Where to find metal counter edges for retro kitchens — countertop edging in steel, aluminum and even faux laminate edging? I have made a new, consolidated research / resource page. My complete page includes:
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- Where to find and buy metal counter edge
- Examples from reader kitchens
- My video showing my own countertops and how they were done
- Historical research showing us how laminate countertops were edged, back in the day.
Check out all my research here >> 6 places to find countertop edges in steel and aluminum metal + examples and tips from actual midcentury kitchens
Note, this post has been updated from its original publish date in February 2011 to include updated and better organized information.
blaise28 says
Just picked up our metal trim last week for this guys warehouse….
http://www.oh-diners.com/divers/
MIfroggies says
I am very happy with my trim from Mcmaster-carr’s, and it was not hard to install with proper tools. I sent Pam pictures, so sometime my kitchen should be on here so everyone can see how it turned out.
Traci @ Corner of Lacrosse says
This is all very encouraging. I am in the middle of a kitchen remodel and have put off the countertops for last becuuse I have my heart set on using metal edging but the shipping from NY is just not in the budget. Fingers Crossed, I am going to try to salvage and re-use what is already on there when we replace the countertops but if that doesn’t work then I will have to wipe up the tears and look to some other resources.
MIfroggies says
I just ordered from mc-master carr’s, so when it arrives will post a picture and how it went. So far, I am delighted at their price plus shipping was 75% less expensive. Maybe not as authentic, but at that price I can swap out if I am ever tired of them.
pam kueber says
MIfroggies: Is this the page you ordered from? http://www.mcmaster.com/#trim-molding/=auk2ln
If yes, which piece?
MIfroggies says
I ordered the aluminum tee edge in a 1 1/4 ribbed edge, bottom of this page, they call it push in stem aluminum trim. My problem was my counters were 1 1/4 thick so I needed this size, other places did not have snap on steel trim in that size. Notice they have different widths in this. I needed 8 – 6 ft pieces at $6.48 a piece.
http://www.mcmaster.com/#aluminum-molding/=aukgcs
For my cove, I choose aluminum 90 degree angle corner in a rounded profile 8 -6 ft pieces. At $2.17 for a 4 foot piece.
http://www.mcmaster.com/#aluminum-angles/=aukiff
I realize this is not historically perfect, however, total shipping was $12 for the entire order. Total price was $82. As opposed to $135 to ship from other places, plus $220 for the aluminum trim I was considering, for a total of $355. So I paid a 1/4 of what I was expecting. Maybe I will only get a 1/4 of the durability, but I don’t mind. My goal with my kitchen was budget, made in USA, DIY, and reuse/repurposing. With all my kids, I will be able to determine fairly quickly how it holds up in practically industrial conditions!
MIfroggies says
yikes that was a long comment, was just trying to answer you Pam! Feel free to cut that down to size!
pam kueber says
MIf, great info! I bet the stuff holds up just fine.
MIfroggies says
The trim is already here! Whoa, I ordered it late afternoon Feb.1, and here it is, in my kitchen, on the afternoon of Feb.3! Also, the shipping was less than $10 my total actually was $78.95. They sent it in heavy duty cardboard tubes. Do you want me to direct email you a picture, Pam?
pam kueber says
yes, please, that would be great mif: retrorenovatin [at] gmail [dot] com
dcgrl says
Good luck with your install! I hope Pam posts pics when you’re done. I keep looking at these moldings wondering how in the world they get installed. do you just cut a groove in the underlayment and push that t-molding in?
pam kueber says
Bars & Booths talks about installing the tee molding on their page. Requires proper tools and careful routing so that the top edge lines up properly.
John Cunningham says
You need to rout an exact slot in exactly the right place. I left it to a professional and it was more than worth the money.
pam kueber says
Note for future post: Metal edging for tile installations: http://www.schluter.com/2_8_rondec_step_3944.aspx – courtesy William on FB
Danielle says
I just had my aqua boomerang counters installed and I got the Deco metal from Formica installed on the counters. It was something the fabricaters could order directly from formica.
pam kueber says
thanks, Danielle – I didn’t know about this, I will check it out. Would love to see a photo if you get a chance, send to: retrorenovation [at] gmail [dot] com
Danielle says
I will send you a photo I posted one last night to your site. I went with the formica trim because I was worried about the shipping cost for New York Metal since I live in Southern California. I bought the counters directly from LOWES. And it was a standard option that the fabricater would do. Lowes called it “authentic look”
pam kueber says
Cool!
Julie P says
Danielle,
I looked for the Deco Metal on both Formica and Lowe’s and I couldn’t find it. How did you find it? I am just about order my counters. Thank you!
pam kueber says
Julie, I recommend you call.
TappanTrailerTami says
Julie,
Formica apparently spells DecoMetal as a single word, so maybe that is why it was difficult to find. Here is a Q&A document, and also the UK website for Formica that has photos. It appears that they produce DecoMetal laminates, as well as solid metal edgings.
Hope that helps!
http://www.formica.com/documents/DecoMetal_Q&A_031810.pdf
http://www.formica.co.uk/publish/site/eu/uk/en/home/collection/formica_decometal.html
pam kueber says
Ah! You are very handy and ingenious there, TTT! Thank you. Decometal = a piece of laminate for the edge. Certainly an inexpensive and hassle-free way to get “the look” if you don’t want to go to all the trouble of getting stainless steel or aluminum edging/banding.
TappanTrailerTami says
Lookie here Pam! More decorative metals, this time from Wilsonart….noticed that they also have satin brushed copper aluminum! Just right for those coppertone/copper accented kitchens 🙂
http://samples.wilsonart.com/c-8-decorative-metals.aspx?pagenum=1
pam kueber says
Yes, i think these are widely available from a variety of manufacturers.
Julie P says
Ah ha, that does explain it. Thank you!
Joe says
We went to New York Metal for our edging. Helpful guys, will cut it to length for you if need be, and wrapped it up nice so it was safe for the 2 hour ride back home in my truck.
[edited]
Joan says
Wow, I had no idea these were available! When we put a new layer of Formica on our kitchen counters, we went to Home Depot and got some inexpensive metal edging, carefully bent it around the corners, glued it and then put some decorative screws in. I think it was a very inexpensive option and it still looks great!
pam kueber says
Great idea, Joan. I think the key is to find the correct width.
dcgrl says
I’m not sure it’s the same stuff, but I’ve seen aluminum and other metal molding on mcmaster-carr’s website:
http://www.mcmaster.com/#aluminum-molding/=auecfb
and
http://www.mcmaster.com/#metal-molding/=auecox
pam kueber says
Thank you, dcgrl! I will take a look and add these to the core list!
MIfroggies says
OOOHHH! I am thrilled…thanks for the tip!
linda blackmore says
Our house had metal edging when I was a kid. I had to remember not to rub against it or it would leave a black mark on my clothes. Not sure what it was made of, but I was sure glad when we got “new formica” tops. I do like the look, however, and I’m sure the quality has improved.
pam kueber says
I have not such problems with my stainless steel edging. No problem with fingerprints either — I guess we don’t really put our fingers on the edging much…