Whenever you are looking for a countertop, whether it is custom made or in store, you will be looking at several factors. Some of these factors can include color, material, finish, height, depth, and width.
All of these are important, but one that is often thought off last is the thickness of the countertop. We’ve all seen the very thick kitchen countertops and the very thin ones, but have you ever asked yourself if that actually matters?
Sure, thick and thin might be important when it comes to a pizza, but countertops? How does thickness help with that? Sure it makes the countertops durable, but they are often already durable to resist all the nicks, dropped pans, spills, and other things that seem to happen in a kitchen.
What role does thickness play in the world of countertops? Do we need to consider it when getting countertops? Here are some of those answers, and we start by delving into the types of countertop thickness and their benefits.
Thickness For Countertops
Countertops are often given two types of thickness called 2CM and 3CM. Both of these put the countertops at 2 centimeters and 3 centimeters thick respectively, and they have their own pros and cons.
There is also a 1-1.2CM brand of countertop thickness, but it doesn’t have a ton going for it. It is very cheap, but not very durable and it can’t handle weight very well. It can do in a pinch if you are on a budget, but you should focus on the other countertop thickness options.
First, you need to know that the thicker a countertop is, the more durable it is when it comes to weight. The 3CM slabs of stone or quartz can withstand a lot more weight than the 2CM versions. If you want a kitchen countertop or island where everyone will be sitting, eating, and leaning against it, then a thicker countertop will be able to handle a lot more weight.
Additionally, if you are setting heavier items such as crock pots on the counter repeatedly, then that can also distribute some of the extra weight. 2CM is still pretty good when it comes to durability, but it’s not the best.
The edges of the countertops are also impacted by the thickness you choose. 2CM countertops have a thin strip of material added to their edge so they look thicker. This can be a cool idea, but also leaves a bit of a seam behind on the laminated edge. A 3CM concrete countertop doesn’t need any changes to the edges added.
Why Does It Matter?
It matters primarily because of the weight. Even though we don’t think about it, everything pushes downward thanks to gravity and that includes furniture. A massive countertop puts a lot of pressure on the counter itself, and that puts a lot of pressure on the floor and the foundation of your home. That can lead to damage in the foundation over time, and while it might be slow and unnoticable, it could cause future problems down the line.
If you are concerned about the foundation of your home, especially if it is older, then you might want to talk to a constructor before you start bringing in 3CM countertops that can weigh quite a bit.
Finally, from a cost point of view, you need to know that the thicker the countertop slabs are the more expensive it will be to have them installed. So you will need to trade the durability of the thicker slabs for the cost effectiveness of the thinner slabs. It’s up to you if that trade is worth it, but you should always keep your budget in the front of your mind.
Look At The Edge Styles
Another reason countertop thickness matters is because of the edges. There are several different types of edges that can really enhance the ends of your countertops, and some of them work better with different countertop thickness levels.
You might choose to get the elegant waterfall style, the straight style, or the bullinose style. Regardless, some of these are the best for 2CM countertops, such as the Dupont style. Others, such as the bullnose will bring out the benefits of 3CM countertops.
Don’t think of the countertop edging as an afterthought, but instead make sure that it is incorporated into your designs. If you find a type of edging that you like the look of, then you might lean towards one type of countertop thickness than the other. You can learn more here.
Which Room Are You Putting Them In?
You can get countertops for both the kitchen and the bathroom, and sadly one size does not fit all in this scenario. Most kitchens and kitchen islands will need 3CM countertops due to their durability and also the flexibility with design and colors. Since 3CM is so common in kitchen countertops, there are a lot of options when it comes to making your countertops look really nice.
They also offer a lot of support without needing extra plywood to be added, which can increase time and costs on the project. However, for most bathrooms 2CM will be fine, because in 95% of cases bathroom countertops do not go through the same hardships or heavy use most kitchen counters do.
It also creates a smaller and more minimalist look, which is good for a bathroom because you really aren’t trying to catch anyone’s eye with your stunning countertops. The kitchen countertops are another story. Especially if you are making countertops for a kitchen island, you will want to have a showstopper to draw everyone around it.
Take Thickness Into Account
Whenever you focus on installing or renovating new countertops, the thickness is something you need to deal with. Thick countertops can withstand more weight and abuse, and a good rule of thumb is to get 3CM countertops for the kitchen and regular countertops for bathrooms or anywhere else.
