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Torquay Quartz Counter Top by Cambria

11 years ago

I'm finally able to replace my Mystic Moonlight laminate--which is wearing like iron, I must say.

Can you offer some suggestions for back splash options? If you have this color, what did you use?

The color is white/lightish with faint grayish swirls not super shiny but not matte/dull, somewhere in between. Sorry, no pics.

Is there some sort of rule on what materials to use or not use with quartz?

Sorry to be so clueless. I've usually researched something to death by now but just found this stuff and made the choice! I realize I can install the back splash after the fact but want to figure this out.

I'd love some sort of marble subway but would that go with the quartz product in general?

I only have one stretch of counter top because I have a small kitchen(white cabs). I'll be getting a Silgranit sink in the gray.

Thanks!

cx

Featured Answer

mpagmom (SW Ohio)

11 years ago

You can order a 12"x12" Torquay sample directly from Cambria. With shipping it is less than $25, and you can take that with you to some tile shops and see what you like with it.

Since Torquay has kind of a satin finish I think you could go with either honed or polished for the backsplash. I would try something like a mini-brick or a hexagonal tile to break up the marble pattern. Calacatta marble would bring in your beige wall color. I flipped through my files and here are some ideas. I threw in some ceramic and glass at the end. If any appeal to you I can try to find the info on them.

{{!gwi}}

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{{!gwi}}

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Comments (8)

mpagmom (SW Ohio)
11 years ago
What are your cabinets like? Have you chosen a wall color? I've considered Torquay so I may have some options for you.

I love the Silgranit gray with the Torquay - can't wait to see it!
2LittleFishies
11 years ago
Here are some photos of Torquay...

On the Bottom:

Last Sample:
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I have Cambria Torquay and use Clorox wipes on them all the time. I use them to wipe down my counters, then follow it up with Method granite polish from Target (LOVE that stuff!) There is absolutely no streaking, haze, residue, discoloration, etc. I frequently put hot items straight onto the countertop, but try to use a trivet or pot holder most of the time. I'm not super worried about it, but I figure it doesn't hurt to use a little extra caution. I was given the option of having the sink cut-out finished into a cutting board, so I used that for a long time as a tester of sorts. It has held up to all stains and temperatures I've subjected it to. I was advised by the installer to use a it of straight acetone for any stains that couldn't be removed with regular cleaner or by scraping with a razor blade. That was four years ago, and I have yet to find anything that didn't wipe right off. And that's saying something, because I have young children. I absolutely love my quartz counters and would buy them again in a heartbeat.
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2LittleFishies
11 years ago
Hi catkin-
I'd say something not too busy for sure. If you do a marble that barely has any veins, etc that could look nice. Some of them are kind of solid. I think the Quartz is quite shiny but I've only been looking at honed surfaces so that may be why.
The other products in my above photos are Danby Marble and Corian.
catkin
Original Author
11 years ago
mpagmom thanks! My cabinets are white and my walls are Pavilion Beige (at the moment). I've seen pics of the gray Silgranit sink and it is indeed lovely!

Fishies thanks for posting those pics! I've seen the 12" x 12" sample but nothing bigger in person--I really like it and yes, it is a little shiny!
I love your suggestion of pale marble--should I go honed or polished? I'm thinking honed? I only have one 13' stretch I'm doing in the Torquay. I have another section of counter top that I'll be doing and I'm thinking some sort of wood top.

Thanks so much!

If anyone has Torquay has any pics of Torquay in your home, I'd be thrilled to see them!
catkin
Original Author
11 years ago
mp thanks so much! You are very talented!

I love all the pics and especially lurve the calacatta--always have! I wasn't sure I could introduce it because of the gold color. Upon further inspection, the Torquay has sort of taupey, putty swirls with the gray. So you really think it'd go with the quartz?

If I could find calacatta in a 2 x 6 and/or 2 x 8 I would be thrilled! I've been looking for carrara in this size and haven't had much luck. I really like that sort of irregular stacked look like your third pic.

Thanks again for your help.
mpagmom (SW Ohio)
11 years ago
You'll just have to see how the calacatta looks with it. I have a carrara mini-brick sample and I thought it looked too white with the torquay. I was planning for torquay on the island and carrara on the backsplash, and I wonder if any of the marbles would look good if they are right up next to each torquay. I think the key might be to use a mosaic with small enough tiles that you aren't seeing the marble veining. You'll just have to try different tiles and see if any work. I'll post a link to the website with the irregular one - that's one of my favorites, too. I also really like the 2"x12" field tile with silver medley gemstones in the last picture. Those are Jeffrey Court tiles, and if you go to their website you might find something you love. They are expensive, but if you have a small space it isn't so bad.

Here is a link that might be useful: Calacatta marble tile
catkin
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks again! I'm off to check it out. I'll need to travel to look at tiles in person and that will be some time in the Spring but the counters will go in first of course Can't wait! i may send for some samples in the mean time.

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