Quartz countertops have become incredibly popular in kitchens and bathrooms over the past couple of decades. Their durability, low maintenance, and customizability have made them a go-to choice for many homeowners and designers. But what company first created quartz countertops and brought them to the mass market?
The History of Quartz Countertops
While natural quartz surfaces have been around for ages, engineered quartz was developed in the 1960s by DuPont scientists looking for a use for excess quartz. They combined ground quartz with resins and other materials to create a solid, durable surface material that could withstand high temperatures, stains, and scratches.
In the late 1980s, an Israeli company called Caesarstone began manufacturing engineered quartz slabs specifically designed for countertop use. They branded their product under the Caesarstone name and worked to increase its popularity in kitchen and bath design.
Cambria – The Leading Quartz Brand
Although Caesarstone was first, the company that really put quartz countertops on the map in the United States is Cambria. Founded in Le Sueur, Minnesota in 2000, Cambria has become the leading American producer of natural quartz surfaces.
Cambria’s founders saw the potential for quartz’s superior performance compared to laminate and solid surface options popular at the time. They began manufacturing quartz slabs and marketing them to builders, remodelers, and homeowners under the Cambria brand name.
Over the past 20+ years, Cambria has become known industry-wide for its quality, service, and huge variety of designs. It operates production facilities in the US as well as Canada and is now a subsidiary of Cambria Holdings LLC.
Cambria’s Design & Technology
One of the things that sets Cambria apart is its commitment to design. Cambria has over 140 different quartz designs, ranging from solid colors to patterns that mimic natural stone, concrete, wood, and other materials. New designs are constantly added based on current trends.
Cambria also utilizes the latest technology to create an extremely durable and resilient product. Their quartz surfaces are made from about 93% crushed quartz combined with resins and pigments under intense hydraulic pressure. This makes a non-porous material that resists staining, scratching, and heat up to 425°F.
Compared to natural stone, Cambria’s quartz countertops are essentially maintenance-free. They don’t need regular sealing and are simple to clean. Cambria provides a limited lifetime warranty to back up their product’s quality and durability.
Cambria’s Popularity and Accomplishments
Today, Cambria quartz can be found in thousands of kitchens and bathrooms across North America. Builders and remodelers often use Cambria quartz as a higher-end option to elevate their projects.
Cambria has received many accolades from leading industry publications. It is the only American company to win the Best Quartz Manufacturer award from the US Commerce Association multiple times. Cambria’s designs are also displayed in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum.
From a small Minnesota startup to an award-winning leader in the quartz industry, Cambria has undoubtedly made its mark. Their innovation and focus on quality helped bring engineered quartz into the limelight as a go-to countertop material. So while they weren’t the very first, Cambria can certainly be credited with making quartz countertops mainstream in the US residential market.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cambria Quartz Countertops
Here are answers to some common questions about Cambria quartz:
What makes Cambria different from other quartz brands?
Cambria has a several unique advantages:
- Huge variety of proprietary designs – 140+ options not found elsewhere
- Made in the USA from American raw materials
- Focus on technological innovation to enhance durability
- Excellent customer service and warranty
- Displayed in the Smithsonian design collection
How durable and heat-resistant are Cambria quartz countertops?
Cambria quartz is engineered to be extremely strong and heat-resistant:
- Resists scratches, stains, and burns better than granite
- Can withstand direct heat up to 425°F
- Non-porous so it won’t harbor bacteria
- Stays looking like new for years with simple care
Does Cambria have designs that look like natural stone?
Yes, Cambria has many designs that mimic marble, granite, soapstone, travertine, and other natural stones. These include Brittanicca, Langdon, and Ironsbridge. They provide the look of stone with extra durability.
Can Cambria quartz be used outdoors?
Cambria is not recommended for outdoor installation. It is an interior surface and prolonged UV exposure can cause fading or surface changes over time.
Does Cambria offer any eco-friendly quartz options?
Yes, Cambria’s Britannica, Marke, Ella, and Annicca designs feature up to 40% recycled content. This makes them a greener choice. Their facilities also recycle nearly all water used in production.
Conclusion
While not the original creator of engineered quartz, Cambria has played a pivotal role in popularizing quartz countertops. Their innovative technology, quality materials, and vast selection of designs have made them a preferred brand. Driven by a commitment to world-class service and craftsmanship, Cambria has undoubtedly become a leader in the quartz surfaces industry over the past 20+ years.