Are Cambria Countertops A Smart Choice For Your Kitchen? Here's What You Should Know

When it's time for an upgrade, understanding the types of countertops you have available for your kitchen remodel is important. You want to be sure you pick the right style and color, but you also need the right material. One of the best options worth researching are Cambria quartz countertops — one of the most popular quartz countertop brands. While the much-loved brand is known for quality, durability, and variety, it may not be right for you if you are looking for a low-cost option.

Cambria is a type of quartz countertop that consists of particles of quartz that the manufacturer mixes with resin. This combination generates an extremely durable material — perfect for a kitchen. Even with rough treatment, the company states that the countertop won't chip or scratch. To hit this point home, Cambria offers a full lifetime warranty that's transferable when you sell the home, giving you a material that delivers a great value over time.

The Cambria company has been making countertops for almost two decades, offering dozens of different designs. Some people even install this material in showers, as fireplace surrounds, and as backsplashes. The brand is certainly popular for a reason, but should you consider Cambria quartz countertops for your kitchen remodel? Here are some more details about the pros and cons of using this type of material in your kitchen.

One of the best reasons to select Cambria quartz countertops are all the different color options and patterns that are available. The company offers more than 100 choices, ranging from neutral colors to eye-catching patterns. No matter what kind of plan you have for the look of your kitchen, Cambria countertop styles are available to match it. The way Cambria manufactures its quartz countertops gives them a uniformity in the color and pattern that isn't present in granite. Consequently, you don't have to visit a supplier to find the exact slab you want. You can view a countertop pattern and color online and be confident that you'll receive this same pattern and color in your kitchen installation.

The durability of Cambria countertops is especially impressive. Its construction consists of 93% pure quartz and 7% resin and pigment. This combination gives the Cambria quartz about twice the durability and strength of granite. In addition to being resistant to scratches and chips, it is not porous. This means that Cambria quartz will not absorb moisture or allow bacteria to build up and grow. With proper cleaning techniques, you can be sure that you'll be safe from dangerous bacteria during food preparation.

Additionally, when you select the Cambria brand over other quartz countertop brands, you have the option of using extremely large slabs. Cambria puts very few limitations on the size of its countertops, so you might be able to avoid seams in the installation by selecting a large quartz slab.

One of the biggest disadvantages of selecting Cambria quartz countertops is the cost. Compared to materials like ceramic and porcelain, Cambria quartz is significantly more costly. When compared to granite countertops, Cambria quartz will be more expensive than the lower-end granite slabs and cheaper than the high-end granite slabs.

Granite is certainly a popular choice, if you decide to forgo Cambria quartz. A House Digest survey of homeowners showed that granite is the most popular countertop material and is a well-known choice when it comes to countertops. Because it's less popular than granite, you may struggle to find a Cambria quartz countertop dealer in your area, meaning it could be easier to stick with the more popular granite option. Additionally, Cambria requires that only certified installers are able to measure the space for the countertop, create the order, and later install it. Some areas of the United States may be many miles away from a certified dealer and installer.

Even though Cambria quartz countertops are extremely durable and hard, they are susceptible to damage from direct heat, which can cause burn marks or discoloration. You don't want to expose this material to a direct flame or extremely hot cookware. Instead, use a closed-weave hot pad or another option that keeps direct heat away from the surface of the Cambria quartz.