2 cm Countertop vs. 3 cm Countertop

Featured Image: Monte Cristo Satin Granite Kitchen Countertop Island & Aequa Silva 12 x 48 Porcelain Wood-Look Kitchen Floor Tile from Arizona Tile

Choosing a countertop surface is an exciting part of designing a new space. Color choices, natural stone vs. man-made products, maintenance required, and durability are all valid things to keep in mind during the selection process. Some stones are more durable than others because of their physical properties, but also knowing which countertop thickness to choose is part of this process. Depending on where you live, one thickness vs. the other is predominantly used and your fabricator may prefer one over the other, therefore it is recommended that you discuss the thickness options with your fabricator.

Standard countertops are typically 2cm or 3cm in thickness and knowing some of the differences between the two will be beneficial as you’re selecting your new surface.  To help with this decision, let’s look at some reasons you may choose a 2cm or 3cm countertop.

2cm vs. 3cm Thickness

The appearance of the product you choose for your countertop, in terms of colors, movement and patterns will likely be a primary focus as you narrow down the options that fit your style. However, it’s the thickness of the product, 2cm vs. 3cm.  may have an impact on the appearance of your space as well. A thinner countertop, if installed without a laminated edge, can have a more minimalistic feel if that is what you prefer.  In most cases, the fabricator laminates the edge, which gives you the option to choose between many different edge detail options.  With a product that is 3cm thick, you may also choose to not laminate it or have it laminated – either option will still give you several edge details to choose from.

The thicker a countertop may be, the more the product may cost; however, installation of a 3cm countertop versus 2cm countertop could be less expensive. Most  2cm countertops will have a plywood support laid on top of the base cabinets before the countertop is installed. After installation, a laminated edge would then be applied to conceal the multiple surfaces. These additional steps and materials can add to installation costs while a 3cm countertop installation may be simpler and less costly All of these options should be discussed with your fabricator.

If your design will include an overhang, such as on an island, a 2cm countertop would need additional support for any overhang over 6” while a 3cm countertop may be able to have an overhang of up to 10” before needing additional support.

Countertop Options

Marble, granite, and quartz are all popular countertop options. Though all are beautiful and come in an array of colors and veining patterns, the durability and needs of each vary.

Image: Thassos White Marble Bathroom Countertop & Tru Marmi Gold 24 x 48 Polished Porcelain Bathroom Sink Backsplash from Arizona Tile

Marble Countertops

Marble is timelessly loved and agelessly beautiful. Given it is a natural stone, it is porous and it is recommended that a sealer be applied soon after installation and then re-sealed every six months. Marble is a hard, durable stone that will last a long time with proper maintenance. Some marbles, which are softer, may be more susceptible to scratching or abrasion. Only available in a 2cm thickness, Thassos White is a white crystalline marble that has been used for building since ancient times. Pure white and flawless, this stone would stand out in any space.

Granite Countertops

Granite is another natural stone option. Due to the extreme conditions in which it is formed, as well as its mineral composition, granite is one of the hardest and most durable surfaces available. Granite is available in an astounding range of colors, varied movement and veining, providing almost endless possibilities to find the look you want to achieve. Available in both 2cm and 3cm countertop options, Monte Cristo and Viscount White give you radiantly stunning pieces of nature. Monte Cristo offers colors of white, silver, blue, and gold which offer beautiful earth tones with a white background, Viscount White offers mesmerizing swirls of black veining. Either granite may be just what you need to complete your design plan.

Image: Calacatta Jubilee Quartz Kitchen Island Countertops and Backsplash & Black Mist Honed Granite Countertop from Arizona Tile

Quartz Countertops

If your thoughts are leaning toward a more modern, consistent look, quartz may be a good option because it is a manufactured product, not natural stone. As a man-made product, quartz has a relatively consistent finish and will not have pitting and fissures, which can occur in natural stone.

Arizona Tile’s Della Terra Quartz, made with 94% quartz, is ultra-durable and resistant to scratches, chipping, and staining. Available in both 2cm or 3cm countertop options, Linen-N and Calacatta Jubilee are two light-colored, yet distinctly different options worth taking a look at.

Care

Regardless of the style and aesthetic properties you desire in your countertops, care and maintenance cannot be overlooked. Natural stone needs to be sealed after installation and repeated on a routine basis (depending on the product you use or what’s recommended by your countertop installer).

For help with selecting your countertop, stop into any Arizona Tile store or slab yard and check online for a full variety of tile and stone options. If you find yourself with a question, reach out!