A bullnose is a finish material that features a curved or rounded edge. While this term is commonly associated with kitchen countertops, a bullnose can be found on a wide variety of building materials and furnishings from tiles to tables. This rounded finish serves as a popular alternative to traditional squared edges, and offers a number of aesthetic and functional benefits to homeowners.
Granite kitchen countertops often feature this type of edge, and this finish can also be used on other types of countertop materials. The bullnose is also used on many wood products, including desks and molding. Drywall with rounded exterior edges is also said to have a bullnosed finish, which requires special rounded corner beads to achieve. Finally, ceramic tile with a rounded or curved edge is said to have a bullnose finish.
While this type of edge generally includes some form of rounded surface, it's available in several designs to suit the needs of different users. A half-bullnose, for example, features a rounded top and square or rectangular bottom. A full or double-bullnose includes two half-bullnoses combined to form a single curve along the top and bottom. Ogee-bullnose finishes feature an inverted curve along with top, with a traditional half-bullnose on the bottom. Beveled-bullnose finishes are similar, but feature a beveled edge in place of the ogee curve.
These curved edge finishes offer a number of potential advantages over straight or square options. The rounded surface means that bullnoses are less likely to chip or crack due to impact. This means that the edges will stay clean and smooth for much longer than a traditional square edge. Bullnose finishes also help to protect children and other family members from injury caused by striking the edge of a surface.
In terms of aesthetic benefits, bullnosed edges provide increased design options for homeowners. The rounded finish is also easier to clean than a square edge, and there is less space for dirt to become trapped in around seams or joints. Rounded finishes also help to soften the appearance of sharp lines, creating a smoother and more pleasing design.
In some applications, bullnosed finishes may not be the most effective option available. These rounded edges are more expensive to create, and are very difficult to produce in the field using basic tools. It can also be more difficult to find the correct bullnosed sections to match the surrounding surface, particularly if the structure itself is round or curved.