Quartz Countertop Thickness— The Standard Recommendation

Ideally, we have three standard quartz countertop thicknesses— ½”, ¾” and 1 ¼” (1.27 cm, 1.91 cm, and 3.18 cm).  However, which one’s the right choice for you? Your preferred quartz countertop thickness can depend on a number of factors, including design aesthetics, functionality, durability, size & space, cost, installation, etc.

So, whether you prefer visuals, functionality, or both, here’s everything you should know before choosing a random quartz countertop thickness for your kitchen/bathroom. 

In this article, we’ll cover a detailed overview of all the different types of quartz countertop thickness, their advantages & disadvantages, and the right tips for purchasing your quartz slab. 

Quartz Countertops and Why Are They the Standard Material for Your Kitchen Choices

Quartz, an engineered stone, is becoming more and more popular among homeowners. Not only is it sturdier and non-porous, it can be less expensive than granite and, at the same time, has more design options. 

In fact, because we engineer quartz, it’s very much possible to mimic any granite design you’d like for your kitchen/bathroom countertop but at a potentially cheaper cost and stronger build. 

By definition, Quartz is 90-95% natural stone mixed with polymer resins and pigments. The polymer resin is what essentially gives quartz its strong and non-porous surface. 

• The resin binds all the components together in the mixture, this allows quartz to become resilient and more durable.

• Similarly, the polymer resin is also responsible for quartz’s non-porous surface. This ensures your countertop remains antibacterial, stain, and scratch-resistant.

If you have already chosen quartz as your preferred countertop, considering its thickness is one last step before you make the final purchase. 

Related article: 21 Drop-Dead Gorgeous Greige Kitchen Cabinets

The Most Recommended Quartz Countertop Thickness— .75 inches and 1.25 inches

Most commonly, individuals prefer ¾ inches ( about 2cm) and 1. 25 inches (about 3 cm) height. It’s mostly because thinner quartz slabs are more prone to damage and are less durable. 

While sleek and thin quartz countertop thickness does look aesthetically pleasing, is it the correct choice for your kitchen and bathroom? Experts say otherwise! 

Too thin of a quartz slab may not be able to withhold weight, especially if your kitchen is used often and with rough handling. A thinner countertop is extremely fragile and may require an extra budget for transporting it with care. 

Your preferred quartz countertop thickness will mostly depend on whether you are okay with a thinner slab or if you want something sturdier. 

• If you want something sturdier, 1.25” is the perfect quartz countertop thickness for you! It will withhold heavy equipment without the danger of constant damage or cracks. 

Related article: White Dove Kitchen Cabinets

• If you want a sleek and modern countertop, ½ inch would give you that sophisticated edge. Mind you, it wouldn’t support too much rough and tough handling. You will have to be extra careful while putting something heavy on the countertop. If you want an overhang over your counter, the installation would require a plywood base as well. 

• A better option is the ¾” countertop thickness. It’s not too thin to break easily or too thick.

Let’s have a detailed overview of all three quartz countertop thicknesses and what you should keep in mind while finalizing one of these three options. 

1.25 Inches Quartz Countertop Thickness

1.25-inch quartz countertop thickness will be your strongest choice in terms of durability and damage resistance. This slab thickness is arguably indestructible and would easily take on heavyweight and rough handling. 

I think a thicker countertop is more substantial and expensive looking than going with a thinner option. 

Of course, you can define its appearance by choosing the edge sharpness, such as a square edge, eased edge, bevel edge, or waterfall edge.

• A bevel edge will make your countertop look thinner than it actually is! It’s because this type of edge goes through a 45-degree angle cut (towards the top)

• The waterfall edge will add that sophistication to your countertop despite being so thick. However, a waterfall edge can suffocate/crowd your kitchen. So only go with the option if you have a spacious kitchen. It also adds quite a bit more to your budget. 

Related article: Types Of Countertop Edges

Let’s look at all the advantages and disadvantages of 1.25” quartz countertop thickness and if it’s the one for you! 

1.25 in. Quartz Countertop Pros

Are durability and resilience your top expectations from the kitchen countertop thickness? In that case, 1.25” height would never disappoint you! 

• Durable

In a fast-paced kitchen that’s prone to heavy kitchen appliances and rough handling, 1.25” quartz countertop thickness is your best bait. Quartz slab will ensure your countertop doesn’t hold scratches, its thickness will ensure the countertop doesn’t break or crack easily.

This doesn’t mean you should dump heavy equipment necessarily! Caution is still required but it won’t be prone to breaking. 

• Easy transportation

While thinner slabs can break if not handled/transported with care, such is not the case with thicker quartz slabs. Transporting a ¾” countertop will require additional safety, this includes extra cushioning. 

