How to Choose the Right Stone Thickness for Natural Stone Projects

When selecting natural stone for architectural and interior projects, stone thickness is not just a technical detail — it directly affects cost, structural performance, transportation, and long-term durability.
Understanding how stone thickness works helps project owners, designers, and contractors make more informed decisions.

Common Thickness Standards for Natural Stone Slabs

According to industry standards, natural decorative stone slabs are generally classified into four categories based on thickness:

Standard Thickness Slabs:18mm / 20mm
The most commonly used thickness for interior flooring, wall cladding, countertops, and commercial projects.
Offers a balance between strength, cost, and fabrication flexibility.

Thin Slabs:10mm – 15mm
Often used for wall applications, decorative panels, and areas with lower load requirements.
Lighter weight helps reduce installation and transportation costs.

Ultra-Thin Slabs:Below 8mm
Mainly used in projects with strict weight reduction requirements or material-saving considerations.
Typically combined with backing materials or composite panels for reinforcement.

Thick Slabs:Over 20mm
Designed for heavy-duty applications such as load-bearing floors, stair treads, exterior paving, and façade systems where higher strength is required.

How Stone Thickness Impacts Project Cost

Stone thickness has a direct influence on block yield and material cost.
During block cutting, thinner slabs produce a higher output per cubic meter of raw stone. Higher yield means lower cost per square meter.
Assuming a saw blade thickness of 2.5mm, marble slab yield per cubic meter is approximately:
18mm thickness: ~45.5 m²
20mm thickness: ~41.7 m²
25mm thickness: ~34.5 m²
30mm thickness: ~29.4 m²
As thickness increases, yield decreases, resulting in higher material costs.

How Thickness Affects Stone Performance and Quality

Thickness also plays a critical role in the mechanical performance of stone slabs:
Thinner slabs have lower compressive strength and are more prone to cracking or breakage during fabrication, transportation, or installation.
Thicker slabs provide stronger load resistance, improved durability, and better long-term performance, especially in high-traffic or structural applications.
Choosing the wrong thickness can lead to installation risks or unnecessary cost increases.

Choosing the Right Thickness for Your Project

The ideal stone thickness depends on several factors:
Application type (floor, wall, facade, countertop and so on)
Load and structural requirements
Installation method
Budget and material efficiency
Transportation and weight limitations

For project-based stone applications, thickness selection should always be evaluated together with fabrication method and installation design.

At YUSHI STONE, we assist project clients in selecting the most suitable stone thickness based on drawings, usage conditions, and cost control goals — ensuring both performance and value.