Selection Questions
Scheduling an appointment is not necessary, but walk-ins will be dealt with on a first come, first serve basis. If you want to schedule an appointment, call (309) 928-2848 or go to the “Get in Touch” tab.
Please bring a sketch and measurements of your countertop layout. Bringing the other samples that will be in the room is helpful when selecting a countertop color, i.e. cabinet doors, flooring, backsplash, paint, etc.
Maxwell Counters offers laminate countertops which the option of DIY install is available. However, take into consideration the project and your woodworking experience. Some materials require a certified fabricator/installer to install the countertops for the warranty coverage to be applicable.
Yes. We sell a variety of sinks and faucets from manufacturers such as Elkay, Delta, Corian and Karran.
Laminate Specific Questions
Plastic laminate is made from layers of paper that are first impregnated with resin and then bonded together under pressure and high temperature—forming a thin, rigid sheet. Branded manufacturers of laminate such as Formica, Wilsonart, Pionite, and Nevamar are glued to a wood substrate typically for countertops. At Maxwell Counters, we carry an assortment of over 200 stock colors and textures.
There is no one “best” finish in regards to durability of laminate finishes. A particular finish may wear better depending on the level of usage. All laminates are vulnerable to chips, excessive heat, cracks, and scratches when not properly cared for.
Laminate is a thin material and requires proper maintenance. Unfortunately, chips, burns, cracks, and scratches cannot be repaired and a replacement countertop is recommended. Please see our Care & Maintenance tips for preventative maintenance of laminate countertops.
Maxwell Counters offers two collections of laminate countertops. Our Post-Form Collection is a series that can be heated and bent to create integral backsplashes and wrapped front profiles. From this collection we have numerous varied profiles—from the simplicity of our 180° bullnose to the practicality of a roundover.
The next collection is our Self-Edge Collection. This process of lamination allows for custom shapes and sizes that cannot be achieved with our post-form process. Only attached backsplashes are possible with this process. With few limitations, we can apply wood accented edges in oak or maple, beveled to bull-nosed, to the durability of solid surface edging.
Depending on the size and shape of your countertops a seam may be inevitable. Corner seams in post-form countertops are most common, as it is easier to hide and in most cases is far from the sink and other plumbed fixtures. If you have a corner sink self-edge laminate is the best option to keep seams far from water run-off.
With the use of an attached solid surface ring select sinks can be under mounted to laminate countertops with an accent. If you are looking for a seamless solution, your best option would be to purchase a Karran Edge Series sink which can be mounted directly to the laminate for that seamless look.
Quartz Specific Questions
Engineered stone is a quartz product. Pure quartz (mined from the earth) is combined with pigments and resins to create slabs that are non-porous, strong, and rival the beauty of quarry stones. This combination of quartz and resin is what eliminates the need to seal quartz, unlike natural stones.
Generally, quartz is very heat resistant, but it depends on “how hot” an object is. We recommend the use of a hot pad or trivet to protect your investment in quartz countertops.
Under normal use, it is unlikely that your quartz countertop will chip. The edges are more susceptible to chipping than the middle of the surface, and if struck with enough force (e.g., a heavy pot) a chip can occur. Such occurrences are not covered by any manufacturing warranty but are usually repairable, depending on the size of the chip.
The size and shape of your countertop will determine if a seam is required. If a seam is necessary, it will not be as seamless as solid surface countertops are. We do our best to avoid the use of seams whenever possible, but when unavoidable our seams are consistently the best in the industry.
Quartz countertops are composed of roughly 93% natural quartz. Variation in the natural stone (quartz) color, pattern, size, shape, and shade are inherent and unique characteristics to be expected with quartz products.
3cm is equivalent to almost 1 1/4 inches.
Quartz is non-porous and never needs to be sealed.
It is not recommended to cut on stone countertops. Though they are very durable and can take the abuse of a knife cutting on the surface, we recommend to prevent any damage to the countertops or your knives and use a cutting board.
Solid Surface Specific Questions
Solid surface is an acrylic product consistently colored all the way through and typically made in ½” thick sheets. At Maxwell Counters we feature Corian by DuPont and HiMacs by LG Hausys. Solid surface is non-porous, meaning that stains can’t penetrate the surface and neither can mold, mildew, or bacteria. Solid surface is also repairable and renewable.
The material itself is 1/2 inch thick but the edge is laminated to 1 1/2 inches. As Maxwell Counters is a custom countertop company, custom edge options are available upon request
All acrylic or polyester solid surfaces are susceptible to damage from heat. We recommend the use of trivets or a hot pad when setting hot objects on any countertop.
