A great backsplash installation is the icing on the cake, the final flourish that ties the whole kitchen design together.

Not only does it add an extra layer of visual appeal, but it also serves an efficient purpose: protecting the wall behind the countertops & stove from being splattered with soap, grease & water. Our experienced backsplash pros can expertly install tile backsplashes to the highest standards. We take care to ensure every single tile is precisely placed, every cut tile is spot on, & the grout lines look flawless.

By installing a tile backsplash, you're giving your kitchen a significant upgrade that protects the underlying drywall & wall surfaces from water damage & stains in the sink & stove areas. Unlike DIY projects, which can often look a bit dodgy, our top-rate backsplash installers will give you a top-notch finish - regardless of whether you're using glass tile, ceramic tile, or something more elaborate like marble or stone.

This is a game-changer compared with DIY projects, where uneven tile placement or messy grouting can be an absolute nightmare to put right. We handle the entire process from start to finish - from removing the old backsplash to caulking the edges where it meets the countertops & cabinets. We get it right the first time so that you can enjoy a seamless & long-lasting new tile backsplash.

Kitchen Backsplash Preparation and Attention to Detail

It all comes down to the preparation & attention to detail - from getting the wall surface spotlessly clean & flat to carefully planning the tile pattern & material. We don't just slap on some tile adhesive & hope for the best. Before attaching the first row of tiles, we meticulously plan the layout using a laser level & a temporary ledger board to ensure the baseline is spot on.

This is vital because a kitchen countertop is rarely perfectly level, and starting with a flat line prevents the backsplash from slumping. For tricky materials like glass tile or marble, we use specialized tools & techniques to ensure every cut tile is spotless & chip-free. We apply the tile adhesive evenly in sections along the wall to achieve optimal bond strength. This level of detail is what makes the difference between a half-baked installation & a beautifully professional job that adds real value & beauty to your home.

The Art of Tile Backsplash Installation

Installing a tile backsplash is much more involved than just sticking tiles on the wall. It requires a real mastery of layout & cutting - especially when working with complex tile patterns or expensive glass tile & stone. Our top-rate backsplash fitters absolutely excel at this level of detail. We carefully measure the space between the countertops & the underside of the cabinets or ceiling to come up with a beautiful, eye-catching layout that minimizes the visibility of any awkward tiles.

We know that focal points, such as areas behind the stove or sinks, deserve special attention, so we ensure the pattern is carefully centred & runs smoothly across the wall. To get it just right, we install a temporary ledger board to support the first row of tiles, making sure the whole installation is straight & level - no matter what the existing counter slope is. This attention to detail prevents tile slivers from appearing where the backsplash meets the counter.

Our backsplash installation technique is thorough and meticulous, starting right from the ground up with surface prep. We make sure the drywall is smooth before we even think about applying tile adhesive with a trusty old notched trowel - usually to small sections of the wall at a time - to ensure a rock-solid bond between the wall and the tiles.

The size of the trowel's notches depends on the type and size of tiles we're dealing with; bigger tiles need deeper notches, obviously. Next, we secure the tiles firmly to the wall by pressing & wiggling them to ensure the adhesive is evenly spread on the back of each tile and there's no space left behind. We keep the spacers even throughout the whole process to avoid any uneven grout lines - a small detail, but one that makes all the difference. When working with intricate mosaic tiles with mesh backing, we pay close attention to ensure the entire mesh is correctly embedded in the tile adhesive. If we need to cut any tiles, especially brittle glass tile, we'll use a high-quality wet saw to cut them cleanly and precisely.

For simple, straight cuts on basic ceramic tiles, a manual tile cutter will do the trick, followed by a light sanding of the cut edge with a utility knife to remove any rough edges. This way, even the smallest tile pieces, including those tricky ones around outlet covers, become part of a beautiful final product that does the kitchen backsplash proud.

• Precise layout planning: We give a lot of thought to the layout so we can avoid any awkward cuts or tiles and get the tile patterns perfectly centred, all thanks to a simple vertical line drawn on the wall, supported by a ledger board, so we can be 100% sure the first row above the countertops is spot on level.

• Expert cutting: Complex cuts on glass tile and stone tiles get handled by our trusty wet saw, and simple, straight cuts on ceramic tiles get taken care of with a manual tile cutter - the result is clean, chip-free tile around the edge and outlets.

• Consistent adhesive application: We apply tile adhesive (thinset) using a notched trowel in small sections of the wall at a time, ensuring a uniform layer. Hence, every tile has a strong bond. It's a crucial stage when it comes to installing tile, let me tell you.

• Seamless edge finishing: We finish the backsplash edge smoothly, whether it's up against wood trim, cabinets, or the ceiling, using finished tiles or caulk to achieve a seamless line. We can finish it up to the ceiling if that's what you want.

• Flawless grouting: Once the adhesive has dried, we use the grout float to carefully apply the grout, pushing it deep into the gaps between the tiles to ensure a uniform colour and a flat surface.

• Electrical safety: We handle removing and reinstalling outlet covers and switch plates, and, if necessary, use a box extender to bring the electrical edge flush with the new tile backsplash.

• Damage-free removal: We'll carefully remove the old backsplash using a utility knife to cut away old caulk & then gently pry off the old tiles to minimize damage to the underlying drywall.

Why You Need a Pro backsplash fitter for Your Kitchen - And Why It's Worth It

There are many benefits to letting a professional install your backsplash rather than attempting to do it yourself. For starters, it's a job that requires a level of expertise to get right - and when you get it wrong, it's back to square one (or worse!).

Our team has done this countless times, so you can rest assured the final grout lines are spotless, the caulk lines are straight as an arrow, and the entire tile backsplash is rock-solid and water-resistant. And that, in turn, protects the wall behind your countertops from all the inevitable splashing that happens around the sink and stove.

Plus, our team adheres to the manufacturer's instructions for both the tiles and the tile adhesive, so you can be 100% sure the warranty remains valid and the installation stays looking great for years to come.

One of the key advantages of using a pro is that they can tackle any layout challenges that arise. Want to install a ceramic tile backsplash around some uniquely shaped cabinets? No problem. Need to squeeze one under a low-hanging range hood? That's a piece of cake for our guys. And to save you the hassle and expense of buying or renting specialized tools, we bring our own, including a top-of-the-line wet saw and laser level. You can sit back and enjoy the instant aesthetic boost a beautiful new backsplash brings to your kitchen.

• Water Damage Prevention: One of the key tasks a pro performs is to apply the proper grout and seal the caulk joint where the backsplash meets the counter and cabinets, ensuring your wall is fully protected from moisture near the sink and stove.

• Aesthetic Superiority: A pro backsplash fitter pays attention to even the most minor details, ensuring a flawless, top-grade finish on your kitchen backsplash. From the layout to the uniform grout lines (using spacers), and the clean-cut tile edges - it's all done to a level of precision that's hard to match when you're doing it yourself.

• Material Expertise: We've worked with all sorts of materials over the years - from delicate glass panels and marble tiles to standard ceramic tiles - and know the right tile adhesive and setting techniques for each.

• Efficient Installation: Our team works quickly and efficiently, installing tile using established methods to complete the job in record time and minimize disruption to your family's kitchen routine.

• Proper Grout Sealing: We apply grout to the entire backsplash, filling every joint with a rubber float, ensuring the tile surface is as durable as it is easy to maintain.

• Clean Work Area: We keep the work area spick and span throughout the installation - and do a thorough clean down of all surfaces, including your countertops - so you can just walk in and start using your kitchen the minute the job