Cambria Quartz FAQ
GOT QUESTIONS?
Sometimes things may not always be as clear as we’d like them to be. Take a look through some questions we’re often asked about Cambria Quartz to see if your question gets answered.
What is Cambria?
Cambria is a natural quartz countertop and surfacing product that has a variety of uses in your home or business such as countertops, backsplashes, floor tile, vanities, fireplace surrounds, wet bars, showers, etc. Cambria is pure, natural quartz, one of the hardest and most common minerals on Earth. Some of Cambria’s designs have the natural look and feel of granite, marble, and other quarried stones, but they all feature superior performance because of Cambria’s strength and durability. Cambria is nonabsorbent and nonporous and will not absorb food and liquids like granite does. And best of all, it is maintenance free.
How does Cambria compare to granite?
Cambria is made of natural quartz, one of the hardest minerals on Earth, for superior durability and performance. Granite is only about 40% to 60% quartz, along with other softer minerals and impurities. With Cambria, you get the look and feel of granite, but receive greater strength and the benefit of it being nonabsorbent and maintenance free. Just wash it with warm water, and use a mild soap if desired. Cambria is stain resistant and never needs sealing or reconditioning. Granite is a porous stone and needs to be sealed regularly with a chemical treatment. It can absorb liquids and food, risking potential staining and bacterial growth within the countertop.
How does Cambria's price compare to other natural stone or solid surface competitors? What does it cost?
Generally, Cambria prices are comparable to granite and other stone surfaces. Our trade customers such as kitchen and bath dealers, fabricators, and contractors establish Cambria retail prices.
Is Cambria made or manufactured in a plant?
The Cambria processing facility produces natural quartz into slabs by combining pure quartz with a small amount of pigment and resin. Through the recombining process, we are able to create slabs that are nonabsorbent, strong, and compact.
What range of Cambria products are available?
Cambria is an excellent surface choice for a wide variety of uses, including kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, shower and tub surrounds, furniture tabletops and accent pieces, fireplace surrounds, desktops, wet bar areas, and window sills. Cambria is available in 1cm, 2cm, and 3cm thicknesses. Various edge profiles can also create the appearance of a thicker slab.
What are the unique benefits of Cambria?
BEAUTY
STRONG
MAINTENANCE FREE
FOOD SAFE
STAIN RESISTANT
GUARANTEED
Does Cambria require care and maintenance?
No, keeping with its care-free promise, Cambria requires no sealing, polishing or reconditioning…ever. Simply wipe with warm water and use mild soap if desired. Due to its nonabsorbent nature, and unlike granite, it does NOT require regular sealing and is stain resistant.
Is Cambria resistant to surface damage?
Cambria is durable and more resistant to surface damage than other stone. However, all stone can be damaged by force and no stone is chip-proof. Objects hitting edges, particularly at sinks or dishwashers, may cause chips. Though a minor knife slip will dull the knife and not harm Cambria, no stone surface is scratch-proof. Surface markings are more visible on monotone designs than multicolored surfaces.
Does Cambria withstand heat? Can I put a hot pan or pot on it?
Natural stone surfaces can be damaged by sudden and/or rapid changes of temperature, especially near the edges, as well as direct and/or sustained heating of the top. Cambria may not withstand the direct transfer of heat from pots and pans and other cooking units such as electric frying pans and griddles, slow cookers, roaster ovens, and heat lamps. Therefore, the use of a hot pad or trivet is always recommended to prevent heating the product.
Is Cambria resistant to staining?
Cambria’s nonporous and nonabsorbent surface is resistant to staining and eliminates the need for any sealing. Its nonporous surface also greatly reduces the potential for bacterial growth from food absorbing into your countertop.
Is Cambria safe for food preparation?
Yes, Cambria is nonabsorbent and is NSF* 51 certified for food and splash zones in kitchens. There is no safer countertop for food preparation. *NSF International is The Public Health and Safety Company™
How many designs is Cambria available in?
Cambria is available in more than 200 designs. View the Cambria collection to see the variety of their design palette.
