In the world of interior design, granite countertops are always a matter of discussion. Faced with several options, not only do people struggle to choose the right color for their homes, but also the thickness of the stone. You see, just like custom edges and wall finishes, how thick a granite slab is usually determines the overall look of the countertop. With kitchen islands and television stands, you want to make the right choice to avoid wasting any money. In this sense, finding out how thick granite countertops should be is essential.
In this article, we’ll explain some factors that play into this decision and all the choices available to you during an installation routine. To read everything there is to know about granite, check out this complete guide.
Why thickness matters
As we mentioned, the look of your granite countertop – or any kind of material, that is – is highly influenced by three main things: pattern style, color and thickness. The latter offers a little more liberty on the creative side because granite slabs are natural stones that can be cut.
Thickness matters because of aesthetics. The difference in size, however (as we’ll discuss in the next section), although it isn’t so great from a broad perspective, makes the price range vary between 20% and 40% by piece.
Some advantages of acquiring thicker granite countertops include:
- more strength and durability
- solid and powerful appearance
- chance to be removed and cut thinner in the future
On the other hand, some downsides of thicker granite countertops are:
- heavier weight and the need for proper support
- difficult to serve as backsplash
- generally more expensive
Standard and average thickness of granite countertops
Nowadays, the industry standard for granite countertops is 3 cm (1.18 inches), with 2 cm (0.78 inches) being the minimum range to avoid easy cracking and breaking. In the long run, these measurements have proven to be the most efficient for most projects, which consist mostly of American kitchens and bathroom vanities.
That said, a granite countertop of 3 cm to 4 cm (1.57 inches) is considered to be one of the best and most durable materials on the market. It does require a little extra support (like plywood substrate) underneath, but it gives the place a more full and sumptuous look rather than the minimalist feel we use to attribute to modern designs.
Backsplashes are a whole different story; they can’t be too thick or too thin. In fact, 2 cm is ideal to both prevent breakage and serve as a beautiful layer to your countertop, but some people also go with 1 cm (0.39 inches).
Other than looks, choosing the right thickness for your countertop is crucial for long-term results. When you find a granite that has both looks and efficiency, that’s when you know you’ve found your product.
Final things to consider
If you’re still willing to go further for a thicker granite countertop, there may be a solution with stacked granite slabs. The name says it all: it’s when a stone is placed atop the other, creating an even bigger size of countertop. Beware, though: not only is this expensive (you’ll be paying for two granites), but also very heavy. To avoid accidents, the island and cabinets will need to be reinforced.
The color of your stone is always a determinant factor, as well. It’s easier to find thicker sizes in darker styles than it is to find in lighter ones. And although it can make things harder for your personal choice, keep in mind that not every palette fits a thicker surface – a bright and extravagant red can look a bit silly, while a marble-like white will lose its warmth when exposed too much.
For online references, it’s a nice idea to browse through Pinterest from time to time and get some inspiration. Trends, after all, are changing all the time, so the possibilities are endless. In the end, it’s a matter of taste more than budget, and visiting a nearby showroom is the best way to find out your perfect match.
Eagle Stones can give you a hand – or several
If you live near Sarasota, Florida, look no further than Eagle Stones – our staff can help you choose the right thickness for your granite and even install the countertop for you! Why not give us a call so we can start off with a free quote?
Also, you might be interested in our online catalog. We provide international products ranging from granite, marble, quartz, onyx, and much more! Let’s get your dreams off the paper, shall we?
