How Quartz Compares


Selecting the ideal countertop surface is one of the most important decisions in any design or renovation project. Explore our side-by-side guide to discover how quartz surfaces compare to other stone and alternative options—including granite, marble, quartzite, porcelain, soapstone, and concrete. Here you can learn about the key differences in appearance, durability, stain resistance, maintenance, and long-term value.

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Which Countertop Material Is Best for My Project?

There are many factors to consider when choosing your countertop surface. For instance, be sure to compare the hardness of each material, and how well it stands up to scratches, chips, and stains.

Countertop Material Comparison

This table compares the functional and aesthetic characteristics of quartz countertops against other popular countertops materials: marble, granite, soapstone and porcelain.
Attribute Cambria natural quartz Granite Marble Porcelain Soapstone
Chip resistant
check_circle Highly chip resistant 
check_circle Chip resistant, susceptible under heavy impact on edge
Softer, prone to chips
Prone to chips that cannot be repaired
Softer, prone to chips
Scratch resistant
check_circle Highly scratch resistant
check_circle Scratch resistant for everyday use
Softer, prone to scratches
check_circle Scratch resistant
Softer, prone to scratches
Hardness (MOHS scale)
check_circle Consistent; 7/10
Variable; 3–7/10
Variable; 3–5
check_circle Consistent; 7/10
Variable; 1–4.5/10
Quartz content
check_circle 93%
40–60%
10–15%
20–25%
<1%
Nonporous
check_circle Nonporous
Porous
Porous
check_circle Nonporous
check_circle Nonporous
Maintenance free
check_circle Never needs sealing
Requires regular sealing
Requires regular sealing
check_circle Never needs sealing
Requires regular oiling to prevent staining
Stain resistant
check_circle Stain resistant without sealing
Requires regular sealing
Requires regular sealing
check_circle Stain resistant without sealing
Requires regular oiling to prevent staining
NSF-51 food safe certified
check_circle Yes, NSF-51 compliant
No, unless properly sealed
Not consistently, dependent on manufacturer and sealing
No
Variable
Wide range of colors and designs
check_circle Quartz offers a wide range of colors and designs. Cambria is a leader in design innovation.
Variable patterns, limiting matching and design choices
Variable patterns, limiting matching and design choices
Surface designs do not run through slab. Customized with different colors, patterns, and finishes.
Variable patterns, limiting matching and design choices
Design consistency
check_circle Fully consistent from slab to slab
Not consistent from slab to slab
Not consistent from slab to slab
Surface-level only
Not consistent from slab to slab
Warranty
check_circle All Cambria surfaces covered by transferable Full Lifetime Warranty
Variable
Variable, limited warranty
Variable
Variable, limited warranty
This table compares the functional and aesthetic characteristics of quartz countertops against other popular countertops materials: marble, granite, soapstone and porcelain.
Cambria natural quartz Granite Marble Porcelain Soapstone
Chip resistant
check_circle Highly chip resistant 
check_circle Chip resistant, susceptible under heavy impact on edge
Softer, prone to chips
Prone to chips that cannot be repaired
Softer, prone to chips
Scratch resistant
check_circle Highly scratch resistant
check_circle Scratch resistant for everyday use
Softer, prone to scratches
check_circle Scratch resistant
Softer, prone to scratches
Hardness (MOHS scale)
check_circle Consistent; 7/10
Variable; 3–7/10
Variable; 3–5
check_circle Consistent; 7/10
Variable; 1–4.5/10
Quartz content
check_circle 93%
40–60%
10–15%
20–25%
<1%
Nonporous
check_circle Nonporous
Porous
Porous
check_circle Nonporous
check_circle Nonporous
Maintenance free
check_circle Never needs sealing
Requires regular sealing
Requires regular sealing
check_circle Never needs sealing
Requires regular oiling to prevent staining
Stain resistant
check_circle Stain resistant without sealing
Requires regular sealing
Requires regular sealing
check_circle Stain resistant without sealing
Requires regular oiling to prevent staining
NSF-51 food safe certified
check_circle Yes, NSF-51 compliant
No, unless properly sealed
Not consistently, dependent on manufacturer and sealing
No
Variable
Wide range of colors and designs
check_circle Quartz offers a wide range of colors and designs. Cambria is a leader in design innovation.
Variable patterns, limiting matching and design choices
Variable patterns, limiting matching and design choices
Surface designs do not run through slab. Customized with different colors, patterns, and finishes.
Variable patterns, limiting matching and design choices
Design consistency
check_circle Fully consistent from slab to slab
Not consistent from slab to slab
Not consistent from slab to slab
Surface-level only
Not consistent from slab to slab
Warranty
check_circle All Cambria surfaces covered by transferable Full Lifetime Warranty
Variable
Variable, limited warranty
Variable
Variable, limited warranty

