You are in the market for new countertops, or maybe you are just in the planning stages of a remodel or new build. You have questions about the process of choosing and purchasing your new countertops. We are here to help. Below are a few frequently asked questions, and the answers to those questions. And you can always call us for further information
Q: What types of countertops do you make?
A: We fabricate laminate and solid surface tops right here in our shop.
Q: What is the difference between laminate & solid surface?
A. Laminate is often referred to as "Formica", which is actually a brand of laminate. Tops made from laminate can be fully formed - meaning the front edge is rounded, the back of the top where the splash begins can be coved (or rounded), and the top of the splash is also rounded. We offer other edge details as well - 180 degree bullnose, self-edged, wood-edged and laminate beveled edge. We can skip the backsplash if you want to put tile up on the wall behind the tops.
Laminate is the least expensive way to create your new countertops, and there are hundreds of colors and patterns available to choose from. When you are deciding on a color, we encourage you to take samples home and try them in your space - your surroundings and lighting are far different than here in our office, and we want you to be sure that your new tops complement your cabinets, flooring, wall color, etc.
Laminate carries a 1 year warranty against material defects.
Solid Surface is 100% acrylic, poured into sheets that are 30" x 144" x 1/2" thick. We cut and fabricate this material right here on site into countertops. You have 3 companies and dozens of colors to choose from. These are not the same as quartz countertops - they are not stone. They will scratch, but we teach you how to care for your tops so that you will enjoy them and use them for many years to come. Some of the advantages of these tops are that in most of the patterns available, you will not see the seams - they are imperceptible. Also, the material goes all the way through, and is non-porous, so "stains" sit on top of the material. All solid surface can be sanded out and made to look like new again - which is especially nice if you are using it for a rental or if you are planning on selling your home in a few years. You can also purchase a solid surface sink and have it undermounted, which means you will see the seam but you won't feel it! (Ask us about LG Hi-Mac's Sink-Into-Freedom program where you can get your sink for free and only pay for the installation of it)
Solid Surface carries a 10 or 15 year warranty, depending on the company.
Solid Surface generally costs about 2 1/2 - 3 times more than laminate countertops.
Q: How do I start the process of getting a quote?
A: It's helpful if you can either bring in or email or fax us a sketch of the countertop layout. Measure the full length of your existing tops or cabinets at the back - and don't stop at the sink! If you have a slide-in range or cooktop, don't stop there either. If you have a free standing range, measure the tops on either side of it. Kitchen countertops are usually 25 1/2" deep because cabinets are usually 24" deep. If you have a bar or peninsula, we'll need to know how deep it is. Don't stress over this process!! It should only take you a few minutes. We are just trying to get a general idea of the layout and length of tops so we can give you an estimate. If you like our price, then we can come out and do a final measure to ensure you are getting exactly what you need.
Q: Do you measure? Do you deliver? Do you install? Can I just pick up my tops and install them myself?
A: The answer to all of these questions is "Yes". We charge to measure to ensure that your new tops are just right. It's your guarantee that if we mess us, we'll be responsible for taking care of our mistake. If you want us to fabricate countertops to your measurements, we cannot guarantee if they don't fit because you haven't measured correctly.
Q: How long does it take from ordering countertops until they are done and ready for install?
A: It usually takes a couple of weeks, depending what else is in front of your job in the shop.
Q: Can I install them myself?
A: Yes, that's not a problem for laminate countertops. For solid surface, for there to be a warranty, we must do the installation.
Q: How and when do I pay?
A: We require 1/3 down in the form of check or cash when you order tops that we will be installing. The balance is expected by check or cash on the day of the install. If you are picking up the tops, we require 1/2 down and the balance when you pick them up. We do not accept credit or debit cards to save you some money - the fees really add up, and we want to help you keep costs down.
Q: Do you install my sink and hook up my plumbing?
A: No, we do not. We will cut the hole for the sink, if that's part of the estimate, but we cannot do any plumbing.
Q:
Q: What types of countertops do you make?
A: We fabricate laminate and solid surface tops right here in our shop.
Q: What is the difference between laminate & solid surface?
A. Laminate is often referred to as "Formica", which is actually a brand of laminate. Tops made from laminate can be fully formed - meaning the front edge is rounded, the back of the top where the splash begins can be coved (or rounded), and the top of the splash is also rounded. We offer other edge details as well - 180 degree bullnose, self-edged, wood-edged and laminate beveled edge. We can skip the backsplash if you want to put tile up on the wall behind the tops.
Laminate is the least expensive way to create your new countertops, and there are hundreds of colors and patterns available to choose from. When you are deciding on a color, we encourage you to take samples home and try them in your space - your surroundings and lighting are far different than here in our office, and we want you to be sure that your new tops complement your cabinets, flooring, wall color, etc.
Laminate carries a 1 year warranty against material defects.
Solid Surface is 100% acrylic, poured into sheets that are 30" x 144" x 1/2" thick. We cut and fabricate this material right here on site into countertops. You have 3 companies and dozens of colors to choose from. These are not the same as quartz countertops - they are not stone. They will scratch, but we teach you how to care for your tops so that you will enjoy them and use them for many years to come. Some of the advantages of these tops are that in most of the patterns available, you will not see the seams - they are imperceptible. Also, the material goes all the way through, and is non-porous, so "stains" sit on top of the material. All solid surface can be sanded out and made to look like new again - which is especially nice if you are using it for a rental or if you are planning on selling your home in a few years. You can also purchase a solid surface sink and have it undermounted, which means you will see the seam but you won't feel it! (Ask us about LG Hi-Mac's Sink-Into-Freedom program where you can get your sink for free and only pay for the installation of it)
Solid Surface carries a 10 or 15 year warranty, depending on the company.
Solid Surface generally costs about 2 1/2 - 3 times more than laminate countertops.
Q: How do I start the process of getting a quote?
A: It's helpful if you can either bring in or email or fax us a sketch of the countertop layout. Measure the full length of your existing tops or cabinets at the back - and don't stop at the sink! If you have a slide-in range or cooktop, don't stop there either. If you have a free standing range, measure the tops on either side of it. Kitchen countertops are usually 25 1/2" deep because cabinets are usually 24" deep. If you have a bar or peninsula, we'll need to know how deep it is. Don't stress over this process!! It should only take you a few minutes. We are just trying to get a general idea of the layout and length of tops so we can give you an estimate. If you like our price, then we can come out and do a final measure to ensure you are getting exactly what you need.
Q: Do you measure? Do you deliver? Do you install? Can I just pick up my tops and install them myself?
A: The answer to all of these questions is "Yes". We charge to measure to ensure that your new tops are just right. It's your guarantee that if we mess us, we'll be responsible for taking care of our mistake. If you want us to fabricate countertops to your measurements, we cannot guarantee if they don't fit because you haven't measured correctly.
Q: How long does it take from ordering countertops until they are done and ready for install?
A: It usually takes a couple of weeks, depending what else is in front of your job in the shop.
Q: Can I install them myself?
A: Yes, that's not a problem for laminate countertops. For solid surface, for there to be a warranty, we must do the installation.
Q: How and when do I pay?
A: We require 1/3 down in the form of check or cash when you order tops that we will be installing. The balance is expected by check or cash on the day of the install. If you are picking up the tops, we require 1/2 down and the balance when you pick them up. We do not accept credit or debit cards to save you some money - the fees really add up, and we want to help you keep costs down.
Q: Do you install my sink and hook up my plumbing?
A: No, we do not. We will cut the hole for the sink, if that's part of the estimate, but we cannot do any plumbing.
Q: