Cambria Countertops Complete Guide
Quick Definition
Cambria is a family-owned American quartz manufacturer headquartered in Le Sueur, Minnesota. They produce engineered quartz countertops made from approximately 93% natural quartz bound with polymer resin. Cambria is the only major quartz brand manufactured entirely in the United States. Pricing runs $70-$120/sq ft installed, with a transferable lifetime warranty.
TL;DR
- Cambria prices range from $70-$120/sq ft installed, placing them at the premium end of the quartz market
- 200+ designs available across five pricing tiers, from solid colors to complex marble-look patterns
- Made exclusively in Minnesota - raw quartz sourced from their own mines in North America
- Lifetime transferable warranty covers manufacturing defects for as long as you own the surface (and transfers to the next owner)
- Not sold at Home Depot or Lowe's - available only through authorized fabricators and dealers
- Maintenance-free - no sealing, no polishing, no special cleaners needed
- Brittanicca and Ella are the two most popular designs, both marble-look patterns
Cambria's Business Model
Cambria operates differently from every other major quartz brand. They control the entire chain:
- Mining: Cambria owns quartz mines in North America
- Manufacturing: Two plants in Minnesota (Le Sueur and Eden Valley) with combined output exceeding 1 million sq ft/month
- Distribution: Direct to authorized dealers - no middlemen
- Marketing: Heavy investment in showrooms, partnerships with designers, and brand advertising
This vertical integration means Cambria controls quality at every stage. It also means they set the retail price. Fabricators can't negotiate bulk discounts the way they might with MSI or imported brands. That's part of why Cambria is consistently the most expensive quartz option.
Pricing Structure
Cambria organizes their 200+ designs into five pricing groups:
| Group | Price Range (installed) | Design Examples | Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $70-$80/sq ft | Buckingham, Cardiff Cream | Solid colors, simple patterns |
| 2 | $80-$90/sq ft | Torquay, Berwyn | Light movement, subtle veining |
| 3 | $85-$100/sq ft | Britannica, Ella | Marble-look, moderate veining |
| 4 | $95-$110/sq ft | Skara Brae, Galloway | Complex movement, multi-color |
| 5 | $105-$120/sq ft | Rose Bay, Huntley | Most intricate patterns, limited runs |
These prices include material, fabrication, and basic installation. Edge upgrades, backsplash, and plumbing add-ons are extra. Prices vary by region - expect 5-15% higher in major metro areas.
Cost for a Typical Kitchen
A 40 sq ft kitchen with Cambria:
| Component | Group 2 | Group 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Material + fabrication (40 sq ft) | $3,200-$3,600 | $3,800-$4,400 |
| Edge upgrade (ogee) | $300-$500 | $300-$500 |
| Undermount sink cutout | $200-$300 | $200-$300 |
| Backsplash (4", 15 linear ft) | $400-$600 | $500-$700 |
| Installation | Included | Included |
| Total | $4,100-$5,000 | $4,800-$5,900 |
Most Popular Cambria Designs
Brittanicca
The bestselling Cambria design. White background with dramatic gray veining that mimics Calacatta marble. Available in several variations: Brittanicca, Brittanicca Warm, Brittanicca Matte, Brittanicca Gold. This is the design that moved Cambria from "just another quartz brand" to a design-forward name.
Ella
Softer and more subtle than Brittanicca. White background with gentle gray wisps - closer to Carrara marble than Calacatta. Ella is the go-to for homeowners who want a marble look without the bold drama.
Torquay
Warm white with soft gray veining and a hint of gold undertone. Named after the English coastal town. Popular for transitional kitchens where pure white feels too cold.
Ironsbridge
Dark brown and black with cream and white movement. One of the few Cambria designs that doesn't try to mimic marble. Suited for traditional kitchens with dark wood cabinets.
Summerhill
Warm gray with white veining - essentially the inverse of Brittanicca. Gaining popularity as homeowners move away from all-white kitchens toward warmer, more grounded color palettes.
