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.
Donna says
P.S. Lisa, we have since learned that the aluminum does scratch, so be careful with metal items like belt buckles and stuff if you install this product. I was wearing a belt and washing the dishes and it left some marks.
Lisa says
I am getting ready to put in a red countertop for our 40’s/50’s kitchen, probably the Wilsonart Pomegranate wavy laminate you featured in another story here. As I have been pouring through the archives I went to the Outwater Plastics Industries, Inc. someone mentioned in the comments above. I discovered an option for a “no notch aluminum tee molding.” It says this new technology allows you to go around curves without having to cut notches in the tee part. I have been agonizing about these metal edgings for a few years. I would love to know if anyone has used these new “no notch” tee mouldings. Because we will be doing this “the hard way” without contractors, I need this installation to be as simple as possible. Don’t know if this is the right place to ask this question so if it isn’t, please feel free, Pam, to move it to the proper place. The husband said I can order the laminate in March so I am looking forward to pinning down this metal edging.
Thanks soooooo much for the inspiration and resources this site provides. I am embarrassed to say how much time I spend on this site Every. Single. Day.
Lisa says
Ooops, I meant to include the link to the page on their website.
Here it is: http://www.outwatercatalogs.com/lg_display.cfm/catalog/Master_Catalog_Vol_42/page/37
Joe Felice says
You know, it’s interesting. I think the T-notch idea came along later. The edgings I remember from back in the day all had screws to hold them in place. I remember, because, even as a kid, I was a clean freak, and cleaning the edges with a rag often involved hooking the rag on one of the screws. I used the cove on the back splash in my kitchen, and did not want the screws, so I attached it to both surfaces with Scotch mounting tape, and then sealed the counter edge with clear adhesive caulk (Polyseamseal) to prevent water intrusion. But this doesn’t work going around 90-degree curves.
Pat Cusick says
I am looking metal back splash Cove trim. Where did you find yours?
pam kueber says
Pat, the sources are covered in the story…
pam kueber says
🙂
Donna says
Lisa, we used the exact no notch T moulding from outwater on our countertops, but didn’t install it ourselves. Also, we had no curved corners, just mitered ones. The people from Outwater were very helpful, and shipping cost were reasonable. I can’t remember if I post pictures of it on this site or not,, but they are on houzz, Here is a link: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/23420104/thumbs/retro-renovation-of-1950s-ranch-house.
Donna
AJ says
I can’t to seem to find any fluted edging that has gaps in the teeth so that it will go around a round table or curved surface. Any suggestions?
pam kueber says
we have a story on this – use search
James Kunc says
I am looking to buy silver metal nose trim for counter tops and cabinets and can’t locate. Any help would be appreciated. James Kunc
pam kueber says
James, try our sources in this story — you need to look at the story, note the vendors and reach out to them directly. Good luck.
Ro Mayer says
I have a Herman Miller Eames designed pedestal breakfast room size table.I gave it to my daughter who used it outside. The table top is made of wood fiber which swelled.That made the table edging pop off. I tried to reattach it. But the swelling has made the table circumference increase enough that the original edging is no longer big enough to meet by an inch or more. Otherwise the table is still functional. I was looking around the net for edging options and came across your site with its counter edging suggestions and retro furniture add links. I thought you might be able to suggest some options. Thank you.
David Booker says
Is this trim available for round counters or tables?
Joe Felice says
Yes. T-nosing/trim can. The trick is in the installation. If you don’t know how to do it, you should hire a professional, as I did. The trim has to have the baking cut in order to bend it around curves, such as on the corners of my dining table and on my breakfast bar. I also installed the cove molding along the wall where it meets the counter, but I do not think that could be bent more than a few degrees. Since I had a 90-degree corner, I just used my cheap-o miter box to cut the two end at 45 degrees, and the fit perfectly.
Donna says
My sister’s and I just re did the kitchen in the house we grew up in, and we got the edging, trim and mouldings from Outwater Plastics. We put linoleum on the counter tops. We wear going to use Marmoleum but Armstrong makes the same thing, and it isn’t as pricey. We also used VCT tiles on the floor. I wish I could upload a photo, but I don’t see how you can do that here.
Kathleen Lansing says
For renovation shoppers in Oregon, we stock 12′ length of retro metal edging for countertops. This is a fluted aluminum edge, 1 1/4″ wide, with a tee. $38.00 for 12′ lengths.
Lansing Linoleum Co., Inc.
7307 SE Foster Rd.
Portland, OR 97206
503-777-3333
paula gremley says
Thanks! Is there a link with a picture?
Also, those with metal cabinets google metal spice tins. I have herbs stored in these on the inside of a cabinet door near the stove.
Allison says
Thank you from those of us in the PNW! Will be down to see you!
Allison says
Whoa! You need to check out your Google listing… its says Lansing Linoleum is permanently closed.
Pam Kueber says
Well, that comment is from 2013, so yes, things could well have changed..
paula gremley says
I have a 1953 Crane Kitchen Queen Kitchen. The aluminum edging on the little window shelves is popping off and it is bugging me. I search the site and can’t find anything addressing how to repair edging. I think I could squirt some glue in there but can’t imagine how I can clamp it. I suppose I could use duct tape to hold the trim until the glue sets.
If anyone has done this? Any suggestion welcome.
Paula
Joe Felice says
I recall always getting snagged on the screw heads, especially when wiping down the counter tops. Little strings from the dish cloth would get stuck on the screw heads.