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.
Melissa Betz says
Hi Pam, I am looking for replacement black ribbed rubber that goes on the side of the counter top to hold it in place. It appears to be made of aluminum. Looks like you slide it in or just push it in.
This black rubbery plastic covers the screws / nails that hold up the counter top trim. It is approx 1/2 in wide. Some is missing, I am just a renter but have been here for 7 years ! It is time to do something with this counter molding/trim.
Janet says
I am also looking to replace that rubber strip….do you know where it can be found?
Cille Coleman says
I, too, am looking for the rubber insert. Our kitchen is from 1955 and the insert is 1/2″ wide and 1/16″ thick. It is grey–about the same color as the aluminum edge it fits into. Someone please help if you know of a source. We have been looking for some years now with no luck.
Bill says
This may be late for those that asked, but here is a possible source for the 1/2″ plastic insert. Look for the G140 and G142 product numbers under Extruded Aluminum Edge Treatments :
http://www.brunnerent.com/Tools/Portfolio/frontend/itemlist.asp?reset=1&type=16&lngDisplay=0&iPageView=0
The company is Brunner Enterprises in Buffalo New York in case the link doesn’t work.
I haven’t noticed this company mentioned elsewhere in this wonderful web site.
pam kueber says
Wow! Thanks, Bill! This is a great find! We will definitely do a story. I am betting — you could add any vinyl or laminate insert of your choice???? Thank you! And thank you for your nice comment about our website!
Aedan says
Another outlet is Hoskin & Muir, in Livermore CA. http://www.prohmi.com
(800)826-2577
Kelly Whelan says
Hi Pam,
I am looking for the same push in trim / mould for a 50’s table in restoring and can’t seem to find it here in australa!
Any info would be great
Thanks
Kelly
greg says
thanks for this article. I have been searching for a week on edging for counter tops.
Marguerite says
Here’s another source for folks on the west coast esp northern California/Bay Area Hoskin-Muir http://www.prohmi.com/Default.asp
Leslie Patron says
Hi Pam,
Do you know of any boomerang, aluminum edged tables that are folding and easily transportable? We are considering modifying a couple of wooden top banquet tables otherwise.
Thanks!
pam kueber says
Hi Leslie, I don’t know of anything specifically but you can try places like Heffrons/A Moment in Time (an advertiser)-link to their site in my sidebar among the ads.
t s bunting says
Hi I have been trying to find some alloy counter/bar top or cabinet it was an alloy strip with a lip on one side and a coloured plastic insert which covered the nails or screws that held it to the table edge these were around in the 1970`s. Thanks
Bleu C says
Thanks for all the great resources. Unfortunately I haven’t been able to match this molding. I need about 6′ to match the original metal edging where I am moving some youngstown (1950 I think) cabinets around.
Here are two pics:
[links gone-PK]
Anyone have, or know where to find this exact profile, in aluminum preferably.
Thanks so much.
Joe Felice says
That’s funny, Pam. I used the exact-same laminate for my new breakfast bar, and I edged it with ribbed chrome banding that gave it an authentic ’50s diner appearance. I also put the same top & banding on my grandma’s kitchen table. I painted part of the walls in the dining room and kitchen the same color as the laminate, but didn’t paint all the walls that color, because I thought it would have been a bit too much. For the backsplash, I found a wonderful glass tile pattern called “Fiesta Blend,” which has the aqua tiles, as well as different shades of browns to tie it into my countertop and the remaining walls (which are brown). For the backsplash behind the stove, I had purchased a stainless-steel diamond quilt sheet with matching edging, but I could not find anyone who could install it for me! So I ended up going to Outwater Plastics, and bought the shiny-copper sheets that I was able to cut and install myself, quite easily. I had also ordered the cove molding for where the counter meets the glass backsplash, but was unable to use it, because there was too-big of a space for it to cover. That was a real bummer for me. I used wood quarter round and painted it to match the edge of the counter. It looks OK, but I’m not thrilled with it. I would have preferred to use the chrome cove. For the top edge of the glass backsplash, I purchased a roll of chrome plastic auto door-edge molding, and it topped the backsplash off perfectly! We have to be creative when renovating, I found out. I also found some retro-looking wallpaper for the top half of one of the walls in the dining room, and it has the aqua and shades of brown, as well. I had originally wanted to use the knotty pine or cedar panelling with the wide grooves in it that was so popular in the day, but NO ONE has been able to tell me where to buy it, even though I’ve seen it in pictures on this site. I’ve learned that we also have to open to changing plans during the renovation. I call it “design-build.”
John Cunningham says
I haven’t taken time to read all the comments here (I’m too busy stripping wallpaper) but when I sought metal (T-Nose) edging it was difficult to find a company that would sell small quantities (I needed about 20′) without a large minimum order (say$200) or charging phenomenal shipping. I tried NY Metals and Bars-Booths but FINALLY found The Kitchen Store in Culver City CA. They were willing to sell me any amount, not matter how small. They warned me about the excessive cost of shipping 12′ pieces. They cut my pieces down to 8′ (which necessitated splicing a piece at 96″) on a 100″ edge. My counter man is so good you can barely see the splice. We used the metal edging in combination with Pionite “Primary Red”. If there was one thing more difficult to find than the edging it was liner (pencil) tile in RED, sized 6″ x .5″. I found the last 26 pieces that a Brooklyn DalTile dealer seemed to own~~