Quartz countertops have become increasingly popular in recent years as an alternative to natural stone and solid surface countertops. With a thickness of 2 cm (about 3/4″), quartz countertops offer an attractive and durable option for kitchens and bathrooms. But is 2 cm thick quartz really suitable for countertops? Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons.
What is Quartz Countertop Material?
Quartz countertops, sometimes referred to as engineered stone, are made from ground quartz crystals combined with resins and pigments. The quartz makes up over 90% of the material, making it very hard and durable. The resins act as a binder, while the pigments add color and pattern.
Compared to natural stone countertops like granite and marble, quartz offers the following advantages:
- More consistent in color and pattern
- Resists stains and scratches better
- Requires less maintenance
- Non-porous so doesn’t need to be sealed
- Can be molded into customized shapes
The manufacturing process allows quartz to be made into large slabs with uniform thickness. 2 cm (0.8 inches) is a common thickness for quartz countertops.
Is a 2 cm Thickness Suitable for Countertops?
For a material as strong as quartz, 2 cm provides adequate thickness for most countertop installations. Here are some factors to consider:
Strength and Durability
With a Mohs hardness rating of around 7 (compared to granite’s 6-7 and marble’s 3-4), quartz is extremely scratch-resistant and can withstand heavy daily use. The resin binders make quartz slabs highly resistant to cracks and impact damage. A 2 cm slab provides abundant strength for typical kitchen and bathroom tasks.
Overhang Support
The standard maximum overhang recommendation for a 2 cm quartz countertop is 10-12 cm without added support. This is typically adequate for most kitchen countertops. For longer overhangs, such as an island or bar area, added supports like corbels are recommended.
Weight Considerations
At 2 cm thickness, quartz countertops weigh about 18-21 kg per square foot. This puts it in the medium weight range for countertops. Significantly heavier than laminate or solid surface materials, but lighter than natural stone. The weight is usually not an issue, but for larger countertops the underlying cabinets and supports should be sturdy.
Aesthetic Appeal
The 2 cm thickness provides a visually appealing profile for quartz edges and surfaces. Edges can be finished with standard profiles like eased, bullnose, or small chamfers. The thickness is substantial enough to accommodate more intricate edge profiles as well.
Cost Effectiveness
Quartz slabs are priced per square foot, with cost going up for thicker materials. At 2 cm, quartz offers the right balance of durability and affordability for most budgets. Going to a 3 cm thickness may increase cost by 25% or more.
Availability
The 2 cm thickness is highly popular for quartz countertops, so nearly all colors, patterns, and design options are available pre-fabricated in this thickness. Special ordering a 3 cm slab may mean limited options.
Are Thicker Slabs Recommended?
In some situations, a thicker 3 cm (1.2 inch) quartz countertop may be recommended or preferred:
- For heavy-use commercial installations like restaurants
- If going for a very long overhang design
- If the underlying cabinet base is uneven or unstable
- For visually massive islands or surfaces
- For a bold, chunkier edge profile
However, for most residential kitchen or bath installs, 2 cm provides more than adequate durability at a better price point. Only opt for 3 cm if you specifically need the added thickness for overhangs or heavy use support.
Tips for Properly Installing 2 cm Quartz
To ensure a 2 cm quartz countertop looks and performs beautifully, proper installation is key:
- Make sure underlying cabinets and supports are level, sturdy, and permanently secured
- Use the right adhesive to bond the slabs directly to the cabinet base
- Carefully cut sink and fitting openings with specialized tools
- Follow manufacturer guidelines for adequate corner bracing
- Apply appropriate sealant between countertop and walls/backsplash
- Allow adequate curing time before regular use
- Handle slabs carefully to avoid damaging edges or surfaces
Hiring experienced professionals is highly recommended for quartz countertop installation. Prefabricated quartz slabs are delicate and require expertise to cut and install properly.
Maintaining 2 cm Quartz Countertops
With routine care, quartz countertops will stay looking like new for many years:
- For everyday cleaning, use a mild soap and water
- Blot spills quickly to prevent staining
- Avoid abrasive cleaners or scouring pads
- Reapply sealant to sink edges and fitting holes yearly
- Avoid exposing to strong chemicals or solvents
- Use cutting boards instead of cutting directly on surface
- Don’t place excessively hot pots or pans on countertop
With proper installation and care, a 2 cm quartz countertop can perform and last just as well as thicker materials. Taking measures to protect the surface and edges will help preserve its durability and beauty.
Is 2 cm Quartz Worth it?
For most homeowners, 2 cm quartz countertops provide an ideal intersection of aesthetics, functionality, durability, and value. Key advantages of going with 2 cm quartz include:
- Provides ample strength and durability for residential use
- Visually appealing profile and edge options
- Resistance to scratching, staining, and burning
- More affordable cost compared to thicker quartz or natural stone
- Preferred standard thickness means plentiful color/pattern choices
- Suitable overhang length for most kitchen layouts
- Weighs less than natural stone for easier handling and installation
Unless you specifically need 3+ cm thickness for overhangs or heavy commercial use, 2 cm quartz delivers everything you need in a countertop. It brings resilience for daily wear and tear, easy care, and modern style to kitchen and bath interiors. For most homeowners, 2 cm is the perfect quartz countertop thickness.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 cm Quartz Countertops
Is 2 cm quartz prone to cracks or breaking?
With proper installation and care, 2 cm quartz is very resistant to cracks and breakage. The resin binding makes quartz slabs flexible and impact-resistant compared to natural stone. Unless subjected to extreme impact, 2 cm quartz will stay crack-free.
Can you cut on 2 cm quartz countertops?
It’s not recommended to cut directly on quartz surfaces regardless of thickness. Always use a cutting board to protect from scratching or damaging the surface. With responsible use, 2 cm quartz will resist typical kitchen knives and cuts well.
Does 2 cm quartz come in popular edge styles?
Yes, 2 cm quartz slabs can be fabricated with any edge detail from simple polished or eased to more ornate ogee, Dupont, or triple waterfall designs. The 2 cm thickness provides enough material to work with for most edge profile options.
Can you install 2 cm quartz outdoors or in bathrooms?
Quartz’s water-resistance makes it suitable for bathroom vanity tops when properly sealed around sinks and faucets. Outdoor installation is not recommended – extreme temperature fluctuations can damage the resin binders in quartz.
Do you need to seal 2 cm quartz countertops?
Quartz does not require overall sealing like natural stone. But best practice is to seal edges around sinks, cooktops, and backsplashes yearly to prevent moisture damage. Use a specially formulated quartz sealant, not products for natural stone.
Conclusion
For kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and more, 2 cm quartz counts as an excellent choice for countertop installations. Its durable composition in a standard thickness of 3/4″ offers homeowners beautiful, resilient, and easy-to-care for countertops. With proper selection, fabrication, sealing, and maintenance, 2 cm quartz countertops will stand up to years of daily use while bringing style to the space. For most homes, 2 cm thickness provides the ideal balance of strength, aesthetics, and value.