When choosing countertop materials for your kitchen or bathroom, aesthetics and durability often take center stage. If you’ve selected a quartz or porcelain stone, one of the most important (but often overlooked) decisions you’ll make is whether to go with through-body or non-through (color) body stone. While both options offer unique benefits, they differ significantly in design, edge appearance, and overall performance.
In this article, we’ll explore the difference between through-body and for this article, we’ll refer to color body as non-through body stone, to help you achieve the look you want for your countertops.
What Is Through-Body Stone?
Through-body stone refers to stone slabs (particularly quartz or porcelain) where the color, pattern, and veining are consistent throughout the entire thickness of the material. This means what you see on the surface is exactly what you’ll see on the sides and edges of the slab, offering a seamless and continuous appearance—much like natural stone. Through-body materials are ideal for homeowners who prioritize a high-end, natural stone appearance and long-term durability.
Key Benefits of Through-Body Stone:
- Consistent Design: The veining and patterns continue through the edges, creating a cohesive, high-end look.
- Less Visible Damage: Scratches or chips are less noticeable because there’s no stark contrast between surface and core.
- Edge Flexibility: Any edge profile—from simple pencil edges to ornate ogee styles—will show the same pattern as the top, giving your counters a uniform appearance.
What Is Non-Through Body (Color Body) Stone?
Non-through body stone—also known as color body stone—has a surface design that is either printed or glazed application, while the core of the slab is made of a solid color that complements the top. This means the body color may closely match the surface, but it won’t replicate the veining or pattern. Non-through body stones are a popular and cost-effective choice and are better suited for designs where edge continuity is less critical.
Key Features of Non-Through Body Stone:
- Surface-Only Design: The top layer shows the printed design, but the edges will show a single solid color.
- Chips Can Be Noticeable: Since the core is different in color, damage may expose a lighter or white underlayer.
- Edge Profile Limitations: Standard edge cuts (like eased or ogee edge profile) will show the core color—not the surface design. If you want the top surface design to appear on the edges, you’ll need to opt for a mitered edge, which adds more material, time for fabrication and installation and cost to your project.
Edge Profiles: Why They Matter
One of the most overlooked details in a countertop project is the edge profile. The way the edge is finished affects not only the look but also how your stone choice performs visually. When choosing countertop materials, it’s essential to consider how edge profiles will impact the final look of your countertops—especially with non-through body stone.
Edge Profiles on Through-Body Stone:
Through-body stone materials allow for a wide range of edge profiles—including beveled, ogee, eased, and waterfall—while maintaining a consistent look throughout. Because the color and veining run through the entire slab, your countertop edge profile will match the surface seamlessly, delivering a cohesive, high-end appearance.
Edge Profiles on Non-Through Body Stone:
- Countertop Edge Profiles: (eased, pencil, beveled, ogee): These will reveal the core color of the body, not the surface design.
- Mitered Edge Countertops: A mitered edge is a separate cut-piece of the printed design of the stone with angled cuts at the corner edge and glued in place. This gives the illusion of a thicker slab and a continuous design. It’s an elegant option—but expect additional material and labor costs.
Which Stone Type Should You Choose?
Choosing between through-body stone countertops or non-through body countertops comes down to your design goals, budget, and how much edge detail matters to you.
- Choose through-body stone if you want a natural, seamless look with enhanced durability and design flexibility.
- Choose non-through body stone if you’re looking for a stylish and budget-friendly option, and don’t mind a different edge color or are willing to invest in mitered edges for a continuous design.
Need Help Choosing Your Countertop Material?
Still not sure which countertop option is best for your kitchen or bathroom remodel? We’re here to help. Stop by our showroom or schedule a consultation with one of our countertop experts. We’ll walk you through samples of through-body and non-through body materials, and edge profile options, and help you select the perfect stone for your kitchen or bathroom countertops.