Diamond Tools For Granite Fabricating

First, let’s define what bullnosing is. If you’re considering tackling a kitchen, bathroom or bar countertop fabrication and installation yourself, you’re going to come across the bullnose term frequently. Bullnosing is the process of adding a smooth, finished, aesthetically-pleasing edge to an unfinished natural stone, granite slab or tile. A good bullnosing job also protects the edge from chipping and cracking.

Natural stone such as granite, marble and travertine in slab form are popular choices for new construction and remodeling or reconstruction projects. Decorative stone, ceramic, and custom or hand-made tiles can be alternative substitutes for massive stone slabs, because tiles can be easily installed by one DIY person working alone.

Bullnosing requires specialized diamond tools… like diamond grinders, routers, polishing pads and shapers… for cutting, grinding, and polishing natural stones like granite and marble. When ceramic or porcelain tiles require bullnosing, the tile must be cut, bullnosed, and the edge or trim must be polished and refinished to match the surface finish. All the tools and accessories needed for cutting, grinding, sanding, finishing and polishing the average DIY countertop project along with instruction is offered.

Granite, marble and other natural stone slabs and tiles are not manufactured or delivered with a bullnose profile. A bullnose edge is custom made for the specific design and installation using special tools. By obtaining both the right “how to” information and the proper tools, finishing or bullnosing countertop edges can be accomplished by the typical DIY handyman. To make a bullnose edge, the slab or tile is first profiled (rounded over or formed) and then polished to match the finished or surface side of the countertop. A diamond profile wheel on a tub saw is used to round over the edge and then several different grades of polishing pad grits are used to gradually polish the rough surface to a smooth and chiseled finish. The tools used in the process are specialized and can be purchased online. Once the slab or tiles are fabricated to a bullnose edge, they can be installed allowing for an overhang extending out from the base countertop to a thickness that best compliments the design or thickness of the slab or tile. The result is a solid and firm looking countertop with a finished edge rounding over to a smooth and polished face.