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).
The frequency for sealing granite countertops depends on several factors, including the type of sealant used, the color of the granite, and how heavily the countertops are used. As a general guideline, resealing is often recommended every 12 to 18 months, but some sources suggest it could be as often as every few months or at least once a year.
The type of sealant is a major factor: water-based sealants may need reapplication every six months to a year, while more durable solvent-based sealants can last for five to 10 years. Additionally, factors like heavy kitchen traffic, frequent use of acidic cleaners, and lighter granite colors may require more frequent sealing to prevent staining.
To determine if your countertops need resealing, you can perform a simple water test. Place a few drops of water or a wet paper towel on an inconspicuous area of the granite. After 10 to 15 minutes, check the spot. If the water has beaded up, the seal is still intact. If the water has been absorbed and darkened the stone, it's time to apply a new coat of sealant. You can choose to seal the granite yourself or hire a professional to ensure it's done correctly.
You can resurface existing countertops as long as they’re not significantly damaged. Of course, it does depend on the material. Wood, natural stone, quartz, and even laminate are all good candidates for resurfacing. If you have tile, you may want to just replace the damaged tiles rather than resurface the entire countertop.
Use a pH-balanced cleaner, avoid abrasive materials, and reseal porous stones like granite annually to maintain durability.
Yes, you can repair a stone countertop yourself for minor issues like small chips or scratches, and DIY repair kits are available for this purpose. However, for larger problems such as major cracks or significant stains, DIY repairs may not be effective. In these cases, professional services are recommended to ensure a seamless finish, prevent further damage, and use the proper materials and techniques for a full restoration.
White quartz is a very low-maintenance countertop material. It’s nonporous, so it won’t stain, even if you spill dark liquids on it. The light color will make dirt show up much easier, but a simple wipe-down will keep the countertops looking fresh and bright for years to come. However, it might not be the best kitchen countertop idea on a budget because it's expensive.
The Powers, MI homeowners’ guide to marble restoration services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Thinking about marble restoration? Learn about polishing options, average costs to expect, and how to hire the right local pro to renew your stone surfaces.
