Quartz countertops have become an increasingly popular choice for kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects in recent years. With their durability, low maintenance, and stylish appearance, it’s easy to see why. But if you’re considering quartz for your next countertop installation, one important question remains: how thick should quartz countertop be?
The thickness of your quartz countertop is an important factor that impacts both performance and cost. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss the standard quartz countertop thicknesses, the pros and cons of different thicknesses, and provide tips to help you choose the right thickness for your needs and budget.
Standard Thicknesses for Quartz Countertops
Quartz countertops are available in three standard thicknesses:
3/4″ Thick
This is the thinnest option for quartz countertops. A 3/4″ thick quartz countertop contains a 1/4″ thick layer of quartz material bonded to a 1/2″ thick layer of backing material, usually plywood or MDF.
1-1/4″ Thick
A 1-1/4″ quartz countertop consists of a 1/2″ thick layer of quartz on top of a 3/4″ thick substrate. This is considered the standard thickness for most quartz countertop installations.
1-1/2″ Thick
At 1-1/2” thick, this option contains a 3/4″ quartz layer over a 3/4″ substrate. It’s the thickest option commonly available.
Thicknesses Over 2″
Some manufacturers can create quartz slabs over 2 inches thick, but these are rarely used for countertops. Slabs this thick are very heavy, making them difficult for installation and use.
How Thick Should a Quartz Countertop Be?
So with those standard thicknesses in mind, how do you decide the right thickness for your particular quartz countertop installation? Here are some factors to consider:
Usage Level
If your countertop will see heavy day-to-day use, a thicker quartz material will be more durable. High traffic areas like kitchens benefit from 1-1/4” or 1-1/2” thick material, while bathrooms and wet bars may be fine with a 3/4″ thickness.
Span Length
The length your countertop spans between supports impacts the thickness needed. For spans greater than 24” between cabinet bases or other supports, a 1-1/4” thickness provides extra rigidity. Spans less than 24” can use a 3/4″ slab.
Overhang Length
If your countertop design calls for sections that overhang the base cabinets by more than 6”, opt for a 1-1/4” thick or 1-1/2” thick quartz material. The added thickness prevents sagging, cracking, and seam separation with longer overhangs.
Built-in Appliances
Integrated cooktops, sinks, and other heavy appliances exert more stress on your countertop. Areas with built-in appliances will benefit from the sturdiness of 1-1/4” quartz material.
Budget
Cost is often a consideration too. 3/4″ quartz is the most affordable option, while 1-1/2” is the most expensive due to higher material costs.
Pros and Cons of Different Quartz Countertop Thicknesses
To further help decide the right thickness for your needs, here’s an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of each option:
3/4″ Thick Quartz Countertops
Pros:
- Less expensive
- Easier for installation
- Weighs less
Cons:
- Prone to cracking or chipping over time
- Insufficient support for longer spans or overhangs
- Not as resistant to impact as thicker options
1-1/4″ Thick Quartz Countertops
Pros:
- Provides good durability for most applications
- Rigid enough for standard overhangs and spans
- Cost is reasonable for most budgets
Cons:
- Heavier than 3/4″, making installation slightly harder
- Not as strong as 1-1/2″ thickness
1-1/2″ Thick Quartz Countertops
Pros:
- Very durable and resistant to damage
- Supports long spans and overhangs
- Reduced vibration and sound transmission
Cons:
- Much heavier and harder to install
- Significantly higher cost
Choosing the Right Thickness – Key Considerations
When selecting your quartz countertop thickness, keep these key tips in mind:
- Default to 1-1/4” thickness for most kitchen installations. It offers the best balance of strength, cost, and ease of installation.
- Use 3/4″ quartz only for bathrooms or areas with short spans, no overhangs, and low daily use.
- Consider 1-1/2” thickness for heavy usage kitchen areas like baking and food prep zones.
- Add thickness for designs with overhangs beyond 6” and spans over 24”.
- Don’t choose the absolute thinnest viable option. Allow reasonable thickness for unexpected impacts and long-term durability.
- Discuss thickness requirements with your installer, especially if integrating sinks, cooktops, or other heavy appliances.
With those factors considered, you can zero in on the ideal quartz countertop thickness for your next remodeling or construction project!
Frequently Asked Questions about Quartz Countertop Thickness
Still have some uncertainties about choosing the right quartz countertop thickness? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Is a thicker quartz countertop better?
In most cases, yes – a thicker quartz material provides increased durability and strength. But thickness does come with increased cost and weight. So find the “goldilocks” thickness that’s not too thick or too thin for your particular project.
What is the standard thickness for a quartz countertop?
The most common standard thickness used for quartz countertops is 1-1/4”. This provides adequate strength for most applications while keeping cost and weight reasonable.
Can you get quartz countertops in 2 cm?
Two centimeters equates to 3/4″, so yes, quartz countertops are available in 3/4″ thickness. However, this ultra-thin option is only recommended for very specific uses with no overhangs, sinks, or appliances.
What is the thinnest quartz countertop available?
The thinnest quartz material used for countertops is 3/4″, or 2 cm. Some manufacturers can produce 1/2″ thick quartz, but this is too thin and flexible for use as countertops.
Should I get 1-1/4″ or 1-1/2″ thick quartz?
For most residential kitchens, 1-1/4” provides adequate strength and support at a lower cost than 1-1/2”. Opt for 1-1/2″ thickness if you need to accommodate overhangs longer than 10″, spans over 30″, or very heavy use.
How thick are quartz countertops at Home Depot?
The Home Depot offers quartz countertops in 1-1/4” and 1-1/2” thicknesses. Their house brand MSI quartz comes in 1-1/4” thickness. Most other brands they carry, like Caesarstone and Cambria, are available in either 1-1/4” or 1-1/2”.
Can you cut thicker quartz countertops down?
It is possible to cut down a thicker quartz countertop to make it thinner during fabrication. However this is not recommended, as it weakens the structural integrity of the material. It’s best to purchase the countertop at the desired thickness needed.
Conclusion
The thickness of your new quartz countertop is an important detail that can impact durability, cost, and ease of installation. Carefully consider the spans, overhangs, and usage levels in your space. For most kitchens, a 1-1/4” thick quartz material hits the sweet spot of strength, functionality and affordability. Discuss your project requirements with a countertop pro to dial in the perfect thickness for your application. With smart thickness selection, you’ll enjoy strong, beautiful quartz countertops that will impress for years to come.