How Thick is a Granite Countertop?

Granite countertops are a popular choice among homeowners. They offer a beautiful and durable surface for all sorts of cooking and baking projects, regardless of whether they’re indoors or outdoors. Many homeowners also choose to bring the beauty and durability of granite to other areas of their home, using it for bathrooms, vanities, the laundry room, etcetera.

As you sift through your options, you’ll probably notice that granite comes in different thicknesses. How do you decide which option is the best? Does it matter? This article dives into the particulars of your granite countertop to help you decide which thickness is best for your home.

What Granite Thicknesses Are Available?

Granite Slabs

Granite slabs usually come in one of two thicknesses. As kitchen trends have shifted over time, the demand for specific granite countertop thickness has changed. Each option is slightly different in what it’s capable of.

The most common thicknesses are 2 centimeters and 3 centimeters. Aside from the ranging thicknesses, granite slabs usually come in varying widths and heights. Typical granite slabs are between 9 and 10 feet wide and 5 to 6 feet tall.

2 Centimeter Granite Countertops

  • Granite thickness in inches: 25/32 inches
  • Granite thickness in cm: 2 centimeter
  • Thickness of granite in mm: 20 millimeters

Granite countertops often come in 2 centimeter thick slabs. This used to be the industry standard, but things have changed as the demand for thicker slabs has risen. Countertops of this thickness usually require more work. Generally, they require reinforcement to prevent breaking or sagging.

Most installers use a sheet of plywood or some other type of support beneath the countertop to hold it up.

3 Centimeter Granite Countertops

  • Granite thickness in inches: 1 3/16 inches
  • Granite thickness in cm: 3 centimeters
  • Thickness of granite in mm: 30 millimeters

Today, 3-centimeter thick granite slabs are the gold standard. They tend to hold more appeal for most homeowners, both in looks and installation purposes. Because of the added thickness, 3-centimeter-thick slabs don’t usually require plywood reinforcements during installation.

What Colors Does Granite Come In?

What Colors Does Granite Come In?

As you browse through the various granite countertop options, you’ll probably notice the wide variety of natural designs granite comes in. Granite is composed of various natural materials, including quartz, mica, and feldspar, which lends to its color variation.

The proportion of the quartz and minerals in the stone determines the color. You may find granite slabs ranging in colors across the spectrum. For example, if the stone has a large amount of potassium feldspar, it might take on a beautiful salmon pink hue. On the other hand, if it has an abundance of muscovite, it may take on a metallic gold or yellow pigment.

The grains in granite are easily visible, giving each slab a unique pattern. Most commonly, you’ll find granite slabs in pink, white, and variations of grey and black. If a granite countertop is what you’re looking for as a finishing touch for your kitchen, bathroom, or vanity, you can probably find a unique pattern for the perfect finish.

What Thickness Do I Need For Outdoor Granite Countertops?

If you’re planning on installing granite countertops outside, it’s important to choose the right outdoor granite countertop thickness specific to your needs. Technically, you can use any thickness of granite slabs for your outdoor countertops.

With that said, 3-centimeter thick slabs are a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor countertops. These slabs are 33 percent thicker than their 2-centimeter-thick counterparts, so you won’t need any plywood for support. Granite slabs that are 2 or 3 centimeters thick are usually the best thicknesses for indoor or outdoor countertops if you’re going for a generic countertop.

What Thickness Do I Need For Outdoor Granite Countertops

If you want a statement countertop, you might consider a 6-centimeter thick (roughly 2.4 inches or 60 mm) slab. However, these thicker countertops require plywood support and lamination to connect the edges of slabs. Many homeowners appreciate the eye-catching look and deem it worth the additional work.

Homeowners working with a limited budget might want to consider 2-centimeter slabs. They tend to be considerably cheaper than thicker slab options, but you’ll need a sheet of plywood for support. A 3-centimeter granite slab is often a suitable thickness for both indoor and outdoor applications, but it is more costly than 2-centimeter thick slabs.

If your outdoor countertop has a granite overhang, you’ll have to consider additional supports to assist the overhanging section. You might need corbels (L-shaped brackets) to support the overhang, which is usually necessary if you have a bar-style countertop. If the overhang is minor, as in an inch or so, you don’t usually need additional support.

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