How Cambria Compares to Competitors
Cambria vs. Silestone
| Factor | Cambria | Silestone |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $70-$120/sq ft | $60-$100/sq ft |
| Manufacturing | 100% USA | Spain, USA, Brazil |
| Warranty | Lifetime (transferable) | 25 years (transferable) |
| Colors | 200+ | 80+ |
| Antimicrobial | No | Yes (built-in) |
| Availability | Authorized dealers only | Home centers + dealers |
Cambria wins on color selection, warranty length, and American manufacturing. Silestone wins on price and antimicrobial technology. For most kitchens, the visual difference between a $90 Cambria and a $75 Silestone in similar patterns is subtle.
Cambria vs. Caesarstone
| Factor | Cambria | Caesarstone |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $70-$120/sq ft | $60-$100/sq ft |
| Manufacturing | 100% USA | Israel + USA |
| Warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime (residential) |
| Colors | 200+ | 50+ |
| Market position | Premium | Mid-premium |
Both brands offer lifetime warranties and strong quality control. Cambria's color library is 4x larger than Caesarstone's. Caesarstone is typically $10-$20/sq ft less expensive for comparable patterns.
Cambria vs. Granite
| Factor | Cambria Quartz | Natural Granite |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $70-$120/sq ft | $40-$120/sq ft |
| Maintenance | Zero (no sealing) | Seal every 1-3 years |
| Heat tolerance | Moderate (use trivets) | Excellent (withstands hot pans) |
| Pattern consistency | Slab to slab | Each slab unique |
| Stain resistance | Excellent | Good (when sealed) |
| Eco factor | Manufactured | Natural, quarried |
Granite wins on heat resistance and lower entry pricing. Cambria wins on zero maintenance and pattern predictability. Both are excellent countertop materials.
Fabrication Specs for Shops
If you're a fabricator working with Cambria, here are the specs that matter:
Slab Dimensions
- Standard: 56.5" x 120.5"
- Jumbo: 56.5" x 132"
- Availability varies by design - not all patterns come in Jumbo
Thickness
- 2cm (3/4") - interior applications, vertical surfaces, backsplash
- 3cm (1-1/4") - countertop standard, required for undermount sinks
Weight
- 2cm: ~8.5 lbs/sq ft
- 3cm: ~12.5 lbs/sq ft
- Full 3cm slab weighs approximately 580-640 lbs
Fabrication Notes
- CNC-friendly - cuts cleanly with standard diamond tooling
- Edge polishing responds well to standard quartz polishing pads
- Seam adhesive: use Cambria-recommended adhesive or color-matched epoxy
- Cambria provides fabrication guidelines that must be followed to maintain warranty
Cambria's Fabricator Program
Cambria sells through authorized fabricators only. To become authorized:
- Apply through Cambria's dealer program
- Meet minimum volume requirements
- Attend Cambria's fabrication training
- Maintain quality standards (Cambria audits fabrication quality)
- Display Cambria samples in your showroom
The upside: consistent wholesale pricing, marketing support, and lead referrals from Cambria's website. The downside: you're locked into Cambria's pricing structure with no room to negotiate slab costs.
Care and Maintenance
Cambria is genuinely low-maintenance. Daily care:
- Wipe with soap and water - dish soap and a soft cloth handles 95% of cleaning
- Use a non-abrasive cleaner for tough spots - dried food, light stains
- No sealing required - ever. The resin matrix makes Cambria non-porous
- No special cleaners needed - skip the "granite and marble" sprays
- Always use trivets for hot cookware - the resin can discolor at 300-400°F
What to Avoid
- Abrasive pads (steel wool, Scotch-Brite heavy duty)
- Bleach-based cleaners (can dull the surface over time)
- Oven cleaners, drain cleaners, or paint strippers
- Setting hot pots directly on the surface
- Prolonged direct sunlight (outdoor applications void the warranty)
Warranty Details
Cambria's warranty is among the strongest in the quartz industry:
- Duration: Lifetime of original ownership
- Transferable: Yes - warranty transfers to subsequent homeowners
- Covers: Manufacturing defects in material and workmanship
- Does NOT cover: Damage from misuse, improper installation, outdoor use, heat damage, chemical damage, scratching from abrasives
- Claim process: Contact your authorized dealer, who coordinates with Cambria directly
To maintain warranty coverage:
- Installation must be performed by a Cambria-authorized fabricator
- Follow Cambria's care and maintenance guidelines
- Don't use the product outdoors (voids warranty immediately)
- Keep proof of purchase
Is Cambria Worth the Premium Price?
