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1 ¼ (3cm) vs ¾ (2cm) Thick Granite

In this article, I want to focus on the question, “When should I use 1 ¼” thick granite”?

First of all, 1 ¼” is also commonly called 3CM (3 Centimeter). This is because it is actually cut to 3cm thick in another country and shipped that way to the USA. When you covert 3cm to the US Measurement System, it actually equals 1 3/16”, not 1 ¼”. However, for some reason (I think laziness) the granite industry has decided to verbally round the actual thickness by saying 1 ¼”. This can be frustrating for the technical minded buyer, but seldom does a buyer even notice.

So, “When should I use 1 ¼” thick granite”?

Advantages:

• The edge detail can be a nice 3cm thick edge, with no laminated seam line.
• The polished sink edge will be thicker and feel more substantial.
• There is no need for a plywood sub-support, which will save some costs.
• Overhangs can be 10” from your cabinet without installing those knee banging corbel support brackets. Some granite colors are strong enough to hang 12”, but most should not exceed 10".

Considerations:

• Usually, you will not want to use the granite on the backsplash. You can do it but the thick granite protrudes to far out and make transitions too bulking and awkward. I recommend using some form of tile as a splash when using 3cm granite for the countertops.
• The cost of the thicker granite will be a 40% more than the same color in ¾ thick. However, this should be offset by the fabrication cost of the front edge detail. Ask you fabricator to comment on this.
• If you are looking for a big thick edge detail, remember that it is incremental with the stone thickness. Adding a laminated edge to 3cm, mean 6cm…and so on. If you want a very thick edge, you may want to look at using ¾” thick granite and build up from there.
• If you live on West Coast, you have few color options in 3cm. However, search sites like www.GraniteStock.com, because more and more suppliers are increasing their 3cm inventory.

Summary
When I am asked, “When should I use 1 ¼” Granite”, I say the following: If you are planning to install tile on the backsplash and if you can find the color you like in 1 ¼” thickness, then definitely use it. It is that simple.