What Is an Arris Edge on a Benchtop?
Reviewed by Team Asetica · Sydney · Perth · Melbourne · Updated August 2026
An arris edge is a small flat chamfer cut along the top edge of a benchtop at roughly 45 degrees. It removes the sharp square corner and leaves a crisp bevel rather than a curve, which is what separates it from a pencil round. Asetica supplies sintered stone in 12mm and 20mm, and both hold an arris cleanly.
The word arris simply means the line where two surfaces meet. In stone fabrication it describes the eased chamfer applied to that line so the corner is not left raw. It is one of the most common finishes on contemporary Australian benchtops.
- An arris is a flat 45 degree chamfer on the top edge. A pencil round is a curve.
- One machining pass, so it is among the least expensive edge finishes.
- Works at 12mm and 20mm, and on the top of a mitred edge.
- Suits contemporary kitchens. Choose pencil round if small children use the space.
Arris vs Pencil Round vs Mitred
The three finishes solve different problems. An arris defines the edge, a pencil round softens it, and a mitre changes how thick the benchtop looks.
| Edge | Profile | Best for | Relative cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arris | Flat 45 degree chamfer | Contemporary kitchens, crisp lines | Lowest |
| Pencil round | Small curved radius | Family homes, softer look | Lowest |
| Mitred | Two pieces joined at 45 degrees | Building a 40mm or 60mm look | Highest |
Choosing an edge? See and feel the profiles on full slabs at our Sydney and Perth showrooms. View the Collection
When to Specify an Arris Edge
Specify an arris when you want the benchtop to keep a square, architectural line. It reads as a deliberate detail rather than a softened corner, which suits flat panel cabinetry, handleless kitchens and minimal interiors. It is also the usual choice on the top of a mitred edge, where it takes the raw point off the join without rounding the profile you paid to build.
Arris Edges on Sintered Stone
Sintered stone is fired above 1200 degrees Celsius into a dense, non-porous slab, so the chamfer stays crisp and does not need sealing along the cut. The full body colour of the material means the arris face matches the surface rather than exposing a different core. Both 12mm and 20mm accept an arris. See our 12mm vs 20mm thickness guide for how the two relate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an arris edge?
An arris edge is a small flat chamfer cut along the top edge of a benchtop at roughly 45 degrees. It removes the sharp square corner and leaves a crisp bevel rather than a curve, which is what separates it from a pencil round.
What is the difference between an arris edge and a pencil round?
An arris is a flat angled chamfer. A pencil round is a curved radius. Both soften the top corner, but the arris keeps a defined line and suits contemporary kitchens, while the pencil round reads softer and is more forgiving in high traffic homes.
Is an arris edge suitable for sintered stone?
Yes. Sintered stone is dense and non-porous, so it holds a crisp chamfer well at both 12mm and 20mm. The arris is often applied to the top edge of a mitred benchtop to soften the join line without losing the square profile.
Does an arris edge cost more than a square edge?
An arris is one of the least expensive finishes because it is a single machining pass. It generally costs less than a mitred edge, which requires cutting and joining two pieces, and is comparable to a pencil round.
Is an arris edge safe around children?
An arris removes the sharp square corner, so it is safer than a raw square edge. A pencil round is gentler again because the curve has no defined point. For homes with small children, many fabricators recommend the pencil round.
More guides from Asetica:
- Kitchen Benchtop Edge Profiles: Pencil Round, Arris, Mitred and More
- 12mm vs 20mm Stone Benchtops: Which Thickness to Choose
- What Is Sintered Stone? Properties, Uses and Comparisons
Asetica Surfaces is a trade sintered stone supplier serving architects, builders, stonemasons, cabinet makers and designers across Sydney, Perth and Melbourne. Our team draws on hundreds of completed benchtop, splashback and facade projects and a European manufacturing partner that has produced sintered stone since 2007. Every guide is checked against current Australian standards and the engineered stone regulations in force since 1 July 2024. See the range at our Sydney (Padstow) and Perth (Subiaco) showrooms, or call 1300 161 388.
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