Right Solid Surface Thickness

How to Choose the Right Solid Surface Thickness (6mm vs 12mm vs 18mm Explained)

When it comes to solid surfaces, one question comes up again and again—Which thickness should I use?
Whether you’re an interior designer, contractor, or homeowner, the thickness of the solid surface directly affects durability, cost, fabrication flexibility, and long-term performance.

In the UAE market, especially, where projects range from high-traffic hospitality counters to minimalist home kitchens, choosing the right thickness is a decision that truly matters. This guide explains 6mm, 12mm, and 18mm solid surface thicknesses in simple terms—so you know exactly what to use, when to use it, and how to avoid costly mistakes.

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Why Thickness Matters More Than You Think

Solid surface sheets might look similar on the outside, but thickness impacts:

• Strength & structural stability

• Heat resistance

• Fabrication options (bending, thermoforming, cutting)

• Cost per square meter

• Weight load on cabinets or wall panels

Choosing the wrong thickness can lead to cracking, warping, seam issues, or unnecessary overspending. So let’s break it down.

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6mm Solid Surface: Lightweight, Flexible & Cost-Effective

Where It Works Best

6mm sheets are ideal for:

• Wall cladding

• Bathroom wall panels

• Shower cubicles

• Feature walls

• Ceiling panels

• Decorative elements

• Vertical applications where no heavy load is applied

In the UAE, 6mm sheets are becoming popular for quick hospitality renovations, clinic walls, and commercial washroom upgrades because they install faster and cost less.

Advantages of 6mm

• Lightweight → easy to install

• Lower price per sqm

• Great for large surfaces without seams

• Excellent for curved walls and decorative shapes

• Lower wastage during fabrication

Limitations

6mm is not recommended for countertops, kitchen worktops, vanity tops, or anywhere heavy objects will be kept. It needs full backing support and may crack if overloaded.

Best for: Walls, washrooms, partitions, and aesthetic panels.

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12mm Solid Surface: The Industry Standard (Most Recommended)

This is the most common and most trusted thickness worldwide, especially in GCC.

Where It Works Best

Use 12mm for:

• Kitchen countertops

• Vanity tops

• Serving counters

• Reception desks

• Laboratory counters

• Restaurant & café worktops

• Solid surface sinks and basins

• High-traffic commercial applications

Advantages of 12mm

• Superior strength & durability

• Excellent heat and impact resistance

• Ideal for seamless joints

• Works well with CNC machining, edge detailing, and thermoforming

• Approved thickness for almost all kitchen fabrications

Why is 12 mm preferred in the UAE

Most contractors and fabricators in Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi recommend 12mm because:

• It handles heavy kitchen appliances

• It withstands GCC humidity and heat

• It offers the best balance between cost and performance

12mm is also the preferred thickness among global brands like Corian, Staron, Hanex, Stonim, and LG Hi-Macs.

Best for: Kitchens, commercial counters, hospitals, hotels, and any application that requires long-term durability.

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18mm Solid Surface: Premium, Strong & High-End Finishing

18mm sheets are used when the project requires a thicker aesthetic or extra structural strength.

Where It Works Best

• Luxury kitchen islands

• Premium display counters

• Retail cash counters

• Thick edge profiles

• Restaurant tabletops

• Heavy-use commercial spaces

Designers love 18mm because it gives an expensive, bold look—perfect for premium retail, luxury villas, and high-end hospitality projects.

Advantages of 18mm

• Super sturdy & long-lasting

• High edge thickness without doubling sheets

• Very rigid—less chance of bending

• Looks premium, especially in showrooms

Limitations

• More expensive

• Heavy (requires strong cabinetry)

• Fabrication time is slightly longer

Best for: Premium and luxury projects where strength + visual appeal matter.

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6mm vs 12mm vs 18mm: Quick Comparison Table

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How to Choose the Right Thickness (Simple Rule)

Choose 6mm if:

• You are doing wall panels or bathroom interiors

• You want something lightweight and budget-friendly

• You do not need load-bearing strength

Or choose 12mm if:

• You’re making kitchen tops (home or commercial)

• You’re installing reception desks, vanities, or food counters

• You want long-lasting performance

Choose 18mm if:

• You want a luxury, thick-edge look

• You need maximum durability for heavy commercial use

• You want to avoid building thick edges by stacking sheets

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Solid Surface Pricing in UAE (General Market Reference)

6mm sheets

AED 100–150 per sqm (depending on acrylic %)

12mm sheets

AED 180–340 per sqm (pure acrylic usually higher)

18mm sheets

AED 350–550 per sqm

Pure acrylic solid surfaces (like Stonim, Hi-Macs, Corian alternatives) offer:

• Higher UV resistance

• Better finish

• Stronger thermoforming

• Longer lifespan

Modified acrylic is cheaper but less durable.

Always check whether the supplier is offering pure acrylic or modified acrylic.

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Pro Tips Before Choosing Thickness

1️⃣ Don’t choose thickness by price alone

Cheap materials crack, discolor, or fail during installation.

2️⃣ Ask for the bending/thermoforming test

This tells you instantly if the sheet is pure acrylic or mixed.

3️⃣ For kitchens, never use 6mm

Even with plywood backing, it won’t survive UAE kitchen loads.

4️⃣ For high-volume commercial use, choose 12mm or 18mm

Especially in cafes, hotel buffets, washroom counters, and retail stores.

5️⃣ Check stock availability

Consistent color batches matter for big projects. Brands like Stonim keep a ready stock in the UAE.

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Final Recommendation

If you’re unsure, go with 12mm—it is the safest, most versatile, and most widely accepted solid surface thickness across the UAE and GCC.

• It performs exceptionally well in homes and commercial spaces

• Contractors and fabricators are familiar with working on it

• It delivers the best long-term value

For premium projects, use 18mm.
For wall applications, use 6mm.

With the right thickness, your solid surface will last longer, look better, and perform exactly as expected—without failures or hidden costs.