WHAT ARE MY COUNTERTOP OPTIONS?

When remodeling a room or updating countertops, customers should first research suitable materials. The top choices for kitchen countertops are granite and engineered stone (quartz). Granite is favored for its natural, unique appearance with a wide range of colors and patterns. Engineered stone, like Cambria, One Quartz, and LX Viatera, offers diverse color options and low maintenance. Marble is valued for its aesthetic appeal, featuring distinct veining and bold colors, ideal for bathrooms but not recommended for kitchens due to its softer nature.

WHAT ARE THE CURRENT TRENDS?

Backsplashes: Tiling down to the countertop is popular in kitchens for a clean, updated look. Matching tile to a countertop is easier than the reverse. Start your selection process from the floor up to cabinets, countertops, and then tile during a remodel. If tile isn't an option, a backsplash is highly recommended over a bare wall. In bathroom remodels, granite, marble, or quartz backsplashes remain popular.

Colors: Light colors are currently favored for countertops, creating a larger, refreshing, and bright feel in rooms. White and espresso cabinets are common, with light green or sage also trending for added color.
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Countertop Material: Quartz leads in popularity, with granite following closely. Quartz selections have increased in the last few years, driven by customer preferences in colors and maintenance needs.

HOW DO I OBTAIN AN ESTIMATE OR QUOTE?

While phone quotes are possible, visiting the showroom yields more accurate estimates. Customers should provide cabinet layouts or measurements for square footage estimates. Optimum does not offer in-home estimates but welcomes visits to our showrooms at 835 S Lake St, Aurora, IL or 40W134 Campton Crossings Dr. Ste A, St. Charles, IL. Our sales representatives assist with material, color, edge profiles, sinks, and provide estimates during your visit.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO SELECT MY OWN SLABS?

Yes! When a job requires slabs to be purchased from the supplier, OGM will send customers to the supplier warehouse to select their slabs. These slabs will then be delivered to the OGM shop for fabrication after the field measurement has been performed.​

WHEN AT THE WAREHOUSE SELECTING SLABS, WHAT SHOULD I LOOK OUT FOR?

Customer satisfaction with selected slabs is paramount. Depending on job size, using an entire slab may be necessary, making some areas unavoidable. When choosing slabs, feel their surface to ensure the desired smoothness, as natural stone may not be uniformly smooth. Lighting variations between warehouse and installation locations can alter stone appearance slightly.

Two natural stone aspects to consider:
1. Fissures are natural in granite and marble, and occur in many stone types. They do not require repair and should be accepted when selecting a desired color.
2. Pitting, especially in granite, is common and doesn't affect durability or quality. It's a natural feature due to the stone's mineral composition and should be expected in polished granite.

WHAT SHOULD I CONSIDER WHEN REMODELING THAT COULD AFFECT MY COUNTERTOPS?

Important considerations for remodeling:

• Spans: Limit spans between supports 1 to 3 feet with 1 1/4" (3CM) material and 2 feet with 3/4" (2CM) material.
• Overhangs: Keep overhangs to 12" with quartz and 10" with natural stone; fragile stones may need corbelled supports. Overhangs greater than those specified will require extra supports.
• Sink Mounts: Choose sinks that fit cabinet size limits; cast iron sinks require additional support; farm and apron front sinks must be installed before measurement.

WHAT INFORMATION DO I NEED TO KNOW IF I AM ALSO PURCHASING NEW CABINETS?

Cabinets must be permanently installed by the customer or their subcontractors. Optimum installers do not adjust or install cabinetry. Before measurement, ensure all cabinetry and relevant trim are in their final positions. Cabinets must be flat and level to prevent joint splitting or countertop cracking. Shimming up to 1/4" is allowed for uneven cabinets; beyond this, cabinets must be repaired. Homeowners are responsible for any cosmetic improvements needed to conceal shims.

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR THE MEASUREMENT?

Components required for measurement:

• Installed cabinet doors and end panels
• Sink or sink templates (if not from OGM)
• Information on plumbing fixtures (faucet, soap dispenser, sprayers, etc.)
• Cooktop specifications (if applicable)
• Installed exhaust vents (for full-height splashes)
• Roughed-in electrical outlets
• COUNTERTOPS COMPLETELY CLEARED OFF WITH ALL ITEMS REMOVED

DO I HAVE TO BE PRESENT DURING THE MEASUREMENT?

OGM recommends the homeowner or decision maker be present during measurements for questions or layout changes. If children are present without an adult, OGM staff won't enter. If the customer can't be present, the technician will measure but won't be liable for unmentioned specifications or decisions made due to the customer's absence.

WHAT IS THE LEAD TIME FOR COUNTERTOPS?

Installation typically occurs within 3 weeks after measurement, though lead times may vary based on material availability and other factors.​

WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT SEAMS?

Countertops may feature seams based on slab and countertop dimensions. Seam placement is determined by OGM fabricators for structural integrity and aesthetic appeal, considering factors like slab size and condition. Seams typically range from 1/16" to 1/8" thick and are noticeable to the eye and touch. Efforts are made to ensure smooth seams, but stone rigidity can affect final smoothness.​

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR THE INSTALLATION?  ​

Prior to installation:

• Clear appliances out of the way.
• Remove all objects from existing countertops if OGM is removing them.
• Take out and set aside top drawers of cabinets.
• Ensure a clear pathway between the jobsite and installation vehicle, free of debris and valuables.
• Keep children and animals away from the jobsite.
• Avoid other work on the jobsite during installation.
• Expect dust during tear-out and installation; protect items inside or under cabinets.
• Consider turning off heat/air conditioning due to dust.
• Cover or drape the area and valuables as a precaution.​

DO I HAVE TO BE PRESENT DURING THE INSTALLATION?

The owner or designated owner's representative MUST be on site during the entire installation process. Owner's representative must be able to make decisions on issues which may arise during the installation. They will be required to sign completion forms at the conclusion of the installation.

WHEN CAN I RECONNECT THE PLUMBING?

OGM does not provide plumbing services and will not connect or disconnect plumbing during installation. For under-mount sinks, plumbing may be reattached 24 hours after countertop installation to allow the sink to set properly and avoid movement.​

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF OTHER WORK IS BEING PERFORMED ONCE MY COUNTERTOPS ARE INSTALLED?

If other work is planned in the same room as the countertops:

• Do not stand or sit on the countertops to prevent cracking or breakage.
• Avoid leaning on the island edges until silicone has set.
• Cover countertops when using chemicals, paints, polishes, stains, etc.
• Refrain from using the sink area for 24 hours after installation.
• Avoid touching the silicone on backsplashes and sink area.
• Do not touch the seam locations.

HOW DO I TAKE CARE OF MY COUNTERTOPS?

For natural stone countertops:

• Wipe up spills immediately to prevent staining.
• Clean acid-based spills promptly and thoroughly.
• Use mild soap or stone soap for cleaning.
• Avoid multi-surface cleaners, high-ammonia cleaners, and acid-based products.
• Remove mineral build-up around sinks with a razor blade.
• Dry marble countertops immediately to prevent etching.
• Avoid strong chemicals like nail polish remover or bleach on marble.
• Use trivets and hot pads to prevent temperature shock and protect against heat.
• Use cutting boards to avoid dulling knives.

For engineered stone countertops:

• Clean regularly with a damp cloth and mild detergent.
• Perform thorough weekly cleaning.
• Avoid abrasive pads and cleaners with a pH outside the range of 5-8.
• Use hot pads or trivets to prevent heat damage, especially near edges.
• Use cutting boards to protect the surface from sharp objects.