On the other hand, transporting a 1.25” wouldn’t require much care or cushioning, its thickness is enough to ensure safety. 

• A safer choice for kids

Thinner slabs can hurt/injure despite a softened edge, it’s because the surface area is way too small to provide a cushion if you accidentally bump into one of those slabs. On the contrary, a 1.25-inch quartz slab has enough surface area to dull down the blow even if you were to bump into one of the sides. 

• Perfect for premium countertops and traditional kitchen countertop edges

Thicker slabs may not be the best choice for a sleek and modern appearance, but they are perfect for traditional kitchen countertop edges, such as the ogee, double ogee, DuPont, Cove, and stepped countertop edges. 

A thicker slab is also perfect for a chiseled countertop edge if you want an industrial interior for your kitchen/bathroom countertop. 

All these premium edges require a thicker slab.

• Availability

Because 1.25 inch thickness is the most preferred option among homeowners, it’s usually more easily available than the other thinner options. 

• Doesn’t require plywood for an overhang

Thinner slabs will require an additional plywood base if you are going for an overhang countertop. 

Such is not the case with a 1.25” quartz countertop thickness. It’s thick enough to bear an overhang without needing a plywood foundation. 

1 ¼ Inch Quartz Countertop Disadvantages. 

Here are a few disadvantages to keep in mind, especially if you are on a tight budget. 

• Expensive

The more material; the more costs.

Although quartz can be cheaper than granite; it’s still an expensive countertop choice.

A 1.25” quartz slab will be more expensive than the other two options because it requires more (sometimes, double) material. 

• Difficult installation

While transporting a 1.25” thick quartz slab isn’t difficult, installing it would be a tough job. 

• It isn’t suitable for an old floor or counter

Although durable, the slab will require an equally strong cabinet base to support its weight. A weak cabinet or old flooring is susceptible to cracks and damage over time. 

It’s better to keep your quartz countertop’s thickness to 1.91 cm to avoid damaging the old floor or the weak countertop. 

• It doesn’t fit the slim, straight, and clean ambiance. 

As discussed, a thick countertop cannot give you that lavish and sleeker appeal. Even if you go with a sleeker countertop edge, it cannot compete with the sleekness and sharpness thinner quartz countertops offer. 

1.25 in Quartz Countertop Verdict— Go Or BIG NO? 

It’s a BIG GO for individuals who prefer safety and durability over everything and don’t want to worry about cracking. This is the go-to choice for most homeowners and what I recommend for your kitchen.

¾ Inch Quartz Countertop Thickness

Between the 1.25 inch quartz slab’s strength and 1/2 inch sleek slab is your 3/4  inch quartz countertop thickness, giving you the best of both extremes. 3/4  inch (1.92 cm) isn’t too thin to break easily or too thick to take away that sleek look from your countertop. 

Related articles: White Quartz Countertop

So, whether you desire durability or a cleaner look, 3/4 inch quartz countertop thickness is the best choice out there! 

• Its weight doesn’t disturb the integrity of your counter or floor. 

• It’s not as sleek as the 1.27 cm quartz countertop thickness, but it doesn’t go against your modern countertop appearance. In fact, the 1.91 thickness is quite the perfect choice for a sleek and cleaner look for your kitchen/countertop. Moreover, the thickness doesn’t suffocate a smaller kitchen. 

• The thickness is perfect for standard and modern countertop edges, such as the square edge, pencil edge, eased edge, bevel edge, or waterfall edge. 

3/4 Inch Quartz Countertop Pros

3/4 inch quartz countertop thickness has combined benefits of the other two counterparts. 

• Durable

While this countertop thickness will require care, it’s not as fragile as the ½” quartz countertop thickness. You can easily use heavy appliances on this countertop, but I suggest you handle everything with care. Unlike 1 1/4  inch thickness which can handle the rough and tough handling, this one’s not. So, being careful while locating/relocating appliances/equipment is crucial. 

If you are careful around the countertop, it will last you forever without causing any cracks or severe damage. 

• Sleek and modern appeal

This countertop thickness looks exceptionally gorgeous, especially if you have a liking for sleek, clean, and modern ambiance. It adds defined and edgy geometric lines to your overall kitchen/bathroom, making the room appear sharper and more sophisticated. 

• Doesn’t require a plywood base for a 12-inch overhang

Just like a 1.25 inch quartz slab, a 3/4 inch quartz countertop thickness wouldn’t require a plywood base either. Keep in mind, that this is only valid if your overhang is 12in long. Anything longer than that is typically not recommended. 

• Intermediate transportation ease

3/4 in thickness is not as fragile as the 1/2 in quartz slab, so you most certainly won’t have to worry about damage during transportation. However, you will need a little cushioning to keep the slab intact, especially if it’s lengthy and tall. 

