The Rules of Ergonomics
When cutting Steel Grey Granite for a kitchen, specific dimensions ensure safety and comfort. Getting these wrong can lead to back pain or structural failure.
1. Thickness Standards
- 3cm (1 1/4 inch): The luxury standard. Does not require a plywood sub-top. It offers a substantial, high-end look.
- 2cm (3/4 inch): Common in pre-fab and budget projects. Usually requires a 5/8" plywood sub-top for strength. The edge is often 'laminated' (another piece glued underneath) to make it look like 4cm.
2. The Overhang Rule
Standard Edge: 1.5 inches. This prevents spills from dripping down onto your cabinet drawers.
Seating/Island Overhang: For a breakfast bar, you typically want 12 to 15 inches of knee space.
Safety Warning: Granite is heavy (18lbs/sqft). You can safely overhang 3cm granite up to 10 inches without support. Anything over 10 inches requires Steel Bracket Supports hidden under the stone. Without them, if a child climbs on the edge, the stone can snap.
3. Backsplash Height
Standard: 4 inches. This protects the wall from mop water and spills.
Full Height: Running the granite all the way up to the upper cabinets (18 inches). This is a major 2025 trend for seamless luxury, especially with veined stones like Viscon White.
