{"id":4104,"date":"2015-07-09T10:31:39","date_gmt":"2015-07-09T15:31:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/graniteselection.com\/?post_type=blog&p=3043"},"modified":"2021-06-08T02:12:37","modified_gmt":"2021-06-08T07:12:37","slug":"how-durable-are-3cm-granite-countertops","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/graniteselection.com\/blog\/how-durable-are-3cm-granite-countertops\/","title":{"rendered":"How Durable are 3cm Granite Countertops?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Granite<\/a> is one of the hardest (and most beautiful, in our humble opinion)\u00a0natural stones for the countertops<\/a>\u00a0available for the countertops in your home. While we offer a\u00a0variety of styles and colors, our countertops typically come in thicknesses of 2-centimeters and 3-centimeters.<\/p>\n

Durability<\/h2>\n

A regular\u00a0Chicago granite countertop<\/a>, regardless of thickness, will outlast most other traditional countertop materials. While a 3-centimeter thick countertop is much heavier than the 2-centimeter thickness, both offer the same surface burn, scratch, chip and stain resistance.<\/p>\n

2cm VS. 3cm<\/h2>\n

\"granite-selection-northbrook\"<\/p>\n

The biggest difference between 2-centimeter and 3-centimeter thicknesses is the surface area they can cover while \u2018unassisted\u2019. The thinner granite, 2 centimeters, will require additional supports for any overhangs and laminated\u00a0countertop edges<\/a>\u00a0to maintain the same durability of the same size cut of a 3-centimeter stone. *<\/p>\n

*While adding a laminated edge and overhang supports will make a 2-centimeter countertop as strong as a 3 centimeter, these additions will add cost in materials and labor.<\/p>\n

Laminated edges?<\/h2>\n

To laminate the\u00a0granite countertop edges<\/a>\u00a0of your\u00a0granite countertop<\/a>, an extra piece of stone is added underneath, along the parameter, to double the thickness. This \u2018double edge\u2019 is then finished to create the appearance of a thicker piece of stone. This procedure reinforces the areas of your countertop that get the most abuse.<\/p>\n

Scratches and Chips<\/h2>\n

The thickness of your\u00a0granite countertops<\/a>\u00a0will have no effect on the scratch resistance. Standard kitchen knives cannot scratch granite. Meaning, if you cut food directly on your countertop, the only damage you will have caused is the dulling of your knife blades. However, if enough force is applied, it is possible for the edges of your granite to chip. (Although improbable, unenforced 2-centimeter granite slabs have the highest likelihood of chipping.)<\/p>\n

High Temperatures<\/h2>\n

Granite of any thickness won’t burn under ordinary use. It\u2019s OK to place pots or pans directly from the oven or stove on your countertop. The heat will not damage or discolor your granite. You can also spill hot liquids on the surface of a\u00a0granite countertop<\/a>\u00a0without causing any burns, bubbling or melting. (However, we don\u2019t recommend moving the science experiments onto the kitchen counter.)<\/p>\n