Create a Statement Island: When Extra Thickness Makes Sense
Start with the Heart of the Kitchen
In most homes, the kitchen island isn’t just a surface—it’s a centerpiece. It’s where conversations start, where the kids do homework, where friends gather while the meal is cooking. For a lot of people we work with, the island becomes the heartbeat of their kitchen. So it makes sense to give it some visual weight and design presence, something that makes people pause and say, wow.
One way to do that is by giving the island countertop a little extra thickness.
What Does “Extra Thickness” Actually Mean?
Standard countertop material, especially premium natural stone like granite or quartz, typically comes in a 3cm (roughly 1¼") thickness. It’s strong, elegant, and doesn't require a sub-top like thinner materials do.
But when a homeowner wants to make their island a real showpiece, we can create the illusion of a thicker slab, say, 6cm—by laminating the edge. That means we bond an extra piece of stone along the front edge to give it that substantial, double-thick look. From across the room, it reads bold, modern, and custom.
It’s a simple upgrade that can make a big statement.
Why Just the Island?
Here’s the truth: the island is often where our clients fall in love—with a unique stone, a dramatic pattern, or a color that just sings to them. But covering every counter in the kitchen with that same material can get expensive, fast.
That’s where design—and budget—strategy comes into play.
A common approach we suggest is this:
Choose your dream material for the island, and pair it with a more cost-effective, complementary surface on the perimeter countertops. It creates contrast, adds dimension, and lets you stretch your budget without compromising the vision.
Here’s why it works:
- The island is usually the natural focal point in the kitchen layout.
- Guests often gather around it—it’s a social and visual hub.
- Thicker edges on the island add presence without overwhelming the whole kitchen.
- Pairing with simpler surfaces on the perimeter keeps the overall look balanced.
We do this kind of split-design approach a lot, and it never feels like a compromise. If anything, it turns into a smarter, more curated outcome.
Statement, Not Show-Off
When someone walks into a kitchen and sees that extra-thick island top, it sends a message, but it’s not about showing off. It’s about confidence in your style. It’s about choosing a focal point that reflects you. And it’s about making intentional decisions that elevate the space without blowing the budget.
There’s also a craftsmanship angle to all of this. Laminated edges require precision and care. Done right, they’re seamless. That’s something our team takes pride in, delivering polish and quality you can feel in every edge.
Things to Consider Before Going Bold
Extra thickness isn’t for every project. It involves more material, more fabrication time, and more cost. So before going that route, we usually help clients think through:
- Where’s the visual focus? If it’s the island, that’s a strong case.
- Does the kitchen layout support contrast? Separate colors and thicknesses work best with a thoughtful design flow.
- Is it in the budget? If not, there are other ways to create impact—unique edge profiles, waterfall sides, or just an incredible stone choice.
You don’t need a thick edge everywhere. One bold move, on the island, can hit just the right note.
Your Kitchen, Your Statement
At the end of the day, the best kitchens reflect the people who live in them. If there’s a material that speaks to you, but the price tag on doing your whole kitchen in it feels out of reach, don't walk away from it—let’s find a way to feature it. Start with the island. Build your design around it. That’s how a statement becomes a story.
Bring a sketch and come see us. Let’s find what makes you feel good.
Designing Surfaces For Your Life








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