Does the design go all the way through the Cambria product?
Yes, Cambria’s natural quartz and rich designs and colors go all the way through the material.
How can I purchase Cambria?
Purchasing Cambria is easy. Use Cambria’s dealer locater to find a retail location near you that can provide you with an estimate for your countertop needs. Generally, you will need the dimensions of your cabinet layout, information regarding backsplash requirements, edge profile selections, and your sink and stove locations and dimensions to get an accurate estimate. Then, tell them you’d like to work with ideal Surfaces!
Can I work with a builder, remodeler, architect, designer, or kitchen and bath store to get Cambria for my house?
Absolutely! Just ask the builder, remodeler, architect, designer, or kitchen and bath store to use Cambria for the surfaces you desire. If they don’t already know how to get Cambria, they can call toll free: 1-866-CAMBRIA (1-866-226-2742). We’ll introduce them to the product and put them in contact with a local fabricator or dealer. Or, use Cambria’s DEALER LOCATOR to find a retail location near you.
Where can I see Cambria product on display?
Cambria is available nationwide at local/regional kitchen and bath dealer showrooms, appliance centers, build/design centers, and model homes. Cambria works only with exclusive partners who meet premium service and installation standards.
Is Cambria seamless?
Cambria is a natural quartz product that does require seams for any application longer than 121″ or wider than 54.5″. These seams are generally visible, but often less noticeable than a typical granite seam.
What kind of sink can I use?
Cambria can be used with any under-mount or drop-in sink, including stainless steel, cast iron, porcelain, or solid surface. Farm sinks can also be used.
Do you offer a warranty? What does the warranty include?
Cambria offers a Transferable Full Lifetime Warranty, which lasts the entire length of the product’s life, and is transferable to subsequent owners.
Is Cambria a green product?
Cambria is committed to the responsible stewardship of our natural resources. That is why we produce a highly durable and stable material. Cambria is certified by Greenguard as a low-emitting product for indoor air quality and is suitable for school environments. Tests have independently confirmed that Cambria surfaces have no harmful emissions of any kind.
I've just purchased Cambria. What happens next?
If you’re remodeling, Cambria’s installers will work with you to schedule appointments for measurements and installation. With new construction, your builder typically coordinates the installation for you.
Who will remove my old countertop?
Unless it is prearranged and included in the project contract, Cambria installers will not tear out your existing countertop. It is your responsibility to arrange for the removal of your existing countertops prior to installation. All details should be worked out with your installer and detailed on your Purchase Agreement.
When my old countertop is removed, will I be without a sink?
Yes, but you can often arrange to have a temporary sink installed. Ask your kitchen and bath dealer or your contractor for details.
How should I prepare walls or cabinets for installation of my new countertop?
To avoid installation difficulties, please be sure your walls and cabinets are structurally sound, straight, level, and square. Check out our installation guidelines for further instructions on how to make sure your home or business is install-ready.
How do I ensure an accurate measure or template of my countertop area?
All cabinets must be installed and in the same plane. Also, sinks, faucet fixtures, and cooktops should be available at the site during initial measurements. To verify cutout dimensions, you must review what is covered in your Purchase Agreement to ascertain responsibility of your installer.
Who is responsible for making sure all built-in elements (sinks, stove, appliances, cabinets, faucet, holes, etc.) fit together?
This is the responsibility of the homeowner, general contractor, or Cambria retailer and it should be detailed on your Purchase Agreement. If it is not, then the installer’s typical practices apply.
Do fixtures and appliances need to be on-site during the installation?
Yes. For proper cutout size verification, it is necessary to have the sink and faucet fixtures as well as appliances available during installation.
Will my walls and other adjacent surfaces be protected during installation?
Every effort is made to protect your walls and other adjacent surfaces. However, when a heavy natural quartz countertop is installed, some scuffing to walls or adjacent fixtures may occur. Some “touch ups” may be necessary and are the responsibility of the homeowner.
Who should I contact if I have questions about my countertop installation?
Ideal Surfaces will be happy to answer any questions you may have!