Learn More About Countertop Materials

Explore more deeply how quartz compares specifically with granite, marble, porcelain, quartzite, and more.

How Are Cambria Quartz Surfaces Different?

Quartz is a natural stone and one of the hardest, most abundant minerals on Earth. Surfaces made from quartz are extremely durable, easy to maintain, and resist scratches, chips, and stains.

Appearance

Quartz countertops offer a wide range of consistent designs, colors, and patterns, ideal for any space aesthetic and ensuring a uniform look from slab to slab. They are often preferred for this versatility, effortlessly fitting in various space styles and color schemes. Cambria is known as an industry leader in design and innovation.

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Maintenance Free

Designed for simple care, Cambria natural quartz countertops are nonporous, stain resistant, and NSF-51 certified for food safety. This eliminates the need for sealing—a quick wipe with warm water, a soft cotton cloth, and mild soap, if desired, is all it takes to clean.

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Durability

Quartz is strong enough to endure the demands of everyday life and stands up to daily use with ease. While it resists chips, scratches, and stains, like any stone surface, quartz surfaces need protection from sudden shifts in temperature. Always use a trivet or hot pad. Cambria surfaces are protected by a transferable Full Lifetime Warranty.

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Environmentally Friendly

From our owned mines to your home, we manage every step to be good environmental stewards. By prioritizing sustainability, we have reduced our footprint while delivering pure, natural quartz surfaces that create a healthier living space for your family.

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American Made

Proudly family owned and American made, our surfaces are designed and made right here in the U.S. Our dedicated artisans bring uncompromising craftsmanship to every slab, ensuring the highest standards of quality. Our domestic supply chain provides reliable delivery, and we offer exceptional, U.S.-based customer service.

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Price

While upfront cost is always an important consideration when selecting surface materials, true value includes the entire life of the product. Consider all these factors when you make your investment. You’ll want to consider long-term factors like maintenance requirements, stain and scratch resistance, and warranty protection when making your decision.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do Cambria quartz surfaces stain?

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 quartz surface a natural stone?

Cambria is made from pure natural quartz, pigments, and binders. Quartz is the extremely hard mineral that gives Cambria its strength. Our unique process results in a quartz product of elegance, style, and superior durability.

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. Cambria is scratch resistant; however, no stone surface is scratch-proof. Surface markings are more visible on monotone designs than multicolored surfaces.

Do Cambria quartz countertops require care and maintenance?

No, keeping with its care-free promise, Cambria requires no sealing, polishing, or reconditioning. Simply wipe with warm water, a soft cotton cloth, and mild soap, if desired. Due to its nonabsorbent nature, it does NOT require regular sealing and is stain resistant.

Where can I see Cambria on display?

Cambria is available nationwide at local/regional kitchen and bath dealer showrooms, fabricator showrooms, appliance centers, build/design centers, and model homes—as well as our very own Cambria galleries and slab showrooms. We work only with exclusive partners who meet premium service and installation standards. Check out our dealer locator for a location near you.

See Our Natural Quartz Designs in Person

Experience the Cambria Difference up close at a Cambria showroom near you.

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