Renovating a kitchen is no small task. There are a lot of decisions to make and things to think about. However, one of the most important parts of the kitchen is the Quartz countertops. It’s where you’ll prep your meals and serve them, so it needs to be practical and durable.
These days, many people are picking quartz countertops because they’re tough, easy to clean, and look great. Quartz has become a popular choice for making a kitchen both stylish and functional.
But if you’re planning to install quartz countertops, you might be wondering: Do I need plywood underneath them?
What is plywood?
Many people indeed believe plywood is always necessary when they are installing a kitchen countertop. Yet many homeowners also have no idea what this material is.
Plywood is a fabricated wood. This engineered product is made by sticking several boards together with a special adhesive. Even though the process doesn’t change, there are different types of plywood available for a variety of uses. For instance, the plywood used in the construction of a structure is different than the one utilized in furniture.
Since there are many types of plywood, there are some basics you need to understand. First, there is a letter system that classifies plywood from A to D. In this classification, A will have the highest quality while D represents the lowest. When it comes to plywood, you will notice that many boards have two letters. This might not be very clear, but it is easy to understand. The first letter tells you the quality of the front and the second, the quality of the back. It is common that one side will have a lower grade than the other.
If you need plywood to have excellent strength you should choose the highest level. But if it’s only being used for an internal structure, a type C will work just fine. Plywood is not the only option available, but it is the most popular as it is affordable, easily accessible, and durable.
Do you need plywood under a quartz countertop?
The first step is selecting the highest quality quartz countertop. Peruse the Universal Quartzz, and decide on a design and the thickness.
The thickness you select will determine if you need plywood. There’s a misconception that plywood is always necessary. Plywood is necessary when you need it to absorb pressure and prevent cracks. That will directly depend on the thickness of the quartz.
Quartz Countertop Thickness
There are three types of thickness common in quartz countertops: 1.3 cm, 2 cm, and 3 cm. Depending on your situation, there might be one thickness that works better than the other.
- Quartz of 1.3 cm
Since this is the thinnest option available on the market, this quartz will be fragile and require a significant amount of support. However, the great thing about this product is that it is affordable and easy to install. It’s primarily used for wall applications (i.e. backsplashes).
- Quartz of 2 cm
The quartz of 2 cm is similar to 1.3 cm, but this option is less common. Even though that could be considered a con, it requires less support since it is thicker.
- Quartz of 3 cm
This is the thickest type of countertop available, and it’s also the one that most homeowners prefer. It offers all the best features of a quartz countertop and requires no additional support. Due to its size, it will be extremely durable and there is no need for laminate edges since there is also no need for plywood.
How to choose the right thickness
If you don’t want to install plywood underneath, you should choose a 3 cm countertop. This option will be ideal for most households since it will be easy to clean. Plus, it can withstand a lot of weight without cracking. It offers some heat resistance but will last longer with the use of heat pads.
Quartz countertops are a top pick for homeowners, and it’s easy to see why. They come in a wide range of colors and patterns, giving you plenty of options to match your style.
If you go with a 3 cm quartz countertop, it’s thick enough to support itself without needing plywood underneath. This means you don’t have to worry about covering up the plywood or adding a laminated edge—it’s all set on its own!
When it comes to 2 cm countertops, you have the option of not buying plywood for additional support. However, you will need to purchase plywood if you have an overhang over eight inches. If you are looking for something more affordable that still provides a good aesthetic, you can choose a 1.3 cm quartz. However, this option will need plywood for extra support, and because it is rare, you will have fewer options to choose from.
