Quartz countertops have become an increasingly popular choice for kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects in recent years. But if you’re considering quartz for your home, you may be wondering – how long are the slabs? Here’s a comprehensive overview of quartz countertop slab sizes.
What is Quartz?
Before diving into slab lengths, it helps to understand exactly what quartz countertops are. Quartz is an engineered stone made from roughly 90% ground natural quartz crystals combined with polyresin binders and pigments.
Compared to natural stone like granite and marble, quartz offers superior durability, stain and scratch resistance. The resins make the material non-porous, so it won’t harbor bacteria or need yearly sealing. Quartz also comes in a wide array of colors and patterns.
Standard Quartz Slab Lengths
The majority of quartz slabs on the market today come in two standard lengths:
- 118 inches – The most common and widely available length. At 9 foot 10 inches long, 118″ slabs can cover most countertops without seams.
- 144 inches – At 12 feet long, these jumbo slabs minimize seams for very large islands or full kitchen countertops.
So in summary, quartz slabs typically come in two lengths:
- 118 inches (9 ft 10 in)
- 144 inches (12 ft)
Why the Standard Slab Lengths?
The slab lengths are directly related to the size of the presses used to manufacture engineered quartz slabs.
The presses compact quartz material under intense pressure and vibration to form a solid slab. Most commonly used presses today are 118 inches or 144 inches long. This determines the maximum slab length that can be produced.
So quartz fabricators are limited to these two standardized slab sizes based on the machinery used to make the material.
Special Order Longer Quartz Slabs
In some cases, it is possible to special order quartz in non-standard extended lengths. A small number of manufacturers can produce quartz slabs up to 180 inches (15 feet) long.
However, these extra-long slabs are not widely available. They may require a minimum order quantity and involve longer lead times. Pricing is also typically higher on custom jumbo slabs.
Achieving Longer Runs with Standard Slabs
For most kitchens, the 118″ or 144″ slab lengths are more than sufficient to complete full countertop runs with minimal visible seaming.
Skilled fabricators use strategies like strategic placement of seams and mixing slab colors/patterns to conceal joints. This allows long, continuous runs using standard slab sizes.
For example, full 60-80 inch peninsulas can usually be covered with a single overhang slab. Islands wider than 118″ can be seamlessly created by bookmatching slabs.
So while quartz slabs have limits on length, creative fabricators can finesse the materials to deliver seamless results in most cases.
Common Quartz Slab Widths
In addition to length, slab width is also standardized. Quartz countertops come in two common widths:
- 30 inches – The standard width which fits most countertops.
- 62 inches – An extra-wide slab for covering substantial surface areas.
Typical Quartz Slab Thicknesses
Quartz countertop slabs are available in three standard thicknesses:
- 2 cm – The thinnest option, providing a budget-friendly profile.
- 3 cm – The most popular thickness, offering greater durability and stability.
- 4 cm – A heavy-duty thickness ideal for floors or commercial use.
So in summary, most quartz countertops installed in homes have a total slab thickness of 3 cm or just over 1 inch.
Key Takeaways
- Quartz slabs come in two common lengths: 118 inches and 144 inches. 180 inch slabs are available via special order from some manufacturers.
- The slab lengths are limited by the size of the machinery used to fabricate engineered quartz.
- Skilled installers can minimize visible seams through strategic placement, even when using standard slab sizes.
- 30″ and 62″ are the standard slab widths, while 2 cm, 3 cm and 4 cm are the typical thicknesses.
Understanding the standard quartz slab dimensions makes it easier to plan your project. An experienced installer can work with the available sizes to beautifully transform your home with quartz.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the average quartz countertop slab?
The two standard slab lengths are 118 inches (9 ft 10 in) and 144 inches (12 ft). So the average length that most installers work with is 118 inches.
What’s the maximum length quartz slab available?
While 118″ and 144″ are by far the most common, some manufacturers can produce slabs up to 180 inches (15 ft) long via special order.
Can quartz countertops be made without seams?
It is possible to install quartz with minimal or no visible seaming in many cases. Strategic placement and design techniques allow installers to conceal joints and create seamless runs using standard slab sizes.
What are common quartz slab widths?
The two common slab widths are 30 inches and 62 inches. 30 inch wide slabs are used for most residential countertop installations.
What quartz slab thicknesses are available?
Quartz slabs come in thicknesses of 2cm, 3cm and 4cm. 3cm is the most popular and widely available thickness for countertops.
Conclusion
Quartz countertop slabs are available in standardized lengths, widths and thicknesses. Typical quartz slabs are 118” long x 30” wide x 3cm thick. Understanding the common quartz slab dimensions makes it easier to design your kitchen or bath remodeling project. With an experienced installer, you can achieve beautiful, seamless quartz counters even working within the constraints of standard slab sizes.