Typical Thicknesses of Quartz Countertops
Home Depot offers quartz countertops in three standard thicknesses:
- 3/4 inch – This is the most commonly used thickness for quartz countertops. At 3/4 inch, the countertop provides an ideal balance of durability and affordability.
- 1 1/4 inch – For a more substantial and high-end look, 1 1/4 inch slabs are available. The extra thickness makes these countertops very hardy.
- 2 cm – Some modern minimalist styles utilize a thinner 2 cm (about 3/4 inch) thickness. While not as durable as thicker quartz, this allows for lighter colors and a sleek appearance.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Thickness
When deciding which quartz countertop thickness is right for your kitchen or bath, keep the following in mind:
- Budget – Thicker slabs are more expensive, so you’ll want to take your budget into account. 3/4 inch quartz is the most economical choice for most.
- Aesthetics – The thickness affects the look of the countertop. Thinnerprofiles give a lightweight, streamlined appearance. Thicker quartz looks more substantial and traditional.
- Durability – Thicker quartz of 1 1/4 inches or more is ideal for heavy usage areas like kitchens. The extra heft makes it more scratch and chip resistant.
- Weight – Thicker quartz is considerably heavier. Make sure your cabinetry and supports can handle the weight of a 1 1/4 inch top.
- Overhang – If you plan for your countertop to have a counter overhang, a thicker profile is best to reduce the chance of breakage.
- Texture – Thinner quartz often showcases more vivid colors and patterns. Thick quartz has a more natural stone-like texture.
Quartz Thickness Offered at Home Depot
Here is a summary of the slabs available at Home Depot by collection:
- Silestone – Comes in 3/4 inch and 1 1/4 inch options. This Spanish brand is known for its stylish looks.
- Caesarstone – Offers their designs in 2cm, 3/4 inch and 1 1/4 inch thicknesses. Caesarstone has a wide array of colors.
- Cambria – Available in 1 1/4 inch thickness. Cambria is a high-end American company with unique designs.
- Viatera – Comes in 2cm, 3cm, and 3/4 inch options. Viatera quartz has a vibrant, polished look.
- MSI Q Premium Natural Quartz – 3/4 inch and 1 1/4 inch slabs available. MSI offers affordable options.
- Quartz Master – Comes in 3/4 inch only. Quartz Master focuses on emulating natural stone at a lower cost.
Standard Thickness Recommendations
Here are the standard quartz countertop thicknesses recommended for each area:
- Kitchen counters – Since kitchens endure heavy use, a 3/4 inch or 1 1/4 inch slab is best. 3/4 inch is fine for most residential kitchens. Go with 1 1/4 inch for busy kitchens or commercial use.
- Bathroom vanities – 3/4 inch quartz works well for most bathrooms. 2 cm can also be used if you prefer a lightweight look.
- Wet bars – Go with 3/4 inch or 1 1/4 inch for bars that will see a lot of use. 2 cm quartz works for home wet bars used occasionally.
- Laundry rooms – Laundry rooms benefit from a hardy 3/4 inch or 1 1/4 inch quartz countertop.
- Backsplashes – Standard thickness is 3/4 inch. Backsplashes don’t require more since they aren’t subject to direct impacts.
Benefits of Thicker 1 1/4 Inch Quartz
While 3/4 inch quartz is sufficient for most home installations, selecting a thicker 1 1/4 inch slab offers these advantages:
- More durable – The extra thickness makes it essentially indestructible for years of heavy use.
- Adds style – Thicker quartz has a rich, solid appearance prized in upscale kitchens.
- Great overhangs – Overhangs are strongest when supported by 1 1/4 inch+ quartz.
- Minimal lippage – The extra thickness minimizes lippage between slabs.
- Holds warmth – Heavier quartz retains heat better and feels warmer to the touch.
- Less sound – Thicker quartz dampens sounds compared to a thinner top.
Cost Comparison of Thicknesses
Not surprisingly, a thinner quartz profile comes with a lower price tag. Here’s an overview of what to expect:
- 2 cm quartz – Starts around $50/sq. ft. installed. Provides minimal durability at a budget price.
- 3/4 inch quartz – Approximately $70-$100/sq. ft. installed. The most popular choice for its ideal balance of cost and performance.
- 1 1/4 inch quartz – Starts around $120/sq. ft. installed. Offers maximum durability and luxury aesthetics for about a 25% upcharge.
FAQ
What thickness of quartz countertop should I choose?
For most kitchens, the 3/4 inch slab is recommended, giving you the best mix of strength, functionality, and value. Go with 1 1/4 inch if you want maximum durability or 2 cm to save money.
Is a thicker quartz countertop better?
In terms of durability, yes the thicker the quartz the better. But thickness does come with tradeoffs like added cost and weight, so 3/4 inch is the typical ideal thickness.
Is 3/4 inch quartz countertop thick enough?
Absolutely. At 3/4 inch thick, quartz provides superb performance for everyday residential use. It’s resistant to scratches, stains, and chips. The 3/4 inch thickness is plenty sturdy for most kitchen and bath tasks.
Should I get 2 cm or 3/4 inch quartz?
For most installations, we recommend choosing the 3/4 inch thickness over 2 cm. The extra 1/2 inch makes a big difference in strength and durability. But if you want an ultra-thin profile and don’t mind more fragility, 2 cm can work.
Is thicker quartz worth the extra cost?
It depends on your needs. If you cook often and want maximum durability, the 1 1/4 inch thickness is likely worth the upcharge. For the average residential kitchen, 3/4 inch quartz has more than enough strength at a better value.
Conclusion
When shopping at Home Depot, you’ll find most quartz collections are available in 3/4 inch, Home Depot’s most popular thickness for its ideal combination of durability, functionality, and affordability. For exceptional resilience, go with a 1 1/4 inch thick slab. Or you can choose 2 cm quartz to save money if you want a delicate minimalist look. Be sure to consider your space, budget, and how the area will be used. This ensures you select the ideal quartz countertop thickness to match your needs and style.