Do you want the countertop to be higher for a different level of work surface, or do you just want the appearance of a thicker countertop? Depending on your countertop material, you can usually ask for a laminated edge up to 4" thick via a couple of different methods, by stacking or mitering. If you want the surface to be the same height as perimeter cabinetry, then you'll need to plan for the thicker countertop with your island cabinet design. If you're going for a raised surface, then just make sure that you'll be happy with the new height. Standard kitchen countertops are around 36" high, but it's not uncommon to have a raised surface for the island, up to 38" high for cooks that are on the tall side, so starting around 5'7" and taller. Also take note that countertop overhangs are often deeper on islands, 2" instead of the typical 1 1/2".

Thank you K R. I do like that look.

If you want a more substantial look you can always have an apron included.

How large is your space? Because in a smaller space it looks like a mistake. In a large flowing space with acres of kitchen it can be eye catching.

I agree in a samll space it looks overdone. It will of course make your island a bit higher to get the look you want and honestly I am not sure if it is worth the extra money but without seeing your kitchen hard to say for sure. BTW do you have an actul KD or a cabinet salesperson I find it odd a designer would not have done this many times.

You have to have custom cabinets to go that route, or be OK with a taller than standard top. It’s best done sparingly, and only in large spaces, with different colored stones.

She is both a KD and interior design. But I’m beginning to think much more cabinet salesperson.? They are custom cabinets. The countertops are Cambria quartz. My understanding is that Cambria does not add thickness to the overall countertop, only to the sides.

This is my former kitchen. We wanted our countertop height to be 38" high, so our contractor raised everything off the ground 2". Many warned me it might not look good, but I love the way it turned out. We had a traditional 1940s home and a small kitchen, so I thought the standard counter thickness worked better. I have seen thick counters in modern or transitional, larger kitchen settings, and it works well. But it's a matter of what you like. What's your preferred look? And if you like the thicker counter, is it in your budget?

We are value minded and feel the cost is worth it IF the look is right. (Hoping for the island to look like a piece of furniture/focal point ) Our island will be medium stained cabinets, perimeter are white cabinets but countertop is same all over.

Kitchen is 12’9”x15’8”. Thank you for all advice.

I think it's a minor personal design choice, so definitely just do what you prefer... but, if they're going to make the edges longer to achieve the look of a thicker slab, how will the uppermost cabinet doors/drawers open unless the overall height of the counter is higher? I haven't done this myself-- but I'd want to have a clear understanding before moving forward, to be sure you won't run into issues when everything is installed.

Honestly, if you want the island to look like a piece of furniture, this is not going to do it. Could you please show us some inspiration images?

Much of the time when we do a thicker top for the island we compensate with a shorter cabinet to keep the same height with the perimeter. We cannot always do this especially if there is a dishwasher in the island.

Sometimes a customer just wants a higher top in the island only.

Thanks again yo all for advice. I’ve checked and all doors and drawers are good. It is only one cmm higher. Perimeter is 3cmm while island is 4cmm.

BTW I should have said just a bit more of a focal point rather than a piece of furniture.

The stone can be either 2cm or 3cm. You can then attach a wider strip around the perimeter.

Just an FYI mine is also Cambria and we used a 3cm slab which they mitered

A thicker top is only illusion. My slab is 2cm but the edges makes it look thicker. You have to design your cabinet to allow room for the lower overhang.

I’ll take pictures when I get home.

I don't agree that the kitchen has to be large. I have a small u shaped kitchen and did the thicker island and it looks great.