There are lots of decisions to make when installing new bathroom or kitchen countertops. What material are you going to use? What color or style? Which type of edge profile? But there’s another decision that sometimes gets overlooked, with people opting for the standard without giving it much thought. This is the decision over the thickness of your countertops.

Let’s look at the different countertop thicknesses that are most commonly seen with stone countertops and help you make your mind up.

3/8”

This thinnest option is the least commonly used on this list and will not be suitable for all materials, particularly natural stone. Granite, for example, is too fragile a material when cut to this thickness, making it unsuitable for everyday use. In most cases, countertops of this thickness are prefabs, meaning they are prefabricated with a laminate edge to make them appear slightly thicker. Quartz is an example of a material that can be used in this way.

The thicker your countertop is, the more material you need for it and, therefore, the more expensive it is. So, the reason some homeowners opt for prefabs at this thickness is because they are more affordable. These countertops can also look very similar to their counterparts in terms of thickness, but they will be more fragile and easier to damage. Seams may also be visible where the laminate edge has been attached.

3/4″

Three-quarter inch or 2cm countertop slabs are much more popular than the thinner option. You’ve got more flexibility with this thickness in terms of which material you choose. It is also a stronger and more stable choice. Many people like the sleek and modern look this option provides over the thicker countertop.

This thickness comes at mid-range prices as it uses less material than the thicker option. It will be slightly weaker than the next option, however, making it more commonly used for bathroom countertops compared to kitchens. You likely have the biggest range of choice when it comes to edge profiles with this thickness.

1 1/4″

This thicker countertop is perhaps the most popular, especially in kitchens, and can be used to make a bolder statement compared to a 3/4″ countertop. As the thickest, it is also the most stable and durable countertop, making it suitable even for kitchens that get a lot of use. But, as a trade-off, it is also likely to be the most expensive option as more material is needed.

Another potential downside is that you may be limited when choosing your countertop edge. A delicate edge profile like the Dupont may not work with this thickness due to the depth. But there are lots of edges that would work, like a square edge or a full bullnose.

Struggling to visualize the different thicknesses available? Come into our showroom in Kernersville to see your options and get advice from our team. Our contact us online if you have any questions.