If you are planning on installing a natural stone countertop like granite, you are probably wondering how thick your countertops should be to get the most out of the look of the stone, as well as any added texture and thickness that can highlight and strengthen your kitchen countertop area. Though thickness is pretty much a given standard, personal taste does come into play.
As there are standard thicknesses for granite and other stone materials, there are guidelines as to what industry standards dictate.
Standard Thicknesses
Common stone material thicknesses are 2cm (0.7874016-3/4 inches)and 3cm ( 1.1811024-1-1/4 inches). The 2cm thickness has been carried through as the industry standard, while the 3cm thickness seems to be the latest norm for kitchen countertops and other applications. Another thickness, two inches, or a little over five centimeters (5 cm) seems to be a popular choice for both marble and granite, as it is effective thickness for kitchen islands. Though this is thicker than normal slab size, as well as rare and more expensive, it brings a bold and attractive look to a kitchen island or bar area.
Installation Contrasts
Two centimeter (2 cm) countertop applications have fallen somewhat by the wayside because of the amount of work and expense involved in installing them. They require a substrate, or underlying plywood support layer, that is put in place at the time of installation. In addition to the substrate, another strip often has to be laminated on the front face areas of the material to create an edging. The added work and costs have been part of why fabricators and homeowners have steered away from this thickness.
Three centimeter (3 cm) countertops have prevailed in use because of their added thickness, which eliminates the need of an under-layer or the added piecing and lamination. This thickness brings strength, refinement and reliability to a countertop.
In addition to the two-inch (5 cm), there is also a 6 cm thickness for granite countertops that can create quite a focal point in any kitchen. This Mastadon look is created through stacking three centimeter (3 cm) slabs. Many homeowners like this thicker effect as an attention grabber, but installation requires added bolstering through laminating the different slabs together as well as providing support for any top cabinets.
Factors Related to Thickness Choice
The differences in thickness are related to factors that concern installation, how much labor is necessary, the durability of the materials, the pricing, personal taste and other aspects.
There are advantages to both thicknesses and whatever decision is made will probably be influenced by the application of the stone and how it is used. There are those fabricators that like to work with a certain thickness, which depends on the durability of the material and how easy it is to install. The thickness and installation choices will likely come down to the homeowner and their particular lifestyle and what is aesthetically pleasing to them, but the installer will have influence as well in explaining the pros and cons of either.
Countertop Overhang
If you do decide on a granite, quartzite or marble island to coordinate with your other countertops, you’ll want to think about placement of stools or seating. The overhang of an island should be 12 inches and depending on your choice of stone material, support in the form of L-shaped corbels may be necessary to carry the weight of an island overhang and strengthen it too.
Determining the thickness to use for your natural stone countertops is a matter of taste and cost as well as ease of installation, but if you are unsure as to what thickness to choose, complete the online contact form and a specialist will get back to you with more information concerning the thickness that will suit your needs.
