Cambria quartz countertops are engineered stone surfaces made from premium-quality quartz materials. Cambria is a leading manufacturer of quartz surfaces for kitchen and bathroom countertops. Here is a detailed overview of what Cambria quartz is and its benefits as a countertop material.
What is Quartz?
Quartz is one of the hardest minerals found in nature. It is made up of silicon and oxygen molecules and is known for its high density and strength. Quartz surfaces like Cambria contain about 93% ground quartz crystals combined with high-quality polyester resins and pigments.
The result is an extremely durable, non-porous, and virtually maintenance-free material that retains the look and feel of natural stone. Cambria leverages cutting-edge technology and craftsmanship to create stunning quartz slabs.
Benefits of Cambria Quartz Countertops
Here are some of the top benefits of choosing Cambria quartz for kitchen and bathroom countertops:
Aesthetic Appeal
Cambria quartz comes in a wide array of colors and patterns that resemble natural stone like marble. The rich texture and tone provide an elegant look that instantly elevates the aesthetic appeal of any space.
The non-porous surface does not need to be sealed and resists scratches, stains, and heat damage better than most natural stone. Cambria offers various collections like Brittanica, Marble, and Coastal to suit any design style.
Durability
With a Mohs hardness rating of 7, Cambria tops are more scratch and chip resistant than granite. The dense composition makes it resistant to cracks and fractures caused by heavy impact.
Cambria provides a 10-year commercial warranty and a lifetime limited residential warranty due to its unrivaled durability. It can withstand years of daily use without showing signs of significant damage.
Low Maintenance
Cambria quartz requires very little maintenance compared to natural stone. It does not need regular sealing or polishing to retain its luxurious shine. Simple cleaning with mild soap and water is enough to keep Cambria looking pristine for decades.
It is also resistant to staining from wine, fruit juice, cosmetics, and other household products that may blemish natural marble or granite. This makes Cambria an ideal choice for busy kitchens and bathrooms.
Non-Porous
Cambria is made to be non-porous and prevent the growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria within the surface. This makes it a hygienic option for food prep areas. The non-absorbent quality also prevents the retention of odors and does not require sealing.
UV Stability
Natural stones like marble are photosensitive and can get discolored when exposed to sunlight over time. Cambria surfaces do not change color or fade even with years of exposure to UV light. It retains its luxurious finish and appearance for decades.
How is Cambria Quartz Made?
Cambria quartz is made using the latest Bretonstone® technology. Here is an overview of the manufacturing process:
- The process starts by selecting premium quartz crystals from quarries across the world. Cambria only uses the purest quartz.
- The quartz is crushed and blended with high-quality polyester resins and pigments.
- The mixture is compacted under pressure and vibrated to remove air pockets and minimize imperfections.
- It is molded into slabs using Bretonstone’s patented process. This system minimizes color variation and veining within each slab.
- The slabs are polished to achieve a smooth, glossy finish. They are calibrated to precisely 1.26 inches thick with a 0.005-inch tolerance.
- Each slab is inspected thoroughly before being shipped to fabricators for custom countertop production.
The innovative manufacturing system allows Cambria to produce large format slabs with stunning aesthetic detail in a vast array of colors and patterns.
Cambria Quartz Collections
Cambria offers a range of collections with various colors, patterns, and surface finishes to match any interior design style. Here are some of the most popular Cambria collections:
Brittanica Collection
Inspired by rare and exotic marbles, the Brittanica collection features elegant white and gray tones with delicate veining. Some popular colors are Brittanica Gold, Haddington, and Windermere.
Marble Collection
This collection realistically emulates patterns found in natural stone marble. Some top choices are Ravennam Marble, Torquay Marble, and Ella Marble.
Coastal Collection
Capturing the essence of seascapes, this collection offers soft grays, whites, and blues. Summerhill, Langdon, and Sands Shore are a few well-loved colors.
Color Collection
Adding a pop of color, these vibrant solid hues range from dark broody to fresh pastels. Popular picks include Red Maple, Crystal Blue, and Halley.
Pros and Cons of Cambria Quartz
Here is a brief overview of the key advantages and disadvantages of using Cambria quartz countertops:
Pros
- Highly durable and resistant to damage
- Requires very little maintenance
- Available in a wide range of colors and patterns
- Non-porous and antimicrobial
- Resists staining, etching, and heat damage
- Qualifies for up to 10 years commercial warranty
Cons
- Higher cost than some materials like granite
- Seams may be more visible with lighter colors
- Can chip if subjected to impact with very heavy objects
- Needs to be installed professionally
Is Cambria Better Than Granite?
Cambria and granite have their own sets of pros and cons. Granite is more heat resistant but requires yearly sealing. Cambria offers more colors/patterns and is nearly maintenance-free.
Ultimately, Cambria stands out with its non-porous finish, expansive color range, and strongest scratch resistance in its class. So it offers some benefits over natural granite for most homeowners.
How Much Does Cambria Quartz Cost?
The cost of Cambria quartz countertops ranges from $60 – $100 per square foot installed. The exact price depends on the color and collection you choose along with the complexity of your project.
Unique designs, edge profiles, and backsplashes can impact the final price. On average, expect to pay around $3,000 – 5,000 for a medium-sized kitchen makeover with Cambria tops.
While Cambria sits at the higher end of the spectrum, many homeowners find it a worthwhile investment due to its unrivaled quality, luxury aesthetic, and long lifespan.
Is Cambria Quartz Worth the Cost?
With its stylish high-end look, extreme durability, and low maintenance needs, Cambria offers significant value over the lifetime of your investment. If your budget allows, Cambria quartz is well worth the initial expenditure.
The key reasons why Cambria may be worth the premium cost include:
- Incredible aesthetics rivaling natural stone
- Highest performance warranty in its class
- Resistance to staining, etching, and heat damage
- Easy maintenance keeping its luxurious finish for decades
- Excellent resale value for homes
For buyers looking for a striking and robust addition to their dream kitchen or bath, Cambria quartz is a top contender worth considering.
FAQs
Does Cambria stain easily?
No, Cambria’s non-porous surface makes it highly resistant to stains from wine, coffee, juice, oil, and other substances. It can be easily cleaned with just soap and water.
Is Cambria quartz cheaper than granite?
In most cases, Cambria is more expensive than granite. However, it provides greater stain resistance, color/pattern options, and requires less maintenance. So it can provide higher long term value despite the higher initial cost.
Can you repair Cambria quartz?
Minor chips, cracks, and scratches can often be repaired by a professional fabricator. But extensive damage may require a replacement. Contact Cambria’s customer care team for guidance on repairs vs. replacement.
Does Cambria have resale value?
Yes, Cambria tops increase a home’s resale value like granite or marble. However, Cambria often has a higher positive impact thanks to its reputation for quality, aesthetic appeal, and durability.
Is Cambria quartz good for outdoor kitchens?
Cambria is not recommended for outdoor use as constant UV and weather exposure can damage the material. It is designed for indoor kitchen and bathroom spaces.
Conclusion
Cambria’s premium quartz surfaces offer unparalleled beauty, durability, and luxury. While the investment may be higher than some options, many buyers find the aesthetic quality, expansive color selection, easy maintenance, and long-term value well worth the cost.
There are few other countertop materials that can match the style and longevity of Cambria quartz. For those seeking to make a stunning statement with their kitchen or bath design, Cambria remains a top choice to consider.