Frequently Asked Questions

The below list is of Frequently Asked Questions. If you cannot find the answer to the question you have below, please contact us at (905) 795-1365 or through email at info@jdcountertop.com so we can answer your questions ASAP.
What is Cambria?

Cambria is a natural, quartz surfacing product that has a variety of uses in your home or business such as countertops, 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 feature superior performance because of Cambria’s strength and durability. It is 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 nonporous 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 is Cambria different from other quartz surfaces?

Cambria is the only American company in the quartz surfaces business. Cambria’s design options are also significantly different, reflecting our knowledge and responsiveness to the marketplace. Additionally, Cambria is a family-owned company with more than 60 years of manufacturing experience.

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 a natural stone?

Yes. Cambria is pure natural quartz. Quartz is the extremely hard mineral that gives Cambria its strength. Granite is only about 40% to 60% quartz, along with other softer minerals and impurities. Our unique process results in a natural stone product of uncommon beauty and superior strength. It’s stronger than granite and is nonporous.

Is Cambria made or manufactured in plant?

The Cambria 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 recreate slabs that are nonporous, 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, desk tops, 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 – Cambria is available in more than 120 designs. These distinct designs boast the natural beauty and variation of quarry cut stone.

STRONG – Diamond-like hardness, superior strength. Cambria is stronger than granite.

MAINTENANCE-FREE – No sealing or polishing required. Simply wash it with warm water, use mild soap if desired. It’s that simple.

FOOD SAFE – Cambria is nonporous and is NSF 51 certified for food and splash zone use. Rest assured, there is no safer surface for consumers.

STAIN RESISTANT – Cambria will resist stains from common household items such as coffee, tea and wine.

GUARANTEED – Cambria also offers a Lifetime Limited Warranty.

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 nonporous 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 multi-colored surfaces.

Does Cambria withstand heat? Can I put a hot pan or port 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, and some crock-pots or 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 nonporous and is NSF* 51 certified for food and splash zones in commercial 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 150+ designs. View our collection to see the variety of our design selection.

Does the color go all the way through the Cambria product?

Yes, Cambria’s natural quartz and rich colors go all the way through the material.

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 us at (905) 795-1365 for any questions they may have.

Is Cambria seamless?

Cambria is a natural stone product that does require seams for any application longer than 119″ or wider than 54.5″ or 131″ x 64.5″ if slab sizes permit. 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 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.

How do I assure an accurate measure or template of my countertop area?

All cabinets must be installed and in the same plane. Also, sinks, faucet fixtures, and cook tops 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.

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.

Who will remove my old countertop?

Unless it is pre-arranged 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.

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.

Do you offer a warranty? What does the warranty include?

Cambria offers a Full Lifetime Warranty, which lasts the entire length of the product’s life, and is transferable to subsequent owners. Learn More

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 stone 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.

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