{"id":248282,"date":"2026-09-01T08:43:40","date_gmt":"2026-09-01T07:43:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marbre-import.fr\/?page_id=248282"},"modified":"2026-09-01T08:43:40","modified_gmt":"2026-09-01T07:43:40","slug":"marble-natural-stone-edge-profile-atlas","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.marbre-import.fr\/en\/natural-stone-encyclopedia\/marble-natural-stone-edge-profile-atlas\/","title":{"rendered":"Atlas of Marble and Natural-Stone Edges and Profiles"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Home<\/a> \/ Natural Stone Encyclopedia<\/a> \/ Atlas of Marble and Natural-Stone Edges and Profiles<\/strong><\/div>\n
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Fabrication and Installation<\/p>\n

Atlas of Marble and Natural-Stone Edges and Profiles<\/h1>\n

The edge is the visible third dimension of stone. Square, chamfered, rounded, bevelled, moulded, tapered or built up, it changes the design, tactile quality, impact resistance, cost and fabrication method.<\/p>\n

\n Open the interactive tool<\/a>Ask a stone specialist<\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n
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Natural stone in a real project \u2014 Atlas of marble and natural-stone edges and profiles<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Understand the edge before selecting a profile<\/h2>\n

The edge is the face formed through the thickness of a slab, stair tread, worktop, shelf or panel. It becomes visible at exposed sides, around cut-outs, on returns, beneath overhangs and at joints. A project that specifies only the main surface leaves an important design decision to the workshop or installer.<\/p>\n

An edge profile affects five qualities at once: visual expression, touch, vulnerability to impact, fabrication complexity and the way light defines the thickness. The same 20 or 30 mm slab can appear slender, substantial, soft, classical or technical depending on the selected profile.<\/p>\n

Terminology should always be supported by a dimensioned drawing or sample. Trade names vary between workshops and regions; labels such as half bullnose, ogee or shark-nose do not necessarily define the radius, depth, transition or exact faces to be worked.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n

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An edge name alone is not a complete specification. A reliable definition combines a dimensioned section, radii and depths, finished thickness, visible faces, vein direction, joints, finish and an approved sample. Validate the profile on the actual stone and batch because veins, pores, cavities and weakness planes affect both fabrication and strength. Select the image to enlarge it.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Simple edge profiles<\/h2>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Profile<\/th>\nGeometry<\/th>\nVisual character<\/th>\nPoints to consider<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Sawn square edge<\/td>\nFlat sawn face with unfinished arrises.<\/td>\nRaw and technical, usually an intermediate condition.<\/td>\nSaw marks, sharp arrises and differences in absorption or colour from the main face.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Polished or honed square edge<\/td>\nFlat face finished to match the surface or project specification.<\/td>\nMinimal, precise and contemporary.<\/td>\nBoth arrises remain vulnerable unless lightly eased.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Micro-chamfered<\/td>\nA very small bevel on one or both arrises.<\/td>\nAlmost square, but softer to touch and less vulnerable.<\/td>\nChamfer size must remain consistent across every piece.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Chamfered<\/td>\nA clearly visible bevel, often close to 45 degrees.<\/td>\nGraphic, crisp and architectural.<\/td>\nWidth, angle and corner transitions must be dimensioned.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bevelled<\/td>\nAn inclined face wider than a conventional chamfer.<\/td>\nVisually lightens the edge or creates a distinct facet.<\/td>\nLocally reduces the effective thickness and may expose veining.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Eased edge<\/td>\nA lightly eased and polished arris without a pronounced profile.<\/td>\nUnderstated, comfortable and versatile.<\/td>\nDo not confuse with a sharp arris that has merely been polished.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n
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Rounded edge profiles<\/h2>\n

A more rounded profile feels softer and generally tolerates contact better. A large radius does not automatically make the component stronger: it may reduce the section beside a vein, complicate internal corners and increase polishing time.<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Profile<\/th>\nGeometry<\/th>\nCommon applications<\/th>\nTechnical consideration<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Quarter round<\/td>\nOne arris is formed to a consistent radius.<\/td>\nWorktops, steps, shelves and vanity tops.<\/td>\nThe radius must not leave an excessively thin lip on the opposite face.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Half bullnose<\/td>\nThe full thickness forms a semicircle or similar curve.<\/td>\nStair nosings, tables and traditional counters.<\/td>\nCorners and returns require precise fabrication to maintain continuity.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Double quarter round<\/td>\nBoth arrises are rounded with a central flat face.<\/td>\nHandled tops, furniture and stone handrails.<\/td>\nRetain sufficient flat area to express the thickness and resist impact.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Full round<\/td>\nA continuous near-toroidal profile.<\/td>\nSolid steps and sculptural details.<\/td>\nRequires adequate thickness and consistent polishing.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Shark-nose edge<\/td>\nA tapered profile formed by a progressive curve or bevel.<\/td>\nContemporary tables and worktops with a slender appearance.<\/td>\nThe final arris remains vulnerable; check overhangs and handling.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n
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Classical mouldings and architectural profiles<\/h2>\n

Architectural mouldings are not arbitrary decoration: every curve creates a projection, shadow and transition. On strongly veined stone, the profile reveals new layers of material, so its appearance must be assessed on the actual batch rather than on a plain drawing alone.<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Profile<\/th>\nComposition<\/th>\nIntended effect<\/th>\nMaintenance<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Ogee with projecting nose<\/td>\nA rounded projection combined with a recess or cove.<\/td>\nCornices, steps or statement tops.<\/td>\nRecesses retain more dust and care products.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ogee<\/td>\nAn S-shaped curve combining concave and convex sections.<\/td>\nAn elegant transition with classical references.<\/td>\nProfile continuity must be checked at every joint.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cove<\/td>\nA concave moulding cut into the edge.<\/td>\nCreates a shadow line and visually lightens the piece.<\/td>\nAvoid depths that weaken the piece or trap water.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Torus or bead<\/td>\nA rounded convex moulding.<\/td>\nSubstantial, soft and monumental in character.<\/td>\nThe transition to flat areas requires careful polishing.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Fillet<\/td>\nA narrow flat band separating two curves.<\/td>\nAdds precision and rhythm to the profile.<\/td>\nAny variation in width is immediately visible.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Compound profile<\/td>\nA combination of coves, fillets, toruses and facets.<\/td>\nFireplaces, feature staircases and bespoke furniture.<\/td>\nA template, sample and piece identification are essential.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n
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Built-up, laminated and mitred edges<\/h2>\n

A built-up edge creates the appearance of solid stone without using the same thickness across the entire slab. A stone strip may be laminated beneath the edge, or two pieces mitred to form a downstand. The technique is used for worktops, tables, counters, steps and cladding.<\/p>\n

A 45-degree mitre can continue the veining and create an almost monolithic corner. It requires accurate cutting, compatible adhesive, consistent preparation and careful control of the joint colour. An overly sharp mitre is fragile, while misalignment creates a pale line or visual break.<\/p>\n

A square laminated edge is generally more forgiving to fabricate and repair, although its joint may remain visible under certain lighting. The choice between a mitre and laminated strip should consider veining, use, impact, moisture, length, workshop access and repairability.<\/p>\n