We love the article Melinda Fulmer of MSN Real Estate published.  We would have to agree that there are certainly a lot of overrated home improvement projects out there.  I meant who really needs an indoor bowling alley, basketball court or home theater?  Preferences that are really specific to your personal styles and tastes are not going to add to the overall value of your home.  However, upgrades to your kitchen and bathroom are always a hit.  There were very positive words for Quartz countertops!  Click here to read the full article on the 8 most overrated home improvement projects.

Pick up a copy of the August 2010 edition of Consumer Reports or click here to view a copy of the report.

Quartz topped the list with an overall performance rating of 87.  Cambria would be our recommendation in a Quartz surface.  Prices can range from $50 to $100 per square foot.  According to Consumer Reports, Quartz is BEST for busy kitchens and baths.  It’s stain- and heat-resistant and low-maintenance.  It doesn’t need sealing and is available in vibrant colors and in styles that mimic natural stone.  But edges and corners can chip.  Rounded edges help.  Stone finishes can appear more uniform than natural.

Laminate and Solid Surface countertops also performed well in the Consumer Reports August article.  Marble, Butcher block, and Limestone were at the bottom of the list.

Here is a listing of all the countertop surfaces ranked in the August 2010 article:

• Quartz
• Granite
• Tile (ceramic or porcelain)
• Laminate
• Solid surfacing
• Stainless steel
• Concrete
• Limestone
• Butcher block
• Marble

Cambria is committed to environmental responsibility in its product offerings and business practices.

Cambria Natural Quartz Surfaces™ have a lower “carbon footprint” compared with other quartz products.  Cambria is made from quartz primarily mined in North America.  Cambria is the only quartz product made in the United States.  It is produced and shipped from Minnesota to North American partners, then to the end user.  Other quartz products, primarily manufactured in the Middle East, Asia and Europe, require greater shipping and transportation resources than Cambria.

Cambria GREENGUARD Certification – Why it Matters -GREENGUARD certification offers consumers the independent assurance that Cambria has no impact on indoor quality.

GREENGUARD: Indoor Air Quality -Cambria is GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified® by the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI) under the GREENGUARD Standard for Low Emitting Products.  This accreditation means that Cambria meets the GEI’s indoor air standards for low chemical and particle emissions and may help projects achieve LEED points towards certification in the Indoor Environmental Quality category and/or the Materials and Resources category of various LEED Green Building Rating Systems.  Click here to download the Cambria Green Brochure.

National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) -For more than 60 years, NSF International has helped protect consumers by certifying products and writing standards for food, water, air and consumer goods.  As an independent, not-for-profit organization, NSF’s ongoing public health commitment is to encourage everyone to live safer.  Cambria meets NSF 51 Food Zone Compliance, its nonporous surface resists staining and prevents absorption of moisture and food materials which can harbor harmful bacteria.  Cambria doesn’t require sealing or maintenance to project its surface; it is naturally safe for your food preparation areas.

No chemical cleaners or sealers required -Cambria, unlike granite, is virtually worry-free and exceptionally easy to maintain.  Cambria is twice as strong as granite.  Granite is porous and subject to staining if not maintained with sealers, conditioners, cleaners, and wax.  Just wash Cambria with warm water.  It’s that simple.

Cambria is radon free and does not emit radiation into the air -Cambria surfaces have been tested for radon and radiation emissions.  The test confirms that Cambria Natural Quartz Surfaces™ have no emissions.

Cambria

This will be a short post, because quartz is virtually immune to damage and very easy to clean.

To clean, just wipe it with warm water.  It’s almost maintenance free!

There is very little maintenance required with quartz surfaces.  The superior hardness of quartz makes this countertop a good choice because it is not porous like granite.  With today’s busy lifestyles, quartz is becoming a popular choice for many homeowners.  It is resistant to stains like coffee, wine, vinegar, lemon juice and other common stain-producing products.  Because of this nonporous surface, these counters don’t have to be sealed in order to keep their shine.  Another benefit is that quartz countertops are very difficult to scorch.  However, the use of trivets and hot pads is recommended.

Cambria

Wilsonart HD

Wilsonart

Wilsonart® HD® is the result of the latest technological innovations that offer vast improvements combined with 3 times the wear resistance of the industry standard.  It’s a unique product that is much less expensive than solid surfacing, engineered stone, or granite.

Cambria

Cambria

Cambria is a natural, quartz surfacing product that has a variety of uses in your home such as countertops, floor tile, vanities, fireplace surrounds, wet bars, showers, etc.  It has the natural look and feel of granite, but with superior performance because of its strength and durability.  It

 is nonporous and will not absorb food and liquids like granite does.  And, best of all, it is maintenance free!

Meganite

Meganite

MEGANITE is a high performance acrylic solid surface material consisting of minerals, resins, and pigment.  Its unique formulation provides non-porous characteristics contributing to healthy, sustainable, and safe environments; indoor air quality, food safety, fire, chemical, and it is resistant to water and bacteria.

Cambria

BEAUTY - CAMBRIA is available in a wide variety of designer colors.  Cambria offers three distinct color collections that boast the natural beauty and variation of quarry cut stone.

STRONG – Diamond-like hardness, superior strength.  CAMBRIA is twice as strong as 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 has been certified by NSF International for food and splash zones.  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.

Cambria

GUARANTEED - CAMBRIA is the only producer of quartz surfaces in the United States.  CAMBRIA is covered by a Lifetime Limited Warranty.

See Cambria on You Tube by clicking here.