Welch Tile & Marble is a family owned business founded by Richard Welch in 1987. His son Dan Welch is current company president with over 28 years of ceramic tile and stone experience. Dan is the current president of National Tile Contractor's Association (NTCA), the largest tile contractor association in the world. The company employs a staff of over 50 full-time tile professionals, including Dan's siblings Rick, Aaron, Jennell, and Marnie. Truly family owned and operated, rooted in the foundation of quality work and a satisfied customer, Welch Tile's work has been showcased at many of West Michigan's premier landmarks including the JW Marriott, Helen DeVos Children's Hospital, and the DeVos Convention Center. The company has a full-team of residential tile experts including designers, project managers, and tile mechanics who are all CTEF certified (the tile trades premier certification).
"Job was done perfectly. He altered an opening for my range and buffed and polished spots on my stone counter I had damaged years ago. Professional, reasonable and knowledgeable. He also traveled 100 miles one way to complete the job! Highly recommend!"
Common hardscaping materials include coated steel or iron, asphalt, stone, concrete, and brick. Coated steel or iron provide durability and style for fences and gates while asphalt is a wallet-friendly option for driveways. Stone brings timeless beauty to steps, patios, and walkways. Concrete pavers and slabs are cost-effective, though they require more upkeep than stone alternatives. For a classic, upscale look, brick works beautifully in walls, walkways, and patios. Each material brings its own charm, so pick what fits your budget, style, and functional needs.
Deciding between marble and granite for kitchen countertops depends on your personal priorities, budget, and style. Both materials have similar costs for material and installation.
Marble offers a luxurious aesthetic and timeless beauty, but it is more expensive and requires more maintenance. It is susceptible to staining and etching from acidic substances like coffee, wine, or tomato sauce if spills are not cleaned up quickly.
Granite is highly durable, heat-resistant, and easier to maintain, making it a practical choice for busy kitchens.
Both materials should be sealed to protect against damage, but they can still be vulnerable to stains if spills are left on the surface for too long.
Yes, you can generally put hot pans directly on a granite countertop without worrying about cracking, as it is a durable, heat-resistant stone that can withstand high temperatures. However, it is still highly recommended to use a trivet or hot pad as a precaution. Prolonged or repeated exposure to high heat can potentially cause discoloration or damage the countertop's sealant, making it more susceptible to staining. Additionally, the heat from a pan can transfer to the granite, creating a burn hazard for anyone who touches the surface shortly after.
Recycled glass countertops are slightly cheaper than quartz countertops, though it depends on several factors. Recycled glass countertops cost between $65 and $140 per square foot, and quartz countertops cost$50 to $200 per square foot, though most projects come in at $70 to $100 per square foot. The final cost will come down to the quality of the material, local labor prices, and any customizations you require.
The best tool for cutting countertops depends on the type of countertop material. For some softer materials, like laminate (Formica) and butcher block, you can use a hand saw, but most experts recommend power saws like circular saws, since these make the job go faster and easier and give more even results. However, power saws and circular saws are dangerous if used incorrectly, and they can be so powerful that they damage or chip laminate, stone, and other types of countertops. For this reason, you should take safety precautions and use best practices to prevent damage.
The Munising, MI homeowners’ guide to stone countertop services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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