Quartz Worktops for Kitchens – Which Thickness is Best?

Choosing the right kitchen worktop can make or break the functionality and style of your space. Quartz worktops have gained immense popularity for their perfect blend of practicality and aesthetics.

But when it comes to thickness, many homeowners find themselves stuck debating between 20mm and 30mm quartz worktops. Here on GraniteWorktops-UK, we offer a detailed guide to help you make an informed decision.

Standard Kitchen Worktop Depth of 30mm or 20mm Worktops?

When it comes to selecting the right kitchen worktop thickness, the debate between 20mm and 30mm quartz worktops is one that homeowners often face. Both options bring their own unique advantages, from cost and weight to aesthetics and edge profile possibilities.

To make an informed decision, it’s essential to compare how each thickness performs in terms of practicality and style. But first, let’s quickly answer: why bother choosing quartz worktops?

Why Are Quartz Worktops a Great Choice?

Quartz worktops are one of the most durable and versatile materials available. Made from engineered stone, quartz combines natural quartz crystals with resins and pigments to create a non-porous, highly resilient surface. This gives quartz an edge over traditional laminate worktops, which are more prone to scratches, moisture damage, and wear over time.

• Durability: Quartz resists scratches, stains, and heat far better than laminate or even some natural stones.
• Hygiene: Being non-porous, quartz doesn’t harbour bacteria or absorb spills – a work surface ideal for kitchens where hygiene and cleanliness is key.
• Variety of styles: From marble-like veining to plain modern finishes, quartz offers endless design options, unlike laminate’s often uniform appearance.

For homeowners investing in long-lasting and stylish kitchens, quartz is a no-brainer. But once you decide on quartz, you’ll face the next decision: which quartz worktops thickness is best for your needs?

Comparing the Worktop Thickness: 20mm vs. 30mm Quartz Worktops

When you first plan to get your kitchen sorted, you’ll probably ask yourself various questions: what’s the standard kitchen worktop height, how low my kitchen cabinets need to hang, or which kitchen worktop edge profile is best.

In this blog, hopefully we can help you to choose between the 20mm or 30mm quartz worktop. First thing’s first, you’ll need to analyse at least a few factors to determine which worktop depths kitchen solutions are best for your individual project.

1. Cost Differences

• A 20mm quartz worktop is typically more affordable, using less material than its 30mm counterpart. On average, you’ll save around 20–30% by choosing the thinner option. For budget-conscious remodels, this is a major plus.
• The 30mm quartz worktop, while pricier, delivers a chunkier, premium look that many homeowners consider worth the extra cost.

2. Weight and Installation

• 20mm kitchen worktops are lighter, making them easier to install and less taxing on your cabinets. This is especially important if your kitchen has large unsupported spans or weaker cabinetry, or the cabinets don’t reach the standard worktop width UK i.e. 60-75cm. This is often the case with shelves, bathroom worktops or utility units – so unless supported with adequate fixtures, we’d recommend a 20mm worktop depth for these weaker structures.
• A 30mm worktop, however, exudes a sense of permanence. It requires strong support during installation but offers a robust finish.
• It should be stated, when it comes to durability of quartz, a thick kitchen worktop 30mm in depth is as durable as the thin worktop varieties. So, you shouldn’t be concerned about your  20mm kitchen worktop thickness breaking or bending into unnatural shapes, regardless of the strain.

3. Aesthetic Appeal

• Modern design: The slim profile of a 20mm quartz worktop creates a sleek, minimalist look perfect for contemporary kitchens. Pairing 20mm kitchen worktops with handleless cabinets can enhance this effect.
• Traditional style: A question of quartz worktop 20mm or 30mm can also be a matter of ingrained standards in the sector of home design. For those who favour a classic or rustic design, the thicker 30mm quartz worktop adds a bold statement. Its substantial presence works well with detailed wood cabinetry or farmhouse sinks.

4. Edge Profiles and Customisation

• The thicker, standard worktop depth 30mm worktops allow for more intricate edge profiles, such as ogee or bevelled designs. These add character and are often chosen for high-end kitchens.
• 20mm quartz offers fewer edge profile options but compensates with its clean, streamlined edges—ideal for splashbacks and modern spaces.

5. Functionality

• Both 20mm and 30mm quartz worktops deliver the same durability. They resist wear and tear effectively, making them equally reliable.
• For vertical applications like splashbacks or upstands, the slimmer 20mm kitchen worktop is usually preferred. Using 30mm quartz in these areas can look overly heavy.

6. Kitchen Size and Layout

• If your kitchen is compact, a 20mm worktop can help maintain an airy feel by reducing visual bulk.
• In larger kitchens, a 30mm kitchen worktop brings balance and proportion, ensuring the surfaces don’t get overshadowed by the room’s size.

If you’re still struggling to choose something, despite the reasonings listed above, feel free to contact your local granite supplier. We highly recommend Polish Granite LTD, who make and install quartz worktops for kitchens. They are a knowledgeable and reliable worktop supply firm, with plenty experience – after all, they’ve been around for about 20 years. In face, we’ve used one of their blogs as inspiration to create this one . . .

Feel free to call them, or send them an email if you have any more questions, or perhaps if you need a kitchen worktop quote.

Final Takeaways on Kitchen Worktops Sizes: What’s Right for You?

In the end, both 20mm and 30mm quartz worktops have their pros and cons. Here’s what you should consider before deciding:

• If you’re on a budget or want a modern, minimalist look, go for a quartz 20mm kitchen worktop. It’s cost-effective, lightweight, and sleek.
• For a bold, traditional feel and more design flexibility, invest in a 30mm quartz worktop. Its presence can elevate the look of your kitchen.
• Remember to factor in your kitchen’s size, cabinetry strength, and personal style when making your decision.

Ultimately, the thickness of quartz worktops is a matter of preference and budget. Both thicknesses are durable, stylish, and functional. Whether you pick 20mm quartz worktops for their slim elegance or the sturdy appeal of 30mm kitchen worktops, quartz will bring value and beauty to your home.

As of 2024, we only really have the two Quartz worktop sizes UK options. Silestone alone offers a handful of quartz slab colours in 12mm thickness, so it’s a shame we’re only restricted to these two sizes anyway.

However, where quartz worktop depth UK is lacking, a different product: ceramic sintered-stone makes up for it. In a future blog article we aim to explore the main benefits of ceramic, including the variable, standard kitchen worktop depth,  ranging anywhere from 20mm down to as little as 3mm!

Thanks for reading our brief 20mm vs 30mm quartz worktop debate!

Have you chosen between 20mm and 30mm quartz worktops? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Let us know how your quartz worktop thickness impacts your kitchen’s look and feel.