7 Tips for Selecting the Right Quartz Countertop Thickness

Quartz countertops are stylish, durable, and low maintenance. They come in a wide range of styles and colors making them one of the most popular choices for both homes and commercial spaces.

Choosing a quartz countertop for your project involves making a lot of choices around how the slab will look in the desired setting. Color, style, shape, and size are all relatively routine decisions; however, what some people may not be aware of is that they also have a choice for the thickness of the countertop as well.

Knowing which countertop thickness is the right choice means examining the area and how it’s going to be used as well as taking a look at its style.  Here are seven tips to help you select the best thickness for your needs:

1. Learn the Basics

When you’re determining what thickness of countertop you want for your project, the first step is to see what’s available to you. When it comes to quartz slabs, the two most common thicknesses are 2cm (~¾”) and 3cm (1 ¼”).

It’s also possible to create the look of a thicker countertop by building up the edge. This can create a more substantial look and style for the space.

2. Consider the Space

Quartz countertops can be installed in a number of spaces: bathroom vanities, tabletops, island tops, kitchen countertops, bar tops, and more.

As your kitchen is usually considered a focal point of your home, the trend has been to use a 3cm material to be able to apply a custom edge to make it pop more.  A 3cm top would also be considered more durable as it is thicker than a 2cm top. This comes into play as a kitchen countertop would experience more wear and tear than other areas in a home.

It has been common to use 2cm materials in bathrooms as it is less of a statement of your home compared to the kitchen.

3. Consider Your Budget

The cost of a countertop is directly related to its size. The more material that goes into making a top, the higher the costs will be. This is true not only of the length and width of a top but also its thickness. While 3cm tops look more substantial, they will also increase the cost of the project.

4. Consider Your Area

What’s popular in your area? Quartz countertops help the resale value of your home, and it’s important to make sure that any updates you do reflect what homebuyers are looking for.

There are parts of the country, particularly on the west coast, where a 2cm slab countertop is the norm. However, in other areas, a 3cm slab countertop is often preferred.

5. Take a Look at the Style

Quartz countertops can take on many appearances and styles. It can be made to take on the appearance of marble or granite while giving the feel of concrete.  Even with these possibilities, not every style will work in every home nor will every thickness. Some spaces may do better with a thinner, sleeker looking countertop that can give it a more subtle look.

On the other hand, some spaces may look their best with a built edge and a waterfall side. Paying attention to what will look best in a specific room when paired with the other focal points, you may discover that one thickness just makes the best look.

6. Edge Style

The eased edge is one of the most popular styles for countertops. This has a straight edge that’s been slightly rounded or eased so as not to create a sharp line, but there are also a number of other options to choose from.

Ogee, dupont, bullnose, half-bullnose, and more styles are possibilities. Some of these look better when they’re used on a thicker edge, while some look their best on a thinner edge. Decorative styles like ogee and dupont may look better on a 2cm countertop, making them an ideal choice for a formal bathroom. On the other hand, a substantial bullnose on a 3cm kitchen countertop can produce a very different look that can be appealing.

7. Consider the Bulk

If you’re not using a backsplash, you may want to consider how the bulk of the countertop will appear. Thicker countertops will be higher and will take up more visual space on the wall in terms of height. This can be good if you need to cover a flaw. On the other hand, if you need to tuck the countertop below a shelf or windowsill, a 2cm thickness may give you the edge you need to get the job done.

Get the Right Countertop for the Job

While color, style, and material are all important considerations to make when choosing a countertop, be sure not to overlook the importance of the thickness as well. Make sure to consider these 7 tips when choosing your countertop to get the right countertop and thickness for your space.