Granite countertops are often the first choice by homeowners when it comes to home and kitchen redesigns. They’re hard, durable, and extremely beautiful. I’m sure you’ve made all the necessary considerations for your next redesign: color, vein patterns, orientation. But have you ever thought about standard granite thickness?
Granite countertop thickness can contribute to your kitchen’s overall aesthetic. Some designs call for thick slabs of granite while others look better with thin countertops. When picking out a design, make sure you account for granite stone thickness. Here’s a helpful guide we put together for you to help you out.
What Granite Thickness Options Are There?
When it comes to the typical thickness of granite countertop, the most popular option (and used to be the only option) for homeowners was 2cm granite thickness. But trends in kitchen design shift all the time. Today, thicker countertops such as those with 3cm granite thickness are all the rage. But what do they bring to the table? Let’s take a look at each one.
2 cm Granite Countertops
The average thickness of granite countertops by today’s standards is 2 cm granite thickness. It used to be the industry standard but has since changed to give way to thicker surfaces. Countertops with 2cm granite thickness usually involve more work as they often require some slabs to be thinned out and also need reinforcement during installation to prevent sagging or breaking.
3 cm Granite Countertops
Countertops with 3cm granite thickness are now the gold standard when it comes to granite countertop thickness. Many homeowners now go for thicker slabs because of their added appeal. Additionally, they also require less work since they no longer need to be reinforced with plywood during installation.
2 cm vs 3 cm
Both options for countertop thickness certainly have their merits. When deciding which one to go for, make sure you consider design, cost, and availability. Countertops with 2cm thickness, for instance, often look good when incorporated in bathroom designs. They also tend to be less expensive since they are readily available for most manufacturers.
Granite countertops with 3 cm thickness, on the other hand, look good in kitchen designs since they also call for more durable countertops. They do, however, tend to be pricier because they use more material and are less available.
Our granite countertops are all thick and durable like this amazing-looking Alaska White granite.
Yes, you can go thinner than 2cm. In fact, some prefabricated countertops go as low as 1 cm in thickness. However, you always get what you pay for. One reason prefab countertops are so cheap is that they are less durable and prone to damage. Thin countertops are so fragile that they require even more support, especially for the overhang. Certain materials are better than others for thin countertops so better make that a consideration as well.
Does Color Matter?
Color matters for specific designs mainly due to the availability of certain slabs. Darker colors are typically available for thicker cuts so make sure to keep an eye out for them. If you’re unsure about what color to choose, you can bring a sample of the color of your cabinets over to the manufacturer so they can help you choose colors that flow naturally with your cabinets.
Conclusion
When redesigning your kitchen, thickness should be one of your considerations because it can affect the cost and overall look of your design. In a nutshell, thicker countertops will cost more since they use up more material. However, thinner countertops may end up costing you more in the long run because of issues in durability. Before getting your heart set on a specific design, make sure you review the considerations we laid out above to make the best possible decision – and stick to it.
Granite Selection is your one-stop-shop for all your granite and other natural stone countertop needs. We design, manufacture, and install the countertop of your dreams. Are you looking for a new granite countertop for your kitchen redesign? Give us a call at (888) 906 3317 or contact us using this form to get a quick quote.
Paul Batashev is the owner and CEO of Granite Selection. The company began in 2011 Pay Less for Granite and has been transforming homes since 2011 with its expertise as a kitchen countertop company and manufacturer of fine custom granite countertops.