A traditional quartz backsplash is usually milled to 3cm thickness (or 1 1/4″). For my backsplash, I actually had to have two thicknesses! The main backsplash for my quartz vanity top is 3cm.
As an answer to the actual question, there's nothing wrong from a design point with using a 3 cm backsplash with a 3 cm counter. The exception may be around your sink area, as some sinks are larger in front to back depth, as well as some faucets.
The average thickness for a quartz slab is 1 1/4″ but you can buy it as thin as 3/4″. Thin slabs are used mostly for pre-built bathroom vanity tops but they work great as a backsplash.
Quartz Backsplash Thickness
The average thickness of a backsplash of any kind in tile is about 3/16 to ¼ inches. Once you start considering using slabs, though, this thickness increases. The average quartz slab is about 1-¼ inches (or 3 centimeters) thick which is what is often used in a quartz slab backsplash.
Quartz is a beautiful, durable surface that can be installed just about anywhere. While it's typically used for countertops and tub surrounds, it can also be utilized as a kitchen or bathroom backsplash. And, quartz is the perfect material for one of the latest trends seen in kitchens and bathrooms.
Thickness Options
Generally speaking, there are 3 thickness of quartz slabs used for countertop fabrication. Countertop thickness is measured in centimeters. The standard thicknesses are 1CM (some manufactures actually use 1.2CM), 2CM, and 3CM. 1 CM is equal to 3/8”, 2CM is equal to ¾”, and 3CM is equal to 1 ¼”.
On average, both quartz and marble slab backsplashes will cost an average of $90 per square foot. A granite backsplash will cost an average of $50 per square foot but can range up to $75 per square foot.
A standard backsplash continues from the kitchen countertops to approximately three to six inches up the wall, with four inches typically being the most common height.
Most tile options range from 3/16 to ¼ inch thick, but with the addition of mortar, you can expect an average thickness of ½ inch.
Thickness Granite, marble and quartz is traditionally 1-1/4" (3CM) thick. Keep this thickness in mind when deciding whether or not to use this as a backsplash.
Advantages of Thick Quartz Countertops
Given the inadequacy of thin slabs, installation professionals usually recommend a thickness of 3 cm for quartz countertops. A 3cm thick slab is at the top of the list when it comes to strength and durability.
A 2cm countertop weighs less and is better suited for vertical applications since it may be more prone to damage. But, when the thinner quartz is used for your kitchen or bathroom counter, it adds a contemporary aesthetic thanks to the slimmer profile.
with your 3CM, 3CM is more expensive than your 2CM however you don't have to have decking, and you don't need that extra thickness built on to the edge to make it have that big, nice, full ridge look. So even though 3CM is more expensive than the to CM, once you add in the other costs it really kind of balances out.
Quartz of 3 cm
It offers all the best features of a quartz countertop and requires no additional support. Due to its size, it will be extremely durable and there is no need for laminate edges since there is also no need for plywood.
The most common measurement for this is 3 centimeters or 1 ¼ inches for the thickness of a quartz countertop. With this measurement in mind, you can expect a weight of about 18 pounds per square foot.
But since most base cabinets are wider than 24”, it is usually a good idea to put a layer of plywood under the countertop. In this case, a laminated edge is used, to hide the plywood. Home builders looking to provide an upscale appearance, while still controlling cost will often use 2 cm quartz to save money.
When you coordinate your design elements and architectural features, colors don't have to match, but they should coordinate. Your backsplash tile doesn't have to mirror the color of your countertops, but it should blend, harmonize and support the rest of the features in the room.
If you want your kitchen to remain timeless in design, we suggest sticking with a classic field tile size such as a 3 x 6 subway tile or a 4 x 4 in a straight-set pattern. Or add some design detail with a herringbone pattern. Field tile will transcend trends, making your tile backsplash a sustainable design feature.
In terms of how high your kitchen backsplash should be, that's up to you. Many homeowners stop their backsplash level with the bottom of their upper cabinets. However, some choose to take the tile all the way up the ceiling. This can make the kitchen feel taller, drawing the eye up the wall.
Space For Your Kitchen Backsplash
Measurements for a typical backsplash are--16 to 18 inches--between the countertop and kitchen cabinets.
Quartz counters are not stone. They consist of ground quartz, (which is a mineral, not stone), mixed with resin polymers. In other words, the resin will melt, or scorch, or discolor when it comes in contact with heat. That's why you're not even supposed to place a hot plate from the microwave on it.
So long as you keep it clean and as dry as possible, you can use any color quartz slab for a backsplash without issues. But if your backsplash is going behind a stove and you do a lot of cooking, granite is probably the better choice.
One of the biggest cons of a 4-inch backsplash over a full-tile backsplash is that the design is a little outdated. Though still a popular design, many kitchen designers tout the more modern and trendier full-tile design.
3 cm Quartz (engineered stone) can handle a 14 inch overhangs and 3 cm Granite overhangs should not exceed a 10 inch overhang without additional support. Additional support members can include corbels, flat steel (3/8” by 3”) or a design element incorporating an apron and table legs.
Most people love the appearance of quartz, but others say it looks fake and cheap. Bottom line—with quartz, the design options are virtually limitless, but it's difficult to match the truly unique and exotic patterns you get with natural stone.