When choosing a natural stone slab for a design project, the thickness plays the most important role. This parameter not only affects the aesthetics of the material but also its applicability.
Marmi Rossi mainly produces slabs in standard thicknesses of 2 and 3 cm, but a custom-designed thickness can also be produced upon request.
In this article, we explain which slab thickness is suitable for which application and which factors influence the choice of the thickness of marble, granite, or quartzite slabs.
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Which slab thickness should you choose for the installation?
The thickness of a slab mainly depends on the intended use: certain finishings require thin material to facilitate the installation, while in other cases, a thicker material ensures greater strength and longer durability.
Slabs with a thickness of 2 cm: the most versatile
Slabs with a thickness of 2 cm are commonly used to ensure the right balance between lightness and durability. It is particularly suitable for:
- interior and exterior cladding: perfect for wall cladding, facades, and light flooring;
- risers: normally, risers with a thickness of 2 cm are used for stairs, as they can be easily installed and their weight won’t put too much strain on the staircase structure;
- decorative surfaces: for design elements and architectural details.
Slabs with a thickness of 3 cm: strong and durable
A thickness of 3 cm is ideal, when higher mechanical strength is required. It is used for:
- kitchen countertops and vanity tops, as both kitchen and bathroom are much frequented areas that require higher resistance.
- stairs and steps in indoor and outdoor areas: perfect for highly frequented areas that are exposed to weathering.
- floor covering, when subject to heavy loads: in commercial premises, in highly frequented areas and in outdoor areas, where heavy vehicles pass through.
Custom-designed thickness: when are they needed?
For special projects, Marmi Rossi can produce custom-designed thicknesses such as:
- 4 cm or thicker: for columns, shelves, steps, stone carved sinks, and designer furniture.
- thin slabs (< 2 cm): for special applications, such as panelling, and cladding, when the material should not be too heavy.
Factors that determine the thickness of a slab
The thickness of a marble, granite, or quartzite slab depends on various factors:
1. Kind of use
Depending on whether the slab is used as a countertop, as floor covering, or wall cladding, it is necessary to choose the correct thickness to ensure stability.
2. Material resistance
Since granite is harder and more compact, it can be installed with a reduced thickness without compromising the durability. The more delicate marble slab may require a higher thickness to prevent the slab from breaking in certain settings.
Quartzite is usually produced in slabs with a thickness of 2 cm but is also available in other thicknesses upon request.
3. Slab size
Slabs with large dimensions usually require greater thickness to avoid breaking or bending, especially if they are not adequately supported.
4. Kind of finishing
Some special finishings, such as template-finished edges, stone cuts and cutouts, may require higher thickness to ensure structural integrity.
5. Environmental influences and installation
In outdoor areas where natural stone is exposed to weather and temperature fluctuations, we recommend slabs with a higher thickness to avoid damage in the long term. As well, in highly frequented areas, e.g. the entrance of a commercial building, slabs with higher thickness should be preferred.
6. Price impact
The stronger the slab, the higher the price, because more material is needed and the finishing is more complex. Therefore, it is important to find a proper balance between one’s aesthetic, functional and monetary standards.
Slabs at the company Marmi Rossi: check out the available thicknesses of our slabs
The correct choice of the thickness of each marble, granite, or quartzite slab is crucial to ensure the aesthetics, durability, and long-term functionality of the natural stone. The standard thicknesses of 2 or 3 cm cover most customer needs, but Marmi Rossi can produce slabs with custom-designed thicknesses for special projects.
Visit our online warehouse to discover the availability of slabs and thicknesses or request a specific thickness of a slab.