Choosing new countertops can be quite an experience. Not only do you have to choose countertop material, but you also need to think about edges and thickness. Too many choices can leave you feeling overwhelmed. That being the case, we want to help by talking about the one option that so many people cannot figure out: thickness.
When it comes to the differences between stone and laminate countertops, thickness matters for durability and workload purposes. But if you are choosing between granite, marble, and quartz countertops, thickness has more to do with aesthetics than anything else. All three materials are incredibly tough and resilient. Going thicker or thinner with either one will not have much impact on performance.
So what do you need to consider? Here are some key things:
1. Your Budget
For the remainder of this post, consider all your countertop material choices. That means stone, laminates, concrete, etc. One of the first things to consider in terms of thickness is your budget. A thicker countertop obviously involves more material. More material translates into a higher bill.
Also consider your cost per square inch. A material like granite or quartz might cost more than a laminate, but will you need a thicker countertop going the laminate route? Depending on the thickness you eventually settle on, the cost difference could be less than you originally anticipated.
2. The Look You Are Going For
Countertop thickness influences what the finished product will look like. The key here is matching the countertop with cabinets. Let’s say you prefer a bulkier, more ornate cabinet that looks like something you would find in a traditional Victorian. Topping such cabinets with a thin countertop would create a visual mismatch that could be hard to overcome.
By the same token, sleeker and more modern cabinets that feature clean lines and very little visual clutter would look out of place with thick countertops. Thinner countertops would be more appropriate.
3. The Strength You Need
Kitchen countertops must be able to withstand a certain amount of punishment. Again, thickness is not an issue for natural stone. But if you are going with a wood product topped by a laminate, think about how much punishment your countertops will need to endure. Think about the amount of weight you will be placing on top of them.
High traffic kitchens susceptible to a high volume of cooking may warrant a thicker countertop simply because it will hold up better. Kitchens that see less cooking and traffic may be okay with something thinner.
If you have an island, do you use part of it for eating? If so, there is going to be an overhang under which you place barstools. The overhang needs to be strong enough to stand up to the extra weight placed on it. Here is an instance where you might want to go thicker.
4. Future Plans for Selling
Finally, consider any future plans you have for selling your home. A kitchen remodel is a big investment. It could make or break whether you can sell. With that in mind, we always recommend quartz, granite, or marble countertops. They add value and make a home more attractive to buyers.
If you are going with a laminate, a thicker countertop will appeal more to buyers than something thinner. Thicker laminates just look and feel more durable. That makes a difference when potential buyers are viewing a home.
If you thought your only choice for new countertops was the material, think again. You also need to consider thickness. Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of why it matters.
