Understanding Countertop Thickness: Why 3cm is the Granite Standard and Quartz Has Options

November 4, 2025


When planning a kitchen or bathroom renovation, one detail that often flies under the radar is countertop thickness—but it plays a big role in the final look, feel, and functionality of your space. For granite and quartz, two of the most popular materials on the market, thickness isn't just about aesthetics—it's about strength, durability, support requirements, and installation.


Let’s break it down.


The Granite Gold Standard: 3 cm


Granite countertops are almost universally installed at a 3 cm thickness (about 1 1/4 inches). Why? It’s simple—3 cm granite is strong enough to be installed without an underlayment in most cases. Granite is a natural stone and, while incredibly durable, it can be brittle when too thin. At 3 cm, it strikes the perfect balance between strength and elegance.


Pros of 3 cm Granite:


  • No plywood support needed under most areas.

  • Sturdier and more resistant to cracking or breaking.

  • Substantial, high-end appearance.

Things to keep in mind:


  • Supports are typically required for longer overhangs (like breakfast bars or islands) to ensure stability and prevent flexing or cracking.

  • Heavier weight may slightly increase installation effort.


Quartz: 2 cm or 3 cm—What’s the Difference?


Unlike granite, quartz countertops are engineered, meaning they’re made from a mix of natural quartz and resin. This allows for multiple thickness options—the most common being:


  • 3 cm quartz (1 1/4 inches)

  • 2 cm quartz (3/4 inch)

Why the Variety?


Because quartz is manufactured, it can be made thinner than granite without sacrificing too much integrity. 2 cm quartz offers more flexibility for certain designs and budgets, while 3 cm remains ideal for heavy-use areas.


2 cm vs. 3 cm Quartz: A Detailed Look at Pros and Cons


3 cm Quartz


Pros:


  • Durability & Strength: Thicker material offers more resistance to chips, cracks, and flexing—ideal for high-use areas like kitchens and laundry rooms.

  • No Plywood Underlayment Needed: Can be installed directly on cabinets, simplifying the installation process and potentially saving on labor and materials.

  • Luxury Aesthetic: The thicker edge creates a more substantial, premium look that aligns well with high-end or traditional design styles.

  • Better for Decorative Edge Profiles: With more material to work with, fabricators have greater flexibility for creating detailed edge treatments like ogee or bullnose.

Cons:


  • Heavier Weight: More challenging to maneuver and install, particularly in second-story installations or tight spaces.

  • Higher Material Cost: Uses more quartz, which can raise the overall price per square foot, although the increase is often moderate.

  • Added Weight on Cabinetry: In some cases—particularly with older or less sturdy cabinets—additional support may be recommended to handle the weight safely.


2 cm Quartz


Pros:


  • Lighter and Easier to Handle: Makes it a great choice for installations on upper floors or where maneuverability is limited.

  • Cost-Effective: Less material means a lower price per square foot, and potentially reduced labor costs for vertical applications.

  • Ideal for Vertical Surfaces: Perfect for full-height backsplashes, wall cladding, fireplace surrounds, and shower installations where a lighter slab is easier to mount.

  • Modern Aesthetic: The thinner profile creates a clean, contemporary look, especially when paired with simple edge styles.

Cons:

  • More Fragile if Unsupported: More susceptible to breakage, especially near cutouts or unsupported spans, if not properly reinforced.

  • Edge Limitations: Fewer options for thicker or more decorative edges without extra fabrication.

  • May Require Laminate Edges: To mimic the look of 3 cm, a laminated front edge (where two strips are glued together) is often used. This adds time, cost, and introduces a visible seam.


Installation Tip: Don’t Skip the Dishwasher Brackets


We always recommend adding dishwasher brackets, even though they’re an optional upgrade. These brackets help anchor the countertop securely over the dishwasher, especially important when opening and closing the appliance regularly. They offer extra peace of mind and long-term stability—a small investment that protects your countertop and cabinetry over time.


When to Choose Each Thickness


  • Choose 3 cm for: Kitchen countertops, islands, bathrooms, and laundry rooms—any space where strength and durability matter most.

  • Choose 2 cm for: Backsplashes, vertical applications, or furniture-style pieces where weight and thickness aren’t as critical.

And remember, any countertop with a significant overhang—regardless of thickness—should have proper support brackets for safety and longevity.


The Bottom Line


Countertop thickness isn't just a design choice—it's a structural one. Whether you’re working with natural granite or engineered quartz, choosing the right thickness means your counters will not only look amazing, but stand up to everyday life.


Need help deciding what's best for your space? Let us know—we’re happy to walk you through it!


Understanding Countertop Thickness: Why 3cm is the Granite Standard and Quartz Has Options
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If you’re shopping for new countertops or starting a kitchen or bathroom remodel, you’ve probably come across a few different types of companies: stone wholesalers, fabricators, and kitchen & bath companies. But what exactly does each one do—and who should you go to for what? Here’s a simple breakdown to help you better understand the roles these businesses play in your project: 1. Stone/Slab Wholesalers What They Do: Stone wholesalers import and distribute slabs of natural and engineered stone (like granite, quartz, marble, quartzite, etc.). They typically sell only to fabricators, not directly to the public. Who They Work With: Fabricators (like us at MGL Granite) Designers and contractors (through fabricators) What to Know: If you’ve ever visited a slab yard, it was probably through a fabricator. You can typically browse and choose your slab(s) from the wholesaler, but the wholesaler won’t cut, polish, or install it—that part comes next. 2. Fabricators (That’s Us!) What We Do: Fabricators like MGL Granite cut, polish, and install stone slabs to fit your custom countertop dimensions. We’re the ones who turn a raw slab into a beautiful, finished countertop that fits perfectly in your home. Services Typically Include: Field measurements (on-site measurements) Custom cutting and edging Seaming and polishing Delivery and installation Supply and installing support brackets Optional sealing and aftercare services What to Know: Fabricators are your go-to for anything related to stone surfaces—whether you need a kitchen countertop, a bathroom vanity, a fireplace surround, or a custom stone feature. We source slabs through wholesalers or showrooms, and then fabricate them to suit your space and style. 3. Kitchen & Bath Companies What They Do: Kitchen and bath companies usually offer full-service remodeling, including layout design, cabinetry, flooring, lighting, and appliances. Many of them also coordinate countertops as part of the process, but they don’t fabricate the stone themselves. Who They Work With: Homeowners doing full remodels Subcontractors like plumbers, electricians—and countertop fabricators Designers What to Know: If you’re doing a full kitchen or bath remodel and want one company to manage everything, a kitchen & bath company might be the right choice. But keep in mind, they’ll likely hire a fabricator (like us) behind the scenes to handle the actual countertop work. Why This Matters to You Understanding who does what can save you time, money, and stress. If you're focused on choosing the perfect countertop and want to work directly with the experts who will cut and install it, a fabricator is your best bet. At MGL Granite, we walk you through the entire process—from selecting the right stone to installation—making your project as smooth and enjoyable as possible. If you’re working with a designer or remodeler already, just ask who they use for fabrication. And if you want to work directly with a trusted local fabricator, we’d love to help! Have Questions? Ready to Start Your Project? Contact MGL Granite today—we’re here to help you understand your options and bring your vision to life, one project at a time.
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