As an award-winning homebuilder, Buffington Homes takes great pride in the quality of our construction and the materials we use, which is why we're excited to now offer Cambria quartz countertops and surfaces. Quartz has a stunning appeal and is one of the hardest and most abundant materials in nature. Add to that, there are many benefits of Cambria quartz specifically that make it the perfect, long-term choice for a home.
Since Cambria will be available as an upgrade in all of our new builds, we want homeowners to fully understand what it is and how it's different from the other options we carry. To get the best information, we went directly to the source. We visited with our friendly rep to talk about all things Cambria. Below is the rundown to help you make the best decision for your home.
Who and what is Cambria?
Cambria is the industry-leading producer of natural quartz surfaces. Family-owned and American-made, Cambria quartz countertops combine innovative design and durability for a lifetime of beauty. Going on 22 years in business, Cambria is defined by its midwestern values, promise of quality, commitment to sustainability, and focus on customers.
They're so confident in their product, they back it up with a transferable Full Lifetime Warranty! That means a Cambria specialist will repair any damages at no charge for the lifetime of the product. No other countertop we offer at Buffington provides this level of confidence and coverage.
Where is Cambria quartz made?
Cambria is located in Le Sueur, Minnesota. It's owned and operated by the Davis family, third-generation dairy farmers with a long history in the food and manufacturing industries. One of the most distinctive things about Cambria is they are the only quartz surface-mined and produced in America.
Since quartz is found in geological environments throughout the world, most producers import their quartz from other countries. Cambria chooses to get their quartz from their own mines located in North America. This ensures they know firsthand the level of quality they're delivering with their product. It also ensures they have direct access to quartz, which is a significant advantage right now with many companies suffering from supply chain delays.
Is Cambria different from other quartz surfaces?
Yes, it's important to know that not all quartz surfaces are equal. Because of its strength and abundance, quartz is a popular and reliable choice for countertops. They're sometimes referred to as "man-made," but quartz is in fact a natural stone. The amount of natural quartz in a slab depends on the quartz manufacturer. Cambria has among the highest concentrations of pure quartz to ensure strong, compact slabs. They use 93% raw material with the remaining 7% being pigment and resin that adds to its extreme durability.
Recently, quartz countertops have surpassed granite as the top surface choice. The engineered stone is one of the most popular alternatives to natural stone because of its brilliance, beauty, and brawn. Quartz is twice as hard as granite and three times as hard as marble, making it the most durable choice out of the three.
With granite and marble, you never quite know what you will get. Since colors and patterns vary greatly in nature, each stone slab will look different. Because Cambria quartz is a natural product that is man-made, it's easy to emulate the gorgeous look of marble or granite with ease and consistency. With Cambria, what you see in the design studio is what you can expect in your new home.
One additional benefit of quartz is how sustainable it is. Granite and marble are hard to get in nature. The abundance of quartz, and its ability to regrow faster, lessen the environmental impact.
What maintenance is required for Cambria countertops?
None! Cambria is maintenance-free, which means that, unlike granite or marble, Cambria quartz never needs to be chemically polished or sealed, saving you time and money each year. It's also uniquely resistant to stains and discoloration. It's virtually impenetrable - even with heavy use.
How do you clean and sanitize Cambria countertops?
Cambria's nonporous surface makes it impossible for bacteria to penetrate and grow. In fact, Cambria is as hygienic as stainless steel and certified as safe for use as a food preparation surface. Because of this, there's no need for harsh, abrasive chemicals to clean or treat your Cambria countertops.
You simply wash your surface with a soft cotton cloth and warm water. While there are special "quartz cleaners" on the market, they are not recommended and could end up causing buildup on your surfaces. If you do choose to use a soap, it's best to go with a common dish soap like Dawn or an all-purpose surface cleaner like Simply Green.
Is Cambria heat resistant for pots and pans in the kitchen?
Like all natural stone countertops, quartz can be damaged by sudden changes in temperature. Potholders and trivets should be used to protect a quartz countertop from anything hot, including slow cookers, Instant Pots, and air fryers.
What design selections are available at Buffington Homes?
One of the perks of building with Buffington is access to our exclusive design studio. Our designers help you select from a wide range of designs to help you personalize your home inside and out. When it comes to countertops, you have a choice between granite and quartz, with Cambria being our newest line of quartz options.
Our design studio currently has 13 Cambria selections available, which include: Britannicca, Ella, Colton, Waverton, Portrush, Hemsworth, Blackwood, Armitage, Carrick, Dunmore, Berwyn, Risegate, and Mammoth Cave. Click on any of the links to see the colors and patterns. We also have samples in our studio that you can see during your design appointment.
Cambria quartz is such a special addition to our growing lineup of selections. Our studio manager, Ashley Goode, added, "Buffington strives to offer the most beautiful designs and options for our buyers, and we are so excited to be able to offer Cambria in our studio. When you select Cambria, you know you are getting the finest quartz!"
Cambria is one more way we're helping homeowners personalize a home they will truly love for years to come. If you're ready to build, we'd love to help. Here's how to get started!
