A 3cm top would also be considered more durable as it is thicker than a 2cm top. This comes into play as a kitchen countertop would experience more wear and tear than other areas in a home. It has been common to use 2cm materials in bathrooms as it is less of a statement of your home compared to the kitchen.
Some people term quartz as indestructible as they have impressive compression and tension strength—even better than granite. Due to this, many are tempted to sit or even stand on the countertops. Can you stand on quartz countertops? While standing on the countertops might seem harmless, it's not.
Quartz and natural stone counters do not hold paint well; in any case, there are better options than painting for these materials such as sanding and buffing. Solid surface materials, too, work better when they are sanded down and buffed instead of being painted.
Like natural stone, quartz slabs are very heavy. And though the added resins make them more flexible, they, too, can crack if not properly handled.
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. Thicker quartz countertop designs look more luxurious and typically offer a more classic appearance.
Plywood is necessary when you need it to absorb pressure and prevent cracks. That will directly depend on the thickness of the quartz. There are three types of thickness common in quartz countertops: 1.3 cm, 2 cm, and 3 cm. Depending on your situation, there might be one thickness that works better than the other.
Because quartz countertops are so heavy, it may require you to have your floor reinforced, depending on various factors, such as floor material and the size of the floor joists. The size and structure of the countertops you're choosing will make a difference, too.
2cm natural stone surfaces are ideal for vertical applications such as backsplashes, fireplace surrounds, wall cladding, shower surrounds, and more.
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 comes in two standard thicknesses. You will often be able to select between 2cm thick and 3cm thick. While it may be possible to find other thicknesses for custom jobs, this can add to the cost and complexity of your installation.
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.
Low quality quartz stone has more than 12% resin. Product technical of low quality quartz stone is close to common artificial stone. Main filler contains glass and low quality quartz stone not that pure, say with CaCO3. Low quality quartz stone use bad color pigment.
The industry standard thickness for kitchen, bathroom, and other countertop surfaces in natural stone is 1.25 inches. This thickness provides the strength and stability required to create an unbroken surface without the need for stabilizing it with a plywood backing.
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.
– Again, quartz is extremely durable. High-quality quartz is virtually crack-resistant, but lesser quality quartz can crack or shatter if exposed to extreme cold, such as an ice bag left on the counter. The same goes for extreme heat. Sudden, drastic changes in temperature may crack a quartz surface.
Better quality prefab countertops use 2 cm quartz, either with or without a laminated edge. The added thickness means that the countertop can span up to 24” without support. A plywood backer is not required, unless the countertop is going to span areas wider than that.
The industry standards typically hover around 1 and 1/4 inch (or 3 centimeters) for granite and marble kitchen island countertops and 3/4 inch (or 2 centimeters) for bathroom granite and marble vanity tops.
When it comes to different grades of quartz, there is the first choice, commercial-grade, and second choice. These grades of quartz determine overall cost, durability, aesthetics and impact your home's overall value.
Durable: Quartz countertop thickness in both 20mm and 30mm are considered durable. However, the 30mm worktop has chunkier look that adds grandeur and magnificence to an interior. However, for slim, sleek, and contemporary design, a 20mm worktop is a suitable option and can add a modern touch to any room.
You may be able to save money by purchasing granite slabs from a wholesaler to cut and install yourself. Quartz, on the other hand, is heavier and requires a professional installer.
Quartz countertops are made with up to 90% quartz. The rest of the material is pigments and resin. Since the resin can only withstand approximately 150 degrees, placing very hot materials such as a pan directly out of the oven will burn the countertop and cause permanent damage.