The honest assessment:
Yes, if:
- You specifically want a Cambria design that no other brand replicates
- Buying American-made products matters to you
- The lifetime transferable warranty adds perceived value for resale
- You're spending $40,000+ on a kitchen and the $1,000-$2,000 premium over Silestone is marginal
- You want the largest color selection in the quartz market
Maybe not, if:
- You're on a tight budget - MSI or LG Viatera offer comparable performance at $15-$30/sq ft less
- The specific pattern you like is available from a cheaper brand
- You're renovating a rental property or flip house where brand name doesn't affect property value
- You need availability at a home center for faster quoting and purchasing
FAQ
How much do Cambria countertops cost?
$70-$120/sq ft installed, depending on the design group and your region. A typical 40 sq ft kitchen runs $3,200-$5,200 before edge upgrades and backsplash.
Where is Cambria quartz made?
All Cambria products are manufactured at their two plants in Le Sueur and Eden Valley, Minnesota. They mine their own quartz in North America.
Is Cambria better than Silestone?
Cambria offers more colors, a longer warranty, and US manufacturing. Silestone costs less and includes antimicrobial technology. In terms of physical performance (hardness, stain resistance), they're comparable. "Better" depends on what you prioritize.
Can you buy Cambria at Home Depot?
No. Cambria is only available through their network of authorized dealers and fabrication shops. This is intentional - it keeps pricing consistent and ensures professional installation.
Does Cambria quartz stain?
Cambria is highly stain-resistant but not completely stain-proof. Prolonged exposure (12+ hours) to strong pigments like turmeric or permanent marker can leave marks. Normal kitchen use with reasonable cleanup habits won't cause staining.
Can I use Cambria outdoors?
No. UV exposure will cause discoloration over time, and outdoor use voids the warranty. Cambria is rated for indoor residential and commercial use only.
How does Cambria compare to natural marble?
Cambria's marble-look designs (Brittanicca, Ella) are visually convincing but differ in feel and performance. Cambria won't etch from lemon juice or wine like real marble. It requires zero sealing vs. marble's yearly sealing. Real marble has depth and translucency that quartz can't fully replicate.
What edge profiles does Cambria offer?
Standard edges include eased, beveled, and pencil round (often included in the price). Premium edges like ogee, bullnose, waterfall, and dupont cost $15-$40/linear foot extra. Your fabricator handles edge profiling.
How long does Cambria take to install?
After template appointment (1-2 weeks before install), fabrication takes 5-10 business days. Installation day takes 2-4 hours for a standard kitchen. Total timeline: 2-3 weeks from template to finished countertop.
Do Cambria countertops increase home value?
Quartz countertops in general add value to kitchens. Whether buyers distinguish between Cambria and other brands during a home purchase is debatable. The visual quality and condition of the countertop matters more than the brand name.
Is Cambria scratch-proof?
Scratch-resistant, not scratch-proof. Normal kitchen use won't scratch Cambria. Dragging a ceramic pot across the surface or cutting directly on it (don't) can leave marks. Use cutting boards.
How thick should Cambria countertops be?
3cm for kitchen countertops and any application with undermount sinks. 2cm works for backsplash, bathroom vanities with drop-in sinks, and vertical applications like wall cladding.
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Sources
- Cambria - Official Product Catalog and Technical Specifications (2025)
- Cambria - Warranty Terms and Conditions
- Natural Stone Institute - Engineered Quartz Manufacturing Standards
- Kitchen & Bath Business Magazine - Quartz Market Share Data (2024)
- HomeAdvisor - Quartz Countertop Installation Cost Guide (2025)
- Consumer Reports - Countertop Material Ratings (2024)