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).
Marble is high maintenance, like most other types of natural stone flooring. However, because it is naturally a more porous stone, there are a few added care instructions. You will need to clean it often to prevent dirt and grit from scratching the finish and surface, keep it dry, clean up spills immediately, and have it professionally sealed and refinished at least once a year to maintain the shine and water-tight surface. However, investing in maintenance is a smart move because marble floors are among the most beautiful and valuable types of flooring when properly cared for.
Your morning mug of coffee won’t instantly damage your quartz countertop, but it’s still wise to play it safe. While quartz can handle brief heat, repeated exposure can wear down its finish over time. Using a coaster adds a simple layer of protection and helps keep your surface looking fresh.
Clorox wipes contain bleach, which is unsafe for use on quartz countertops. When used over time, the bleach will damage the countertop surface and cause it to become discolored or damaged. Instead of Clorox wipes, use a pH-neutral multipurpose solution and clean the surface gently using a soft microfiber cloth.
No, you should not put a hot pan or pot directly on a quartz countertop. While quartz is generally heat-resistant, the resin binders used in its manufacturing are sensitive to extreme heat. Placing a hot pan on the surface can damage the resin, leading to discoloration or other cosmetic issues. If the heat exceeds 150 degrees Fahrenheit, it can cause permanent damage, such as burns or even cracking. To protect your countertop, always use trivets or hot pads.
It all comes down to rarity and demand. Granite rocks with unique patterns or rare colorways like red, purple, and blue are more expensive than traditional designs. Some types of blue granite are extremely rare, like Azul Aran and Blue Bahia, driving the price up even further. The most expensive type of all is a unique design called Van Gogh granite. As the name suggests, it sort of looks like a painting.
The Powers, MI homeowners’ guide to stone countertop services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Are you getting close to deciding on Caesarstone® countertops for your home? Discover all the details behind Caesarstone® countertop costs in this guide.
Are you weighing engineered stone vs. natural stone countertops? Both offer many of the same benefits, but there are differences in price, durability, and appearance.
