Cambria quartz has become one of the most popular engineered stone countertop options for kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects. With its stylish design aesthetic, durability, and vast color palette, it’s easy to see why Cambria has developed a loyal following of homeowners, designers, architects, and contractors. But where exactly can you purchase Cambria quartz slabs and have them installed professionally? This guide will cover the various Cambria quartz suppliers, installers, and retailers available.
Where to Buy Cambria Quartz Countertops
When embarking on a kitchen or bath remodel involving Cambria quartz, you’ll need to decide where to purchase your slabs. There are several options to consider:
Direct from Cambria
As the manufacturer of the product, Cambria offers direct purchasing of their quartz slabs through their website or through one of their many local design centers.
Benefits of buying direct:
- Access to the full Cambria color portfolio and inventory
- Knowledgeable Cambria design consultants to assist with selection
- Coordination with local Cambria-approved fabricators and installers
Considerations:
- Limited geographic availability of Cambria design centers
- Requires separate arrangement with installers
Stone Suppliers and Distributors
Many third-party natural stone and quartz suppliers carry Cambria products in inventory. This allows broader geographic availability versus Cambria direct.
Benefits of stone supplier:
- Local pickup and delivery of Cambria slabs
- Develop relationship with one vendor for all countertop materials
Considerations:
- May have smaller on-hand Cambria inventory versus Cambria direct
- You manage coordination with installers
Home Improvement Retailers
Some home improvement chains like Home Depot and Lowe’s carry Cambria quartz slabs in select locations.
Benefits of home improvement retailers:
- Convenience of one-stop shopping experience
- Special financing and promotions occasionally available
Considerations:
- Limited Cambria color selection
- You manage coordination with installers
- Staff may have less quartz countertop expertise
Online Sources
There are some online-only vendors that sell Cambria but typically fulfill orders through local partners.
Benefits of online sources:
- Browse inventory online before purchasing
- Delivery coordinated through local warehouses
Considerations:
- Limited color selection and inventory
- Additional shipping lead times
- You pick installers separately
Choosing Professional Cambria Quartz Installers
Because Cambria quartz requires seamless fabrication and installation, it’s recommended to use experienced professionals. Here are places to find top-quality Cambria quartz installers:
Cambria Approved Installers
Cambria maintains a list of recommended local installers that have met their criteria for working with Cambria products. These companies have demonstrated proper skills, insurance, and reputation.
Benefits of Cambria approved installers:
- Rigorously vetted for quality workmanship
- Receive specialized training on Cambria products
- Coordinated through Cambria support system
Considerations:
- Check reviews and inspect examples of previous installations
- Get multiple bids to compare pricing
Natural Stone and Quartz Fabrication Companies
Specialized firms that work with high-end natural stone and engineered quartz materials like Cambria can make excellent installers. Look for experienced staff and top-notch cutting and fabrication equipment.
Benefits of fabrication companies:
- Experts at seamless quartz fabrication and installation
- Equipped with water jets, CNC machines, and polishing tools
Considerations:
- Ask about experience with Cambria specifically
- Review examples of their Cambria quartz projects
General Remodeling Contractors
Some general contractors offer countertop fabrication and installation services along with their remodeling expertise. Larger firms are more likely to have their own fabrication shop.
Benefits of general contractors:
- One company to manage the entire remodel
- Established relationships with subcontractors
Considerations:
- Ask about their specific Cambria quartz experience
- Ensure proper quartz fabrication equipment
- Examine quartz countertop project examples
Independent Installers
Skilled independent installers that focus exclusively on countertop fabrication and installation can also deliver excellent results with Cambria quartz. Many work directly with large stone suppliers.
Benefits of independent installers:
- Specialized expertise in countertops alone
- Competitive pricing due to lower overhead
Considerations:
- Ask for local references from previous clients
- Verify insurance protection is in place
- Inspect examples of Cambria work
What to Look for in a Cambria Quartz Installer
To ensure your Cambria quartz countertops are installed to look and perform at their best, there are some key qualifications to seek out in a contractor:
Strong Cambria Experience
Look for companies that have extensive experience fabricating and installing Cambria quartz specifically. They will be familiar with working with the Cambria materials and meeting manufacturer specifications.
Quartz Fabrication Expertise
Seeking companies with training and expertise in engineered quartz fabrication yields better results than simple countertop installers. Look for specific experience with quartz seam placement, edge profiles, and polishing.
