Cambria quartz countertops are made from premium quartz and are known for their durability, low maintenance, and stylish appearance. As a high-end engineered stone, Cambria offers unique designs and patterns that can significantly elevate the look of any kitchen or bathroom. However, with its luxury status also comes a higher price point that homeowners often wonder about. Here is an extensive overview of the cost factors for Cambria quartz countertops.
What is Cambria Quartz?
Cambria is a leading American-based producer of natural quartz surfaces for countertops, floors, walls, and other applications. Their proprietary quartz manufacturing process combines pure natural quartz with high-performance acrylic resins and pigments to create an extremely hard, non-porous, and stain-resistant surface.
Some key features of Cambria quartz:
- Made from about 93% crushed quartz aggregate combined with resins and pigments.
- Offers a wide range of unique designs and patterns. No two slabs are exactly alike.
- Non-porous, so resists stains, scratches, heat, and bacteria growth.
- Does not need periodic sealing like natural stone.
- High durability with a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale.
- Low maintenance and easy to clean.
So in summary, Cambria offers the natural beauty of quartz with enhanced performance and durability through advanced engineering and manufacturing. It provides a luxurious and stylish look for kitchen and bath surfaces.
Cost Factors
The cost of Cambria quartz countertops will depend on several factors:
1. Slab Size
Cambria is available in standard slab sizes of 55 inches x 126 inches. Larger surfaces like kitchen countertops will require joining multiple slabs. The more seams required, the higher the installation costs.
2. Thickness
Standard thicknesses are 1.25 inches for vertical surfaces like walls or backsplashes and 1.5 inches for horizontal surfaces like countertops and vanities. Thicker slabs 3 cm or 1.25 inches are more affordable than the premium 2 cm or 1.5 inch slabs.
3. Edge Profiles
The edge finishing will impact cost. More detailed edges like bullnose, bevel, ogee, and dupont will increase the fabrication price. Simple eased or polished edges are most budget-friendly.
4. Color and Pattern
Cambria has a vast portfolio of over 145 unique designs across four collections – Marble, Quartz, Stone, and Wood. Prices can vary slightly across specific colors and patterns. Newer collections also tend to have a higher price.
5. Fabrication
Expert manufacturing is crucial for getting a perfect seamless installation. Prices differ amongst fabricators based on expertise, location, and order size.
6. Installation
Straightforward countertop installations will be less expensive than complicated designs with multiple seams or custom builds. The installation cost can also depend on the countertop layout and the accessibility of your home.
Cambria Quartz Price Range
Given the multitude of options available with Cambria quartz, it is difficult to pin down an exact universal price. However, here is a general range you can expect:
- Cambria slabs – $60 – $100 per square foot
- Fabrication – $100 – $250 per square foot
- Installation – $10 – $25 per square foot
So for a typical 30 square foot kitchen countertop project with 1.25 inch thickness, eased edges, and standard color/pattern, you may roughly estimate:
- Materials – $1,800 to $3,000
- Fabrication – $3,000 to $7,500
- Installation – $300 to $750
- Total cost – $5,100 to $11,250
Extra thick slabs, premium edges, complex installations, and new collections could push the price to the higher end. On the other hand, smaller projects with standard options can be on the lower end.
It is highly recommended to get several professional quotes for your specific project requirements to better estimate pricing. Be sure to verify what is included whether it is materials, fabrication, installation, etc.
Many Cambria retailers also offer promotions and sales that you may be able to take advantage of by timing your purchase right. Financing options are also available to spread out payments over time.
Factors That Affect Price
Beyond the main factors listed above, several other things can influence the overall investment required for Cambria quartz countertops.
- Area of installation – Pricing is usually set per square foot. Larger surface areas mean higher overall costs.
- Demolition/Removal – Additional labor for safely removing old countertops if replacing.
- Plumbing – Moving appliances like sinks that require plumbing work will add cost.
- Electrical – Installations involving electrical components like pop-up outlets will be higher.
- Design complexity – Simple rectangular layouts are most affordable versus curved shapes or angled edges.
- Location – Material and labor costs are affected by geographical factors like demand and average wages.
- Contractor rates – Installer expertise, business overhead costs and order size can impact pricing.
- Timing – Promotions, sales and availability fluctuate so timing your purchase right can save money.
Pros of Choosing Cambria Quartz
Cambria quartz is undoubtedly on the premium end of countertop materials, but its outstanding performance and aesthetic do provide good value for money given its longevity and luxury status.
Durability – Extremely hard and scratch resistant, handles heavy usage. Withstands heat up to 450°F.
Low Maintenance – Resists stains, no need for sealing or frequent polishing. Easy to clean.
Style – Elegant high-end look in a huge range of unique patterns to match any decor.
Hygienic – Non-porous so does not harbor bacteria or germs.
Non-Toxic – Does not emit dangerous chemicals or radon gas. Safe for food prep when properly sealed.
Customization – Available in virtually seamless customized sizes, edges, and thickness for your space.
Value – Long-lasting with proper care. Adds style and luxury to any home.
Alternatives by Price
If Cambria quartz is beyond your current budget, some more affordable alternatives to consider are:
- Laminate – Most budget-friendly at $20-$50 per square foot installed. Wide variety but prone to scratching, chipping, and bubbling over time.
- Tile – Ceramic or porcelain tiles cost $40-$100 per square foot installed. Durable but grout lines can be difficult to clean.
- Granite – Natural stone starting around $60 per square foot. Needs periodic sealing but provides a timeless high-end look.
- Marble – Softer than granite but provides a classical elegance. Around $70-$150 per square foot installed.
- Quartz (other brands) – Lower cost quartz like Caesarstone, Silestone, Vicostone range from $70-$150 per square foot installed.
- Solid Surface – Acrylic/polyester blends like Corian cost $70-$100 per square foot installed. Seamless appearance but prone to scratching.
So there are more budget options available that can still provide a quality countertop installation. Get several quotes and weigh the pros and cons of each material type.
FAQs
What is the most affordable Cambria collection?
The Marble collection features some of Cambria’s lower priced options like Weybourne and Roxwell in the $55-$75 per square foot range for materials.
Does Cambria offer any discounts?
Occasional sales and promotions are offered, especially for surplus or remnant slabs. Check with local retailers. Military, teacher, first responder, and trade union member discounts may also be available.
Is installation of Cambria included?
No, installation is usually a separate cost quoted by the installer or fabricator. Be sure to verify what is covered in any quotes received.
What are the most economical edges for Cambria?
Keeping edges simple is the best way to control costs. Eased, polished, or slightly rounded edges will be most affordable. More complex profiles like bevels or decorative edges raise the fabrication time and difficulty.
Can Cambria be DIY installed?
Cambria does not recommend DIY installations as the slabs are heavy and fragile. Mistakes or inadequate seaming could lead to cracks or damage that jeopardize durability and warranties.
Conclusion
Cambria quartz countertops range from around $5,100 to $11,250 for a typical 30 square foot kitchen installation. Exact pricing depends on the slab size, thickness, edge details, color/pattern, fabrication requirements, installation complexity, and retailer rates. While Cambria sits at the higher end of countertop options, its unmatched quality, durability, and style make it a worthwhile investment for homeowners seeking luxury and long-term value. Carefully weighing the pros, cons, and cost comparisons of materials can help discover the best quartz countertop option for your budget and needs.