I'm sorry to say that I think that's a very dated look, so if you're planning to sell your house eventually, I would definitely skip the wood edging. If you're staying there forever, then choose whatever pleases you most.

Some people still recommend it here as an 'upgrade' for laminate counters, but to me it looks '80s, and like you're trying to make laminate into something it's not. I think laminate is fine and don't feel the need for an edge that's easier to damage and hard to keep a good finish on. It's just not my taste. But if you love the look, I don't know why you couldn't have it, and there might be a way to make it look more updated...with a different profile or different wood. Are you keeping the cabinets? I'd hesitate to do any pricey stone on top of them, because it'll be difficult to change them out from underneath, and unless they're in amazing condition, new counters may make them look older in comparison.

My kitchen at our previous house was probably more period style than what you're interested in, but we did a simple wood molding on the front to avoid the modern looking postform edge (the house was a 1914 bungalow). The counter was dark black granite-look laminate sheet over 3/4" plywood and we then attached a black painted molding to the front nose. I thought it looked really nice, although we did have to use a bit of clear caulk to seal the seam so crumbs didn't get caught.

{{!gwi}}

{{!gwi}}

Ooooh, equest, I think your kitchen is very charming! I'm curious about your floor. What material is that, if you don't mind sharing? Thanks!

I'll have to agree with igloochic. I got the wood edge stained walnut, like the cabinets, to tie everything in. It helps that there are walnut-colored spots in the laminate (Pionite's "Little Rock"). In fact, maybe it wouldn't work at all without that. But, in my case, I think it works.

lovesummer,

We have a 'Gem-Loc' edge on our new laminate countertops; it makes the counters look like all one piece.

Even a step further, I have 1 3/4" bar-rail on all my kitchen counters, because I wanted the raised edge to catch any spills on the counter to keep off the floor. I also like the look and feel. Haven't seen it in other kitchens but I love it and would always do it again. I've wondered why granite makers only cut flush top edging and not a drip stop edge?

Bodica, do you have a picture? That sounds like a marine edging (which I have on my stainless counters). I love the idea for a formica option.

This is the one I love, made by San Francisco Victorian Moulding Co. Picture one, raw leftover scrap,the right side is siliconed to the countertop and front edge, then I sanded by hand for soft curved points/corners. All these years later, I still love as much as at first. Did fireplace mantle the same and always wanted to face the window sills with marble or granite (matching baseboards) and same wood edge for plants, no drip if watering accident.

for igloochic

Thank you! That is really pretty! And the edge I know is heaven. I may copy you on a bartop I need to do for the rental. I have tiles for it, but was wondering what to do for an edge profile, and I think that look is perfect!

Thank you so much, I'm delighted to know you like it!
http://www.sfvictoriana.com/

I put in a cherry veneer strip on the front of my white laminate counters when I did my kitchen 15 years ago. It looked nice at first (matched the cabinet), but we were not meticulous about drying in front of the sink after every use. It ended up getting water stained. Just something else to think about.

Igloochic,

I'm curious as to how exactly the wood edge is applied to that laminate countertop? Would you be able to post a close up pic? Still haven't decided on the countertop for my basement craft room, and am thinking now of a very light laminate, as I clean/sort and pack seeds- and something smooth and white would be best. Gads, once I pick a countertop material,now I have to think of edging? When will it ever end?

I've actually seen that done quite a bit around here in newer homes including some pretty nice ones. I'm not so sure it's completely out. There are different wood edge treatments though and some of them look nicer than others.

Thanks for the compliment shelayne. Sorry I didn't see your question until now. The floor was the original pine I found under the linoleum. I scraped it clean and always meant to tile. But, in the meantime, I just painted the floorboards a glossy black. It looked great right after cleaning, but it showed every bit of dirty and doggy footprints. People must have liked it though, because the house sold right away even though I never got around to tiling!

Maybe the drip-stop edge is coming back? I sure hope so!
www.fox-marble.com