In my kitchen I had to have a laminated or mitered edge. Slabs in my area are generally 2 cm and, with the required 5/8" plywood underneath, it's required to hide the plywood. It was my first new counter (quartz). I don't know how much of the total counter price it was.

I'm going to have a 2 cm unlaminated marble counter in my bathroom. I can do that because the vanity cabinet has a solid top that is inset and doesn't have to be hidden. I think I saved $150-ish by not needing the built-up edge. I'm doing not for the savings, but to have a sleeker edge.

Here is the edge of my kitchen counter, with the seam running horizontally through the middle. The quartz pattern makes the seam virtually invisible. This is a closeup, otherwise you really can't see it.

Our granite is also 2cm. I LOVE the laminated edges!

We have had both 3 cm granite and 2 cm with a built-up edge (in our previous kitchen, we had both). I would get the built-up edge if 2 cm granite is what's available to you, unless your look is very modern, in which case 2 cm without a built-up edge would look perfect.

Be careful w/ laminate edge.
I've seen some very noticeable (ugly) poorly done laminate edges.
We have 3cm so didn't get laminate edge.
Just more seams to worry about...

Amanda

Get a mitered edge and it shouldn't be visible.

"Get a mitered edge and it shouldn't be visible."

The first thing they teach you at Corian school is that seams are "inconspicuous" not "invisible" and the same thing applies to stone or estone.

Any fabricator of any material who offers "invisible" seams or miters is setting himself up for customer disappointment. Wait until the drunken brother-in-law takes the challenge.