Backsplash
Installation
Kitchen and bathroom backsplashes in subway, herringbone, mosaic, and whatever pattern you picked out. Clean cuts at outlets, cabinets, and the counter.
The Strip of Wall Everyone Notices
A backsplash is a small area with a lot of edges. Outlets, window sills, cabinet bottoms, and a counter that isn't always perfectly straight. We lay it out so the pattern looks intentional, not like it was squeezed in after the fact.
We install the tile. We measure every run, line the pattern up with the sink or the range, and set the backsplash once the counter is in and the wall behind it is ready.
Backsplashes We Install
Standard field tile or a full-height decorative wall — we set both.
Subway Tile
The classic 3×6 or 4×12, in a running bond, stacked, or 1/3 offset. We center the layout on the sink or the range so the cut tiles at the ends match.
Herringbone & Chevron
A stronger pattern that needs a true centerline. We dry-fit the start so the points land evenly under the cabinets instead of dying into a random cut.
Mosaic & Sheet Tile
Glass, stone, and porcelain mosaics on mesh sheets. We keep the sheets aligned so the sheet edges disappear in the finished wall.
Arabesque & Decorative
Lantern, arabesque, and other shaped tiles. These only look right if the repeat is planned. We mark the pattern before any thin-set hits the wall.
Outlet & Switch Cuts
Every device gets a tight, even cut. We pull the plates, cut the openings, and leave the devices sitting flat on the finished face.
Full-Height Splash Walls
Some kitchens run tile from the counter to the ceiling, or across a whole cooking wall. Same prep, more layout. We treat it like a feature wall.
Our Installation Process
Most backsplashes are straightforward. The ones that look sharp are the ones that were laid out first.
Free On-Site Estimate
We measure the runs, count the outlets, and look at the counter and cabinet lines. You'll get a written price for the backsplash — layout, cuts, and the tile we set.
Protect the Counters & Prep the Wall
Counters get covered. We check that the drywall or backer is sound, knock down high spots, and make sure the wall is flat enough for the tile you chose. Glossy glass and big tile show waves.
Layout
We find the center of the main run — usually the sink or the range — and balance the cuts on both ends. Outlets are planned so they land in a full tile whenever the layout allows.
Set the Tile
Tile goes up with the right thin-set for the material. Glass and some stone need a white mortar so the color doesn't bleed through. Spacers and clips keep the joints even.
Grout, Caulk & Cleanup
Grout fills the joints. The joint where tile meets the counter is caulk, not grout — that seam moves. We wipe the wall down and pull the protection before we leave.
Tile That Works on a Backsplash
You can supply the tile or ask us what we'd use. We'll flag anything that's a pain to cut or a poor match for a wet kitchen wall.
The workhorse. Easy to cut, easy to clean, and available in almost every color and edge profile.
Tougher than standard ceramic and a good pick behind a range, where heat and splatter are constant.
Reflective and detailed. Needs white thin-set, a flat wall, and patience at the outlets.
Marble, travertine, and stacked stone. Stone on a splash gets sealed, and the grout color matters more than people expect.
Variation is the point. We blend boxes and keep the courses honest.
Fewer grout lines on a full-height wall. The wall has to be flat, and outlet cuts have to be precise because there's nowhere to hide them.
Common Questions
Can you tile before the counter is installed?
The cleanest result is after the counter is in. A counter that's scribed to the wall covers the bottom edge, and we can set the first course tight to it. We'll look at the timing with you on site.
How far up should a backsplash go?
A standard splash stops at the bottom of the upper cabinets, often around 18 inches of tile. Full-height, to the hood, or to the ceiling are all options. We'll measure what's actually there.
What about the outlets?
We cut every outlet and switch. If the tile adds thickness, the devices may need extension rings or longer screws so the plates sit flat. We'll tell you if that's the case.
Is there a warranty?
Yes. Our 2-year workmanship warranty covers the tile we set. If a tile loosens or a joint we installed fails, we come back and make it right.
When can you come out for an estimate?
Estimates are available Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 10am to 4pm Arizona time. Book a time on the site and we'll come look at the job in person before we put a number together.
Ready to Get Started?
Book a free on-site estimate. We'll come out, see the space, and put together a detailed quote — no pressure, no commitment.