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If you are looking into buying a quartz countertop, you may find that Cambria is one of the largest and well-known companies that sells them. However, while Cambria quartz countertops are well known, it does not necessarily mean that the quality will leave you satisfied.
The company prides itself both on manufacturing American-made stone and being environmentally friendly. However, just because the product is made in the United States does not guarantee it will be a better option than quartz that is made in other parts of the world.
Cambria quartz countertops are also on the expensive end, though prices will vary based on the dealer you go to. The prices do not change based on color.
So while Cambria has established itself as a leading brand in the quartz market, you should take the time to do some research before buying your quartz countertop. Doing proper research can help you avoid some of the common problems faced by homeowners who have installed Cambria quartz countertops.
About Cambria
As for the company itself, Cambria was founded in the late 1990s when Stan and Mark Davis opened their manufacturing plant in Minnesota. The company is still based in Le Sueur, Minnesota to this day. There are additional facilities located in numerous different states, as well as one in Ontario, Canada. All of the quartz supply is engineered at the Minnesota plant.
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Issues with Cambria quartz countertops
Cost
As mentioned above, Cambria quartz countertops tend to be on the expensive side. Before you think of purchasing from Cambria, consider that you can easily find viable alternatives that are both less expensive and of higher quality.
Cracking after installation
Several customers have filed complaints about their Cambria quartz countertops cracking with the Better Business Bureau. Many of these instances occurred just months after installation, leaving the homeowners frustrated, considering that they paid a significant price for a product they thought would last for years.
Customer service
Several of the same customers, and others, have had difficulties dealing with Cambria’s customer service. These complaints were from customers who attempted to contact the company regarding scratches, spots, cracks or warranty issues with their Cambria quartz countertops.
If you are looking for an alternative to Cambria, Marble.com is a leading countertop fabrication and installation company. The company offers an extensive selection of quartz countertops, with 85 options available on their website. Marble.com is known for carefully checking their stone surfaces before selling them to customers.
What color should I buy?
If you are looking at quartz countertops but cannot decide which color to buy, there are things to keep in mind. A lighter quartz color, such as a white quartz countertop, will give your kitchen a light and airy feel. It will also stay relatively cool underneath any light fixtures. A medium toned quartz countertop will give your home a pleasant vibe in the kitchen. A dark colored quartz countertop, such as black, will create a smooth, elegant look; however, take note of how many lighting fixtures will be near the countertop, as you do not want your black quartz countertop to get too hot.
Another element to keep in mind when deciding on color is the overall design of your kitchen. Since quartz has such a vast color range, it is adaptable to so many different kitchen environments. Note the color and theme of your cabinets, and try to pick something that will work well with those colors.
When thinking of purchasing a quartz countertop, there is also another option to consider: Granite. While you may be suspicious about the durability of granite as compared to the seemingly indestructible and stain resistant quartz, consider that granite is also one of the most durable stone surfaces you can use for your countertop.
This guide will help you discover the differences between quartz and granite countertops before you make a decision to purchase.
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Advantages of quartz
Manufactured |
Looks |
Manufactured
Because quartz is manufactured, it allows for a larger range of colors to choose from when looking to buy a countertop. Buying a countertop is a major decision, and if you buy quartz, having many color options will virtually ensure that you can get the color you want.
Looks
As with the color, a quartz countertop can be manufactured to look very close to ones made from other types of stone, such as granite. So you will not be sacrificing much in terms of looks if you decide to go with a quartz countertop.
Disadvantages of quartz
Price |
Modern look |
Lack of heat resistance |
Price
While quartz certainly has its advantages, it is not any less expensive than other options like granite, marble or slate. Because of this, you may just prefer to go with the natural stone.
Modern look
Quartz countertops have risen in popularity in recent years. The countertops will give your kitchen a contemporary look and feel. However, many homeowners prefer a more traditional look and feel in their kitchen. If you do not want a modern look to your countertop, you should opt to go for a granite countertop instead of quartz.
Lack of heat resistance
While quartz is portrayed as a virtually indestructible surface, that is not necessarily the case. One of the only things that can damage a quartz countertop is excessive heat. If you take any hot pots or pans off the stove, do not put them down on the surface of your quartz countertop. This will cause irreversible damages. In contrast, a granite countertop will not be damaged by taking pots or pans off the stove and placing them on the surface.
Advantages of granite
Uniqueness |
Heat resistance |
Sanitary |
Easy to clean |
Uniqueness
Because it is a natural stone, no two granite countertops will be the exact same. This can appeal to your interest if you are looking for a countertop that no one else has.
Heat resistance
As mentioned above, granite is one of the most heat resistant surfaces you can find. Because of this, the material is a very good choice to have if you cook frequently and need to set down any pots or pans.
Sanitary
While it is true that quartz is also a relatively sanitary surface, granite is one of the most sanitary natural stone surfaces you will find. It is more sanitary than many natural stone countertop materials, which makes it suitable to use in the kitchen. In addition, if a granite countertop is properly sealed, it is highly unlikely that it will incur any stains.
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Easy to clean
Granite is relatively easy to clean when compared to other natural stones. To clean a granite countertop, all you need is warm water mixed with a mild detergent.
Disadvantages of granite
Not a uniform look |
Sealing |
Uniformity
Because of its uniqueness, all granite countertops are different. If you are looking for a more uniform look to your countertop, quartz will be a better option for you.
Sealing
One of the only disadvantages to granite is that it needs to be sealed, while a quartz countertop does not. However, this should not be too much of an issue, because experts recommend that you only need your granite countertop sealed once a year.
Granite was once a surface that you would only find in the homes of the very wealthy. However, in recent years, technological advances have made it much easier to access granite in quarries worldwide. Because it is now less rare, prices have gone down into a range that middle-class homeowners can afford.
If you decide that you want to go with a granite countertop instead of quartz, Marble.com will be your best choice to find one that is right for you. The company has over 500 different options for granite countertops that you can choose from, so you are sure to find something that you will like.
Choosing granite will ensure that you have an elegant look that will make your home improvement project a major success. Considering how often we use our kitchens, it is essential to have one that you can display with pride when hosting guests.