ARCORA FAUCETS
What Is The Thickness Of A Granite Countertop?
Granite countertops are a popular choice for homeowners. They provide a beautiful and durable surface for a variety of cooking and baking projects, both indoors and outdoors. Many homeowners also choose to bring the beauty and durability of granite to other parts of their home, using it in bathrooms, vanities, laundry rooms and more.
As you sift through your options, you may notice that granite comes in different thicknesses. How do you decide which option is best? Does it even matter? This article will delve into the specifics of granite countertops to help you decide the thickness of a granite countertop for your home.
What Granite Thicknesses Are Available?
Granite slabs are typically available in two thicknesses. As kitchen trends have shifted, the need for specific granite countertop thicknesses has also changed. Each option has slightly different capabilities.
The most common thicknesses are 2 cm and 3 cm. In addition to the different thicknesses, granite slabs are usually available in different widths and heights. A typical granite slab is 9 to 10 feet wide and 5 to 6 feet high.
2 Cm Granite Countertops
- Granite thickness in inches. 25/32 inches
- The thickness of granite in centimeters: 2 cm
- The thickness of granite in millimeters: 20 mm
Granite countertops are usually available in 2 cm thick slabs. This used to be the industry standard, but things have changed as the demand for thicker slabs has risen. Countertops of this thickness usually require more work. Typically, they require reinforcement to prevent breakage or sagging.
Most installers use plywood or other types of supports under the countertop to hold it up.
3cm Granite Countertop
- The thickness of granite in inches. 1 3/16 inches
- The thickness of granite in centimeters. 3 cm
- The thickness of granite in millimeters: 30 mm
Today, 3 cm thick granite slabs are the gold standard. Most homeowners, tend to have more appeal, both in terms of appearance and installation. Due to the added thickness, 3 cm thick slabs usually do not require plywood reinforcement during installation.
What Colors Of Granite Are Available?
As you browse through the various granite countertop options, you may notice that granite comes in a variety of natural designs. Granite is made up of a variety of natural materials, including quartz, mica and feldspar, which leads to its color variations.
The ratio of quartz to minerals in the stone determines the color. You may find that the color of a granite slab falls across the entire spectrum. For example, if the stone has a lot of potassium feldspar, it may take on a beautiful salmon pink hue. On the other hand, if it has a lot of dolomite, it may show a metallic gold or yellow pigment.
The particles in the granite are easily visible, giving each slab a unique pattern. Most commonly, you will find granite slabs in variations of pink and white as well as gray and black. If granite countertops are the finishing touch you are looking for in your kitchen, bathroom or vanity, you can probably find a unique pattern to achieve the perfect effect.
What Thickness Do I Need For Outdoor Granite Countertops?
If you are planning to install granite countertops outdoors, it is important to choose the right outdoor granite countertop thickness that fits your needs. Technically speaking, you can use any thickness of granite slab for outdoor countertops.
That being said, 3 cm thick slabs are a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor countertops. These slabs are 33% thicker than their 2 cm thick counterparts, so you don’t need any plywood to support them. If you want a plain countertop, a 2 or 3 cm thick granite slab is usually the best thickness for an indoor or outdoor countertop.
If you want a statement countertop, you might consider a 6 cm thick (about 2.4 inches or 60 mm) slab. However, these thicker countertops require plywood support and lamination to join the edges of the slab. Many homeowners appreciate this eye-catching look and think it is worth the extra work.
Homeowners on a budget may want to consider 2 cm slabs. They tend to be much less expensive than thicker slab options, but you will need a sheet of plywood for support. A 3 cm granite slab is usually the right thickness for both interior and exterior applications, but it costs more than a 2 cm thick slab.
If your outdoor countertop has a granite overhang, you will have to consider additional supports to help with the overhang. You may need corbels (L-brackets) to support the overhang, which is often necessary if you have a bar-style countertop. If the overhang is small, like an inch or so, you usually don’t need additional support.