fabricator is highly recommended for most homeowners to get the best results.
Consider the benefits of pro beveling:
- Access to commercial grade specialty granite tools
- Highly skilled technicians who cut bevels daily
- Precise and consistent bevel angles
- Reduced risk of cracks, chips or other damage
- Multi-step polishing and finishing processes
- Warranties to cover any fabrication issues
Reasons you may want to DIY granite beveling:
- To save on professional labor costs
- If tackling an existing counter needing updates
- For a small or simple beveling project
- If you enjoy hands-on stoneworking
- To have 100% control over the process
When hiring a pro, look for an experienced local granite fabricator that can show you past examples of their bevel work. Be sure to consider what edge profiles and bevel depths will coordinate well together for a cohesive look if your kitchen includes multiple granite surfaces like islands, countertops, and backsplashes.
Adding beveled edges to your granite countertops is an elegant design upgrade that can make your kitchen or bathroom look especially high-end. With this detailed guide, you now have expert insight into the beveling process from start to finish – from selecting the perfect angle to caring for your newly beveled edges.
While the precision work of cutting granite requires skills and specialty tools, the striking results are well worth the investment for many homeowners. With their chic, angled slope reflecting light beautifully, beveled granite edges make a timeless and sophisticated design statement.
