To decide about the thickness of your granite countertop, you should consider the usage of the area and the style you want to give that area as well as installation. If you plan to have a natural stone kitchen countertop you have the choices of it being marble, quartzite, sandstone and granite.
We are listing below some tips that will help you in deciding the thickness of your kitchen countertop if it’s any natural stone.
Standard Thickness
The basic natural stone countertop comes in 2cm and 3cm thickness. If you want your countertop to look thicker than this then by building up the edges, a thicker look can be achieved.
As the kitchen is the focal point of any home, it’s always a good idea to make it exciting and unique. When using granite as your countertop, 3cm thickness is usually enough as far as durability is concerned. And for quartzite, being more durable, 2cm thickness can do the job.
Budget
The countertop cost depends on its size. The more material it takes to make a countertop, the more it will cost. It is a myth that the 2cm countertops are less expensive. Although the material cost is less, the 2cm countertops usually cost the same with all the handling and installation cost. 2cm slabs require more attention and care to avoid any damage. Marble tops are even more prone to damage as it is a softer stone. 2cm thick countertops are supported by a 3/8” plywood deck to increase its strength and resistance.
Area Consideration
What is more prevalent in your area? The answer to this question will not only help you decide about what you choose for your kitchen countertop but also it can affect the resale value of your home. If you decide to have a natural stone countertop, the resale value of your home will increase. The thickness also varies from area to area. In Canada, the west coast usually has 2cm countertops while in the other areas 3cm countertops are preferred.
Styling
Choosing a quartzite countertop can offer you a lot. It can take so many styles and colours. It can look like granite or marble while giving a concrete feel. But these possibilities don’t mean that any manner will work in any home and with whatever thickness. Some kitchens, for a subtle look, can look their best with a thinner sleeker countertop.
Counter to this situation. Some kitchens can look more beautiful with a waterfall side and a built edge.
In our opinion, 3cm thick granite countertops are best for the kitchen because of their stain resistance and strength. Granite slabs can have substantial, seamless edges. This gives them a higher value, and they are best suited in a high-utility environment like a kitchen. There is another benefit of using a 3cm thick countertop in the kitchen, and it can hold out against overhang clearances up to 12” with either decorative or hidden supports. This is great for an eat-in kitchen with bar stools along with the cabinets.
Edge Style
The edge of a kitchen countertop is, usually, a straight edge with slightly rounded or eased corners to avoid the sharp line. But there are other options available depending on the thickness of your countertop. Here are so many style possibilities like bullnose, Dupont. Ogee, half-bullnose etc. Some of these styles look better with a thinner edge while some look great on a thicker border. 2cm countertops can offer decorative styles like Dupont and ogee. These styles will give your kitchen a more formal look. On the other hand, a 3cm countertop can provide a beautiful bullnose which can make your kitchen counter more appealing to look at. So, many of the ornate, stacked edges require a thick countertop to create glamour and drama, while simpler options can use any thickness.
Choosing the thickness of your kitchen countertop seems like a simple decision to make, but it could be one of the most critical decisions. The right thickness decides the pricing, resistance to chipping and breakage and also installation method. Therefore, make sure you do not overlook the importance of this. Consult with granite companies Potomac to learn more about countertop designs and thickness.
