Traditionally 2cm has been used in bathrooms where strength demands are lower than in kitchens which have generally been the domain of 3cm.
What is the difference between 2cm and 3cm granite.
Generally people gravitate toward 3cm because it is noticably thicker especially on the edges.
Although the extra half inch between a 2cm and 3cm slab may not seem substantial in projects like kitchen backsplashes you wouldn t want the tile to come too far out and lose precious countertop space.
The standard thicknesses are 1cm some manufactures actually use 1 2cm 2cm and 3cm.
So yes a 3cm slab of granite is stronger than a 2cm slab.
This is less of a consideration when used for countertops but it s still a factor to keep in mind.
The only major difference between 2cm and 3cm is the look of the stone the strength and durability remains basically the same.
The main difference between 2cm centimetre and 3cm countertops is the thickness of the material.
1 cm is equal to 3 8 2cm is equal to and 3cm is equal to 1.
Sometimes as kaveac said people going for a modern design use 2cm.
2cm material is slightly less expensive than 3cm material and is readily available in many colors and in multiple materials granite marble onyx travertine etc.
For both materials counters range from about 2cm to about 1 3cm.
Because 3cm material can be easily handled by cnc machines it created the illusion of solving the problem by lowering fabrication cost and increasing turnaround.
Other than a very minor difference in price typically 2 4 per square foot the main difference from a utilitarian view is the 2cm material is quite a bit weaker than 3cm material.
While 2cm counters are used in bathrooms 3cm materials are preferred for the kitchen utility areas and anywhere heavy objects will be placed.
However we never install a 2cm slab on your kitchen without a plywood substrate.
Granite marble or other stone is inheritably stronger when thicker.
For decades 2cm material was the trend in natural stone and to this day is still commonly used in the western states.
Granite tile costs are 40 to 70 less than slabs.
2cm is thick overall with a doubled 4cm lip on all exposed edges which provides a stronger visual for the countertop and also hides the sub decking that goes between the cabinet box and the stone.
In reality even fewer skilled laborers are now available and increased material cost and returns eating away the advantage of fully automated stone fabrication.
Thicker materials cost more.
By using 3cm stones edge profiles do not have seams like laminated 2cm edges.
Granite fabrication is typically only available from 2cm or 3cm.
Both 2cm and 3cm have these characteristics.
In natural granite the difference is much more critical.