Excellent References
Quality contractors should be able to provide multiple references from recent Cambria quartz customers to vouch for their work. Follow up with these references to verify satisfaction.
Fabrication Shop Onsite
Having an onsite fabrication shop with quartz-capable equipment is ideal for accuracy and control. Confirm the company has water jet cutting, CNC machining, edge polishers and more.
Positive Reviews
Research reviews on multiple platforms, including Google, Facebook, Yelp, and industry sites like Houzz. Look for consistently positive feedback on service and craftsmanship.
Strong Warranty
Reputable Cambria installers will stand behind their workmanship with warranties of 10 years or longer. Confirm coverage details for seam separation, cracking, chipping, and other fabrication defects.
Certified Installer Status
While not required, contractors certified through the Cambria Certified Installer Program have proven their expertise with the product through training and testing.
By keeping these qualifications in mind while vetting Cambria quartz installer candidates, you can have greater confidence in a smooth installation result.
Key Factors That Impact Cambria Quartz Costs
In addition to hiring quality installers, understanding what impacts the total costs of Cambria quartz can help set project budgets. Here are key considerations:
Type of Cambria Quartz
More premium Cambria designs and thicker quartz slabs come at a higher starting price per square foot. Complex patterns and natural quartz typically cost more than solid colors.
Edge Profiles
Built-up edges like ogee and bevel add fabrication time and material costs versus standard eased or pencil-round edges.
Thickness
Standard Cambria thickness is 3cm, but thicker 2cm and 5cm options are available for an upcharge. Thicker quartz is more durable and substantial feeling.
Fabrication
Simple slab designs take less time to fabricate versus complex tile patterns or sculpted edges, impacting labor costs.
Installation
Standard countertop installation is generally included in basic pricing, but special built-in applications like waterfall edges or cooktop cutouts add costs.
Market Factors
More demand for quartz in some markets leads to higher pricing, as does the overhead cost of the installer’s local shop and operations.
When evaluating bids, take these factors into account by comparing detailed scope of work descriptions, not just the bottom line price. An experienced Cambria installer can guide you through the cost trade-offs for your project.
FAQs About Purchasing and Installing Cambria Quartz
Many homeowners have additional questions when researching where to buy Cambria quartz slabs and who can install them properly. Here are answers to some of the most common inquiries:
Where can I view Cambria quartz slabs in person?
In addition to Cambria’s company-owned design centers, many third-party stone suppliers and distributors carry Cambria inventory for local viewing. Cambria’s website has a dealer locator tool to find options in your area to see slabs.
Does Cambria do installation?
Cambria is responsible for manufacturing the quartz slabs, but installation is handled by local independent fabricators and installers. Cambria’s website can connect you with recommended Cambria Certified Installers in your region.
Can I install Cambria quartz myself?
Cambria does not recommend DIY installation, as improper seam placement or polishing can lead to damage. Proper tools like water jets are also expensive for homeowners to purchase. Utilizing professional installers is highly advised.
How long does Cambria quartz fabrication and installation take?
Lead times vary by supplier and installer workload, but typical turnaround can range from 2-4 weeks from slab purchase to full install. Simple designs may take less time versus intricate tile patterns or built-in applications.
What questions should I ask potential Cambria installers?
Key questions to ask include: years of experience with Cambria, examples of past work, types of equipment in fabrication shop, warranty policy, lead time estimate, references from past clients, and what factors influence pricing.
Does Cambria offer any warranty on installation?
Cambria provides a 10-year limited product warranty on manufacturing defects, but does not warranty the installation work itself. Installers may offer their own separate installation warranties, which vary. Be sure to inquire about warranty coverage before contracting.
What should I inspect in the finished Cambria quartz installation?
Carefully examine seams for any gaps or uneven alignment. Look for polished edges with no roughness or pits. Confirm color uniformity across slabs and proper integration of built-in appliances. Test for an even, smooth surface with no lippage.
Selecting the Best Option for Your Cambria Quartz Countertops
Ultimately, choosing where to purchase your Cambria quartz slabs and which company will fabricate and install them is an important decision impacting your project budget and satisfaction. Carefully weighing the pros and cons of the various suppliers against the qualifications of experienced local installers will lead you to the right partnership for your unique kitchen or bath remodeling needs. Keep the guidance above in mind, ask the right questions, and don’t rush the selection process. Investing the time upfront will pay dividends with stunning, quality Cambria quartz countertops that you’ll enjoy for years to come.