Solid surface sinks are made from the same high quality acrylic material as the countertops. They are stain resistant and very durable but not 100% impervious to staining or cracking. Since Solid Surface is non-porous, stains are usually surface stains and can be buffed out with a Scotch Brite pad. Cracks are rare but can be caused by repeated heat stresses (e.g., pouring a vat of boiling pasta into a colander) so we recommend tempering your sink by running hot water from the tap before pouring boiling water down the drain.
Much like a piece of wood, solid surface is cut and pieced together to fit any lay-out or kitchen design. Although it is cut and pieced together any joints are glued, sanded and polished to provide a one piece surface. Although inconspicuous, depending on the design of the material you may notice faint lines where the surface was pieced together. In the end, your solid surface countertops will be a seamless and low maintenance addition to your home.
Template & Measure Questions
A template is a digital rendering of what your new countertops will look like, fit to the walls and cabinets in your home. During this appointment, a measure technician will inspect your cabinets and walls, take measurements with a digital device, review all the details of your job and answer any final questions you may have before your countertops are produced.
There are many factors that go into choosing the correct placement of your countertop geometry and aesthetics are certainly one of them. We are always sensitive to aesthetic concerns and do a great job of avoiding the less pleasing areas of a slab but we do not layout templates on individual slabs of our materials, since quartz is manufactured and consistent.
Please have your countertops cleared prior to the measure technician’s arrival and have all sinks, faucets, soap dispensers, hot/cold water dispensers, cooktops, dishwashers, refrigerators, and any other appliances on site. Also, a decision-maker over the age of 18 (preferably the Homeowner) must be present for the duration of the measure, which lasts approximately two hours.
Depending on the type of countertop, production times will vary. Maxwell Counters can generally install 8 working days after we template. Please speak to a representative for lead times on specific materials.
Yes. A decision-maker, preferably one of the homeowners needs to be at home for the duration of the template. This person is needed to answer any questions about kitchen usage, lifestyle, and design requirements in their space so that Maxwell Counters can provide the best finished product for your project.
Installation Questions
No. Maxwell Counters offers an expert installation team to ensure that your new countertop is installed correctly and on time.
Please have your countertops cleared prior to the installation crews arrival and have all sinks, faucets, soap dispensers, hot/cold water dispensers, cooktops, dishwashers, refrigerators, and any other appliances on site, and out of the way. If appliances and fixtures are existing, please have them disconnected and removed to prevent any accidental damages. Because the material is awkward and heavy, we request that a clear path with lots of room is provided and that the workspace is vacant. Finally, a decision-maker over the age of 18 (preferably the Homeowner) must be present for the duration of the install, which lasts approximately three to four hours.
Yes. Maxwell Counters install crews will install the sink onto your countertop and ensure fit and finish of taps in the surface. However, since we are not licensed plumbers, we cannot disconnect/reconnect any plumbing.
A decision-maker over the age of 18 must be present, preferably one of the homeowners, should be at home for the duration of the install. This person is needed to answer any questions about touch-up and finish, any questions regarding fixtures and appliances, and for final inspection and sign-off.
Sink & Faucet Questions
Maxwell Counters offers the service of removal and reinstall of countertops and other accessories (excluding plumbing). Be sure to confirm this when placing the order, as this service will require more time on site at install.
Maxwell Counters crews will mount the sink (excluding top mounts) and ensure the sink and faucet fit, but we cannot hook up any plumbing.
Since we are not licensed plumbers, Maxwell Counters cannot hook up any plumbing. Please contact a representative for contact information on plumbers.
Maintenance Questions
With any surface, mild soap and warm water is always the best method, to maintaining your beautiful new countertops. For difficult to remove grime, try a mild alcohol based cleaner, a Scotch-Brite pad, or talk to your Maxwell Counters rep for other solutions.
Although materials such as Solid Surface and Quartz are considered heat resistant, Maxwell Counters always suggests to use a heat pad or trivet to reduce the impact of heat on your surface. Heat damage is never 100% controllable, so always select the safest alternative to putting hot items on your countertop.
We do not recommend cutting on any countertop surface. Though quartz can take the abuse of a knife cutting on the surface, best practice is to prevent any damage to the countertops or your knives and use a cutting board.
You do not need to seal Solid Surface or Quartz countertops. While wood does not need to be sealed, it is recommended that you refinish the wood with an oil every two years.