I was told by two countertop companies that you need professional equipment to do any kind of curved edge, IOW it is not for the DIY person. I have laminate countertops with wood edging. When I was pricing new laminate countertops, I got prices all over the board. I had considered just relaminating the countertops (leaving the wood edge) but I had one company tell me that it would cost more than installed new counters (with new substrate) b/c of the labor involved. So I don't mean to sound discouraging but it doesn't sound like relaminating the waterfall counters would be a great project. I am still trying to decide what to do for my own kitchen. I may do laminate on the perimeter and granite/quartz on the island.

I think the installers were calling mine straight edge but it looks like pencil edge to me. (Sorry for mess in photo--real life this morning here post-breakfast!) Anyhow, within the context of the kitchen overall it looks more like straight than the picture detail shows it to actually be (if that makes sense). One thing I'd make sure to think about when you are thinking about edges is the sink cutout--the installers will say that this is dictated by the sink (partly true yes, but not completely determined by) choice; make sure the lines at the sink are harmonious with the countertop edge choice. Last kitchen I had straight edge but curved sink corners; okay, but not optimal imo.

barncats- Thanks for finding that picture. It does look pretty and I think I will be happy with the look. That is a great idea to lighten up the paint by 1/2 percent. I didn't think of that and it will make a difference for sure. I'll wait on the backsplash decision and hardware until the paint and countertops are in too - great advice. I have 9 Fireclay samples here in their various white options, and I think the current wall and countertop color are darkening and throwing off their true colors. Once I get the countertop in and walls painted, I'll be sure to come back for advice and opinions. Thanks for the edge profile opinions too. It really helped narrow things down.

GreenDesigns: this was not a "budget guy". In fact, this is a large professional outfit with 5 star reviews on Houzz and a portfolio of large, luxe kitchen projects-- this is precisely why I'm upset with the quality. My project may be smaller than others they do, but it doesn't mean I shouldn't get the same level of quality. And although my photos are closeups, I can see these issues from 3' back, thank you. Hope you are more helpful with your clients. Joseph Corlett LLC: wow! Are homeowners supposed to hide their head in the sand and just pay up? What a horrible attitude to have of clients. I'm proud to care about craftsmanship and hoping any self-respecting company would feel the same. Debbi Washburn and others with helpful comments and feedback: thank you! I was looking for constructive opinions and insights, so thank you for taking the time to provide me with them. Update (if anyone cares): I spoke with the countertop fabricators directly (my contractor let them know the issues first). They will be sending out an installation manager to review. I will be happy to at least have the conversation with them in person. If something can be done to even out the wavy edges, that would help. If nothing can be done, then it's not the end of the world and I'll still love my new kitchen, but I have to at least try. For those who mentioned cabinets, photo 2 is of a "dead" corner (on the right) with drawers to its left and a skinny door to its right (next to stove.) Not sure if that should have been resolved differently, but that's how it is. I also called cabinet fabricators and they are sending someone out to fine tune drawer and door spacing.