PALM COAST TILE
Kitchen backsplash installation for new and existing kitchens
A backsplash protects the wall behind the sink and range from water and grease, and it is the surface people look at most in a kitchen. It is also one of the smaller tile jobs in a house, which makes it a common first project after new countertops or as a way to update a kitchen without replacing the cabinets.
The right time to install it is after the countertops are in, since the tile sits on top of the counter. If the kitchen floor is being tiled too, see tile installation for how we handle floors.
MATERIALS AND PATTERNS
Backsplash tile and layout options
Most of the look comes from two decisions: the tile and the way it is laid out.
Ceramic and porcelain
Subway tile and its many variations. Easy to clean, available in almost any color and finish, and the simplest to install.
Glass mosaic
Reflects light and adds color. Glass is see-through, so it is set in white mortar on a smooth wall and cut with a blade made for glass.
Natural stone
Marble and travertine give a softer look. Stone is porous, so it is sealed to resist cooking stains, and resealed from time to time.
Layout
Straight stack, brick offset, vertical stack and herringbone are the common patterns. Herringbone and diagonal layouts need more cuts and more tile, so plan for a little extra material.
PALM COAST TILE
Where a backsplash job is won or lost
The open wall is the easy part. The quality of a backsplash shows at the places where tile meets something else.
Outlets, switches and the window
Tile is cut to fit tightly around each electrical box so the cover plate sits flat and hides the cut. Because the tile adds thickness to the wall, outlets usually need box extenders to bring them flush with the new surface.
Edges, ends and the countertop joint
Where the tile stops on an open wall, the edge is finished with bullnose tile or a metal trim. The joint between the counter and the first row is filled with flexible sealant, not grout, so it does not crack as the counter and wall move.
FREE ESTIMATE
Have your tile picked out, or still deciding?
Either way works. Call or text with a photo of the kitchen and we will set up a free estimate.
COST
What affects the cost of a kitchen backsplash installation
Backsplashes are small, so labor is driven more by detail than by square footage.
Removing the old backsplash
Old tile often takes the face of the drywall with it. The wall then needs to be patched or replaced so the new tile has a flat surface.
Height and coverage
Counter to upper cabinets is the standard. Running tile to the ceiling, behind the range hood or around a window adds area and cuts.
Tile and pattern
Sheets of mosaic, small handmade tile and herringbone layouts take longer than standard subway in a straight pattern.
Number of cutouts
Every outlet, switch and under-cabinet light is a cut that has to be exact. A wall with eight boxes takes longer than a wall with two.
AT A GLANCE
Kitchen backsplash installation at a glance
What a backsplash job usually covers. Your estimate lists what applies to your kitchen.
F.A.Q
Frequently asked questions
Should the backsplash go in before or after the countertops?
After. The tile rests on the countertop, so the counters need to be installed first. If you are getting new counters, schedule the backsplash for after they are in place.
Can you tile over an existing backsplash?
It is possible when the old tile is flat and firmly attached, but we usually recommend removing it. A second layer makes the wall thicker, which shows at the ends of the run and pushes the outlets deeper into the wall.
How long does a backsplash take to install?
A backsplash is one of the quicker tile jobs. The tile is set first and grouted once the mortar has cured, so expect more than one visit. Removing an old backsplash and repairing the wall adds time. You can use the rest of the kitchen while the work is going on.
Do you install glass and mosaic backsplashes?
Yes. One customer described the job we did for them in a Google review as “a very intricate glass backsplash.” Glass and mosaic take more care with the mortar and the cuts, and we plan for that in the estimate.
How much tile should I buy for a backsplash?
Measure the area and add about 10 percent for cuts and breakage, and closer to 15 percent for herringbone or diagonal patterns. If you would rather wait, we can measure the kitchen and give you the quantity before you order.
CONTACT
Let’s talk about your project
Call or text with the room you have in mind and a few photos. Estimates are free, and we are open Monday through Saturday.
Request a free estimate
WHERE WE WORK
Where we offer kitchen backsplash installation
We install kitchen backsplashes in Palm Coast and the rest of Flagler County, and in nearby parts of Volusia and St. Johns County.
Tile installation for bathrooms, showers, kitchens and floors in Palm Coast and across Flagler County. More than 15 years of tile work.