2CM OR 3CM, what should I choose for my kitchen?
Before we can answer this we have to start with the differences between 3cm and 2cm Countertops. A 3cm countertop is the usual thickness you see in kitchens in Austin and Central Texas. It’s about 1 1/4 inches thick. But a 2cm countertop is thinner, about 3/4 of an inch, and it’s normally used for things like bathroom vanities, backsplashes, and fancy edge designs.
Let’s dig a little deeper in to the specifics of 3cm. Because of the fact that it’s thicker 3CM can bear much more weight without getting damaged. It also comes in some colors that are only available in 3CM. Plus, it also provides you with more elegant single piece choices for edge styles, and the added thickness makes your countertops look and feel solid.
But there are a couple of things to keep in mind. 3cm can be pricier, and it’s heavier, being heavier it will increase your labor costs. It’s also pricier due to the fact that it has to be custom fabricated. Meaning you pick out the slab, the fabricator then cuts each piece of that slab to your specific needs. Then they fabricate the pieces and edges before delivery and installation.
Now, let’s talk about 2cm. It’s budget-friendly, which is awesome. Plus, it’s lighter, so it’s easier to put in place. It’s also perfect for those vertical jobs like backsplashes or fancy edges.
There are a couple of differences though. You will be getting a double thickness edge on all your outward facing edges. Meaning the middle will be 2CM but the edge will be 4CM give you a thicker more defined finish. There will be a seam on the outside edge that won’t be very noticeable but will be there with 2CM. Pre-Fabricated Materials which are lower cost are normally only available in 2CM. However you can still get full size slabs of 2CM if your application needs it.
Granite and Quartz countertops have become increasingly popular because they’re strong, easy to take care of, and they look amazing. Upgrading your countertops is also where you will see the greatest return on investment if you ever plan to sell.
Which Thickness Should You Pick?
So, which one should you go for? This is going to sound cliché but It really depends on your budget and your specific taste. For example, If you have a big kitchen, don’t need lots of edge styles, or want a busy color, then 3cm is the right fit for you. But if you’re looking at a smaller budget, you want 4CM edges or have an application that needs lighter stone then 2cm is the way to go.
In the next few paragraphs, I’m going to give you a few of the items to consider when choosing 2CM or 3CM.
DURABILITY
As expected, a thicker material can withstand more weight. For countertops, tabletops, and other horizontal applications, this means there’s less concern about damage from setting heavy items on the surface. If you’re designing an eat-in kitchen with a breakfast bar, opting for a streamlined profile will require additional reinforcement, like brackets, to minimize the chance of breaking or cracking for the overhang. However, if the countertops don’t include an overhang and the kitchen doesn’t get as much traffic, this would be less of a concern, especially considering the enhanced durability of many modern surfaces.
BULK
One of the benefits of a thinner cut of stone is that it won’t add as much weight or bulk to your application – a big benefit for those renovating. If you’re using the stone as a wall covering or surround, a thinner option can be applied over wallpaper or existing material without losing much space, which saves the homeowner from having to tear out the old tile or wallpaper and haul away the waste. Although the extra half-inch between a 2cm and 3cm slab may not seem substantial, in projects like kitchen backsplashes, you wouldn’t want the tile to come too far out and lose precious countertop space. This is less of a consideration when used for countertops, but it’s still a factor to keep in mind.
WEIGHT
Heavy material can put extra wear and tear on your home or surfaces, especially if used throughout a room. Older homes may be particularly sensitive to the installation of heavy materials, especially if the home’s foundation has already begun to deteriorate. A thinner application means that there is less weight to account for.
EDGES
If you’re using a 2cm slab as a countertop, a thin strip of the material will be applied around the countertop’s perimeter before the profile is cut in order to make it appear thicker. This is a popular look, but you must understand that a seam or joint will be visible. For thicker profile options, since the edge does not need to be laminated, they can be fabricated into a broad range of edge profiles to customize your look. While many of the simpler options or more rustic edges can be used for any thickness, many of the stacked, ornate edges require a thicker countertop to create drama and glamour.
PRICE
Less material can save money on your material costs for the project, and transportation costs, since 2cm slabs require less space and don’t put as much wear on vehicles. Labor costs may go down as well, depending on the stone. That said, one concern for thin slabs of fragile stones is that they may require more care – and therefore more labor – to prevent damage. With thicker options, the installation process can actually be simple, since stronger slabs don’t need to be handled with as much deliberate care. Once installed, 2cm countertops often require some sort of decking, like finished plywood, to provide extra support, which adds an extra step to the process.
SEAMS
Working with 3CM means that you will almost never have any seams on the countertops. Working with 3CM allows you fabricator to create single pieces for your area. Sometimes using 2CM Pre-Fabricated this isn’t possible so on occasion there are more seams when using 2CM as opposed to 3CM.
This is a lot of information to take in and can really take you down the rabbit hole. If you find yourself in central Texas and this this is a bit much allow us to help you make the decisions easier. Just share your project and the style/ color you’d like and we’ll recommend a thickness and stone color based on budget and application. Let our experience work for you.