Slabs of granite, marble, travertine, or quartz come in several thicknesses. We shorten the names from terms like ‘one centimeter’ to 1cm, 2cm, 3cm, 4cm, and 6cm, because it just gets too hard to say ‘centimeter’ over and over.
These thicknesses each work best in different situations. Here are a few basic guidelines; but keep in mind, these rules are not set in stone – a designer can help you determine which thickness works best for you.
1cm:
Single-centimeter thick slabs are too fragile to be used for countertops. Most often, smaller slabs of 1cm material are used for shower walls or other vertical surfaces.
2cm:
Vying with 3cm material as the most popular thickness, 2cm is perfect for most countertops and especially for areas that are going to use lamination up to a 4cm thickness on the edges. Sometimes 2cm can be laminated all the way up to 6cm, often with a contract strip in the middle.
3cm:
Currently the best-seller, 3cm materials do not usually get laminated. This size is useful for countertops as well. 3cm can also extend unsupported for a few more inches than 2cm materials can. Tables and commercial counters are also quite often made from 3cm granite or quartz.
Heidi Breton
Schumacher Tile & Stone



April 9th, 2009 at 6:54 am
3cm is almost all that is sold in the Northeast, but the 2cm market has become popular with vanity applications.
April 9th, 2009 at 5:03 pm
3cm is reportedly very popular along the Pacific coast, as well. I can see why 2cm is popular with vanities – it doesn’t give such a heavy appearance, which might overpower a bathroom!
Thanks for the insight into the Northeastern market – we appreciate learning more about the business from all over!
May 13th, 2009 at 3:42 am
I agree 3cm is far to overpoering 2cm is just right for a bathroom
October 20th, 2009 at 7:46 am
I am not a professional in this case, but I bought 3cm countertop 2 years ago and satisfied with the quality.
November 13th, 2009 at 9:33 am
I am not a professional in this case, but I bought 3cm countertop 2 years ago and satisfied with the quality.
February 26th, 2010 at 6:02 am
I think 2cm is just right for a bathroom