• Easily available

Just like the 1 1/4 inch quartz slab, 3/4  in is also easily available in the market because it’s a public demand thickness. 

• It doesn’t crowd your kitchen. 

Not only is this thickness high in durability, but it also doesn’t suffocate your small kitchen space. The ¾ inch quartz countertop thickness doesn’t stand out like a sore thumb, it blends in with the interior. 

• Appropriate for small and big kitchens/bathrooms. 

Unlike 1 ¾ inch thickness, ¾”  thickness looks phenomenal in any space, whether big or small. 

• Budget-friendly

Compared to the 1 ¼ in quartz countertop thickness, this one will be nearly half the overall price.

• Easy installation

A little care is needed while installing this quartz countertop, but it doesn’t require too much effort overall! 

¾ Inch Quartz Countertop Cons

Although ¾” quartz countertop thickness is the best option out there, it’s still in your best interest to go through all the disadvantages the countertop may bring along.

• Isn’t suitable for premium/traditional kitchen countertop edges. 

While this thickness is perfect for modern and standard countertop edges, it lacks the height for many traditional countertop edges, like double ogee, stepped, cove dupont, chiseled edge, etc. 

Final Verdict for ¾ Inch Quartz Countertop Thickness

A BIG YES! In all the three options, this should be your go-to choice! 

1/2 Inch Quartz Countertop Thickness

1/2 inch quartz countertop thickness is by far the most fragile option— it’s also the one option many don’t prefer in their kitchen/bathroom countertops for the same reasons. Susceptible to cracks and damage, this quartz countertop thickness requires the most care whether it’s to transport, install, or use the slab. 

At the same time, you cannot use heavy appliances on this slab, it can only be used for small tasks. The 1/2 inch quartz countertop is more or less an exquisite showpiece. There’s no doubt in its sleek and slim beauty, but it’s not very kitchen-friendly. 

It can only be an option for your kitchen if your countertop doesn’t go through too much work.

A ½ in thickness would be a better option for your backsplash than your countertop.

Related article: Kitchen Backsplash Ideas With White Cabinet

1/2 Inch Quartz Countertop Pros

Despite not being the strongest option out there, this thickness is definitely the most inexpensive choice for your budget. Not only is it cheaper, but the quartz slab’s lightweight (compared to others) also wouldn’t hurt an old flooring or a weak counter. 

• Inexpensive: Less material, less expensive. 
• Sleek and looks exquisite: Its slim body complements the modern ambiance perfectly.
• It doesn’t crowd a small kitchen. 

1/2 Inch Quartz Countertop Cons

Most of these cons would be related to the 1/2 inch quartz countertop’s inefficiency in enduring weight or providing durability. 

• Not durable

This thickness type is not suited for heavy appliances or rough handling. The countertop has to be used with utmost care and even then it’s best to avoid keeping heavy equipment on this countertop to avoid cracks or damages. 

You must be wondering, “Although thin, it’s still essentially a stone (90-95%). How can it ever break or crack?” It’s because the quartz is transformed into a thin sheet that’s bound to be lengthy and tall. The lengthier or taller it would be, the more prone it is to break down. The weight isn’t balanced with the height to sustain damage. 

• Needs extra safety during transportation

This is a given! The thinner the material, the more cushioning it would require. A single-speed breaker is enough to crack the integrity of your 1/2 inch quartz countertop. So, transportation will require more safety. This may increase the delivery cost, so it’s something to ask. 

• It’s not safe for kids

Even if you soften the edges, a 1/2 inch quartz slab is not the safest choice. The thin surface area is bound to severely hurt you if one is to run into it accidentally.

• You don’t have many countertop edge options

The only edges possible on this countertop thickness are the square, pencil, eased, bevel, bullnose, waterfall, and semi-bullnose. You don’t have the freedom to opt for traditional kitchen countertop edges like the ogee, dupont, stepped, cove, etc.

I must agree though, that a floor-length waterfall countertop edge would be perfect with this thickness. 

• Requires plywood for an overhang

Whether you want a 12-inch overhang or something shorter, this thickness would require a strong plywood base.

• Requires careful installation

Sure a thinner slab would be easy to carry and load, but we cannot stress enough how careful you have to be while installing this quartz countertop. One wrong move or dip can damage or crack the slab easily.

Final Verdict For 1/2 Inch Quartz Countertop Thickness

I’m 95% against this decision. No matter how careful you are, the kitchen should have a thicker countertop. The sleek design is only worth it when it’s backed with durability. Unfortunately, durability is the last thing a thin slab will offer you. 

Let’s all agree that countertops should be a one-time investment. If you have to constantly worry about being careful around it, is it worth it?