Katie,

It's probably the same as my granite countertops. They are 2cm thick with another 2cm piece laminated onto the edge to make it look like they are 4cm thick. It's done all the time.

I would ask to see edges that he has laminated for the same type of Marble. I have Butterfly Blue granite and the seams are invisible. In some of the lighter colours the seaming can be quite noticeable. Then you can see if you like that look. Too many $$$ to invest without knowing EXACTLY how it will appear.

{{!gwi}}

I agree, the seams are much more noticeable with marble. The guy where I bought my marble showed me a sample one with a seam and it was definitely there and visible, but still it could be worth it too you if you aren't too picky and the $$ is more the priority.

Thanks for your responses.

I certainly don't want anything fudged that is visible.

My problem is that I might be happy with 1.25 inch, but when I see marble in all the kitchens on this forum & magazines, I don't know what thickness I'm looking at.

Katmandu~What thickness are your counters and any pics?

Anyone else?

Thanks~we're going back to make decisions tomorrow!

PS- We'll be going with a pencil edge, I think.

Katie-

What your Fabricator is proposing is to create an "illusion" of a thicker looking
assembly - without adding the weight and cost. This is done with 2CM & 3CM
stone all the time.

And what Raehelen is talking about with the "glue lines"- if you do go
with a laminated edge detail - this is something to think about.
In my opinion not only does the stone have a factor in this,
but also the skill sets of the Fabricator.
Glue lines can be made to look as "near to invisible" in many stones - but
in some isolated cases - you WILL see the glue lines if you look hard
enough for them. Heck, in some cases - the stinkin things will "jump out"
at you!!!!! :-(

Here in Phoenix - our "market" is about 50/50 - 50% 2CM-Laminated edges
that are built up to 1 1/2" thickness... and the other 50% - 3CM with
no lamination. It's about "a horse a piece"... in many other parts of the US
and Canada - this varies.

If you are unsure of your Fabricators abilities - ask him to show you a sample
of his "best" work - to illustrate how good (or not so good) he is able to do
a laminated edge detail...... Also, ask him for some job references that you can go
have a "look-see" at... This may be more difficult, as many finished private
residences are not always willing to let a complete stranger into their home
to inspect a countertop - but then, that's where digital close-up pictures
can be a real blessing!!!!

Bottom line here - if the guy's "good" - his work will show it - many times -
in spite of the product he's trying to work a miracle with....

hope that helps

kevin

2" seems pretty thick to me. I forget if I've been told that typical marble counters are 1.25" or 1.5", but whichever it was, I liked it and am going with it. I have a edge grain maple top on my island, and it looks husky. It's 1.75" thick, so I think 2" is really thick!

Do you have any kitchen showrooms around (or even HD or something) where you can check out different thicknesses? They don't have to be marble to give you an idea of what appeals to you.

Thanks for the responses. So helpful. I think I'll forgo the "fudging" and decide tomorrow if the 2 incher is too thick.

Katieob:

Remember the famous saying of (Sir) Mick Jagger:

"Too Much.........is NEVER Enough!!!"

3cm Eureka Calacatta Danby (Vermont) Honed Marble (Water Absorption0.06%
Specific Gravity2.711
Density 169.2 pounds/cubic foot
Modulus of Rupture 1,077 psi
Compressive Strength9,475 psi
Flexural Strength 1,226 psi
www.vermont-marble.com (it's a tourist attraction now!)

This is a kitchen that our fabricators installed in June 2008. This is 100% designed by the customer: my installer did the splash. She has a "Thomas Kinkade Cottage" house and wanted this look in her kitchen! (yard with pond, bridge & ducks too!) Our customer was 100% aware of the chances of staining and etching. Customer educated herself re: marble in the kitchen and she knows how to take care of.

As for seam more visable? As for your question: Laminant edges are much more expensive. You don't really "need" them. It's all about desire. (my opinion)

This customer spent $15K just alone on DW: Stove: Fridge! I don't remember name of appliances? I saw the invoice. Her sink= $900/Kohler: marble fab&install&materials= $3600 on 42 sf kitchen ($85sf)included Material&fab&install&cutout; no charge for edge: (just marble cost: $1750.00 & she kept all the left over marble 1/2 slab) : $1,150 for splash material & install; And I have no idea what she paid to have the sink installed or how much she spent on the cabinets to be refinished.
Hope that helps others: on their search

Love the look of the thicker marble, it wasn't available in our slabs at the yard (Calacatta Classic) we were lucky to get the ones we have! We have the 3 cm or 1-1/4" slabs and they are plenty thick for our kitchen.

My fabricator recommended against a laminated edge on white marble because the glue can have a tendency to yellow over the years and become more visible. What looks good now, may not in 5 - 10 years. The whiter the marble, the more obvious it would become. At least that's what they told me...

One other thing, since all your cabinets will be the same height, will it bother you to have a higher countertop surface on the island than everywhere else? I don't know what you are putting on the perimeter, but if that is 3/4" material, you would be looking at anywhere from a 1/2" to 1-1/4" higher countertop on the island. If that is fine with you height wise, will it be a visual issue?

Good Luck you've picked a beautiful material!

Thanks for the responses.

Mindimoo~Your marble was one of those that inspired my choice. Love it! You bring up a good point regarding height difference between the island & perimeter. The perimeter counter will be soapstone (approx 1.25 in.)

Should I go with the 1.25 inch marble to match it or can I make the 2 inch one work somehow? Make the actual island shorter? I really love the 2 inch slab~it is Calacatta Classic and just gorgeous color and movement. However, I don't want that to be negated by a weird looking height difference...

Anyone have different heights or dueling counter thickness? Ideas?

Thanks!