2cm or 3cm? The thickness of your stone countertop affects how it looks, how it performs, and what it costs.
The Two Standard Thicknesses
Stone countertops are available in two standard thicknesses: 2cm (approximately 3/4 inch) and 3cm (approximately 1-1/4 inches). The difference seems small, but it has real implications for appearance, structural performance, edge options, and cost.
2cm Countertops
2cm slabs are thinner and lighter. They were the standard thickness for many years and are still widely used, particularly in bathroom vanities and laundry rooms.
Advantages of 2cm:
- Lower material cost (less stone)
- Lighter weight (easier to handle and install)
- Sufficient for bathroom vanities and low-traffic surfaces
Disadvantages of 2cm:
- Requires a plywood substrate for support (adds cost and height)
- Limited edge profile options (some profiles require 3cm minimum)
- Less visual presence — looks thinner on the edge
3cm Countertops
3cm slabs are the current standard for kitchen countertops. The additional thickness provides structural integrity without a substrate, opens up more edge profile options, and creates a more substantial visual presence.
Advantages of 3cm:
- No plywood substrate required (self-supporting)
- Full range of edge profiles available
- More substantial appearance
- Better for heavy-use kitchen applications
Disadvantages of 3cm:
- Higher material cost
- Heavier (requires more installation labor)
Our Recommendation
For kitchens, 3cm is the right answer almost every time. The structural benefits and edge profile options justify the modest additional cost.
For kitchen countertops, we recommend 3cm as the standard. The structural benefits, edge profile options, and visual weight justify the modest additional cost. For bathroom vanities, 2cm is a reasonable choice that reduces cost without meaningful performance trade-offs.
Get a free estimate and we'll help you choose the right thickness for your specific project.
Not sure which thickness is right for your project?
We’ll walk through the specifics of your kitchen — cabinet height, overhang, edge profile preferences — and give you a clear recommendation.