If you are looking for a durable and luxurious countertop material, look no further than Cambria quartz. In this ultimate guide, we will explore everything you need to know about Cambria quartz, including its properties, benefits, installation process, maintenance tips, and more.
What is Cambria Quartz?
Cambria quartz is a premium countertop material made from natural quartz stone. It is manufactured by Cambria, a family-owned company based in the United States. Cambria quartz is known for its durability, strength, and beauty, making it a popular choice for residential and commercial projects.
Properties of Cambria Quartz
Cambria quartz is made from 93% natural quartz stone, combined with resin and pigments. This manufacturing process results in a non-porous, scratch-resistant, and heat-resistant material that is perfect for high-traffic areas such as kitchens and bathrooms. Cambria quartz is also available in a wide range of colors and patterns, making it easy to find a style that fits your design preferences.
Benefits of Cambria Quartz
There are many benefits to choosing Cambria quartz for your countertops. Some of the main benefits include:
- Durability: Cambria quartz is one of the most durable countertop materials available, making it resistant to scratches, stains, and heat.
- Non-porous: Cambria quartz is non-porous, which means it does not absorb liquids or bacteria. This makes it a hygienic and easy-to-clean option for kitchens and bathrooms.
- Low maintenance: Cambria quartz requires minimal maintenance, as it does not need to be sealed or polished like other natural stone materials.
- Variety of colors and patterns: Cambria quartz is available in a wide range of colors and patterns, making it easy to find a style that fits your design preferences.
- Made in the USA: Cambria quartz is made in the United States, meaning it is subject to strict quality control standards and is an eco-friendly option for your home.
Comparison with Other Countertop Materials
When choosing a countertop material, it is important to consider the pros and cons of each option. Here is a comparison of Cambria quartz with other popular countertop materials:
- Granite: Granite is a natural stone material that is similar in durability and heat resistance to Cambria quartz. However, granite is more porous and requires regular sealing to prevent staining and bacteria growth.
- Marble: Marble is a natural stone material that is known for its beauty and elegance. However, it is also more porous and prone to scratching and staining than Cambria quartz.
- Laminate: Laminate is a budget-friendly option for countertops, but it is not as durable or heat-resistant as Cambria quartz. Laminate is also more prone to scratching and staining.
- Solid surface: Solid surface countertops are made from synthetic materials and are similar in durability and low maintenance to Cambria quartz. However, solid surface countertops are more prone to scratching and heat damage.
How to Choose the Right Cambria Quartz Color
Choosing the right Cambria quartz color for your countertops can be a daunting task, as there are so many options available. Here are some tips to help you choose the right color:
- Consider your design style: Are you going for a modern, minimalist look or a traditional, classic style? Choose a color that complements your design preferences.
- Look at samples: Visit a showroom or retailer to see samples of Cambria quartz colors in person. This will give you a better idea of how the color will look in your space.
- Consider lighting: The lighting in your space can affect how the color of your countertops looks. Consider the natural and artificial lighting in your space when choosing a color.
- Think about resale value: If you are planning to sell your home in the future, choose a neutral color that will appeal to a wide range of buyers.
Installation Process of Cambria Quartz Countertops
The installation process of Cambria quartz countertops typically involves the following steps:
- Measuring: A professional installer will measure your space to ensure that the countertops fit properly.
- Template: A template of the countertops will be created, which will be used to cut the Cambria quartz slabs to the correct size and shape.
- Fabrication: The Cambria quartz slabs will be fabricated to fit your space, including cutting holes for sinks and cooktops.
- Installation: The Cambria quartz countertops will be installed onto your cabinets or other supporting structures.
- Sealing: Cambria quartz does not need to be sealed like other natural stone materials, as it is non-porous.
Maintenance Tips for Cambria Quartz Countertops
While Cambria quartz is a low-maintenance countertop material, there are still some tips you can follow to keep it looking its best:
- Clean up spills immediately: While Cambria quartz is non-porous, it is still important to clean up spills as soon as possible to prevent staining.
- Use a mild cleaner: Use a mild, non-abrasive cleaner and a soft cloth toclean your Cambria quartz countertops. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the surface.
- Avoid heat damage: While Cambria quartz is heat-resistant, it is still important to use hot pads or trivets to protect the surface from direct heat.
- Use cutting boards: While Cambria quartz is scratch-resistant, it is still important to use cutting boards to prevent damage from knives and other sharp objects.
- Avoid harsh chemicals: Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on your Cambria quartz countertops, as they can damage the surface.
Cost of Cambria Quartz Countertops
Cambria quartz countertops are a premium countertop material, and as such, they can be more expensive than other options. The cost of Cambria quartz countertops will depend on factors such as the size of your space, the color and pattern you choose, and the complexity of the installation. It is recommended to get a quote from a professional installer to get an accurate idea of the cost.
Cambria Quartz vs. Other Quartz Brands
While Cambria quartz is a popular choice for countertops, there are other quartz brands available on the market. Here is a comparison of Cambria quartz with some other popular quartz brands:
- Caesarstone: Caesarstone is a popular quartz brand that is similar in durability and low maintenance to Cambria quartz. However, Caesarstone has a smaller range of colors and patterns available.
- Silestone: Silestone is another popular quartz brand that is known for its durability and heat resistance. However, Silestone is more prone to scratching than Cambria quartz.
- MSI Quartz: MSI Quartz is a budget-friendly option for quartz countertops, but it is not as durable or heat-resistant as Cambria quartz. MSI Quartz also has a smaller range of colors and patterns available.
Cambria Quartz in Interior Design
Cambria quartz is a versatile material that can be used in a variety of interior design styles. Here are some ways that Cambria quartz can be incorporated into your interior design:
- Modern: Choose a sleek and minimalist Cambria quartz color, such as black or white, for a modern and contemporary look.
- Traditional: Choose a Cambria quartz color with a marbled or veined pattern, such as Carrick or Brittanicca, for a traditional and classic look.
- Rustic: Choose a Cambria quartz color with a natural or textured pattern, such as Woodstone or Ironsbridge, for a rustic and earthy look.
- Industrial: Choose a Cambria quartz color with a concrete or metallic pattern, such as Skara Brae or Brittanicca Gold, for an industrial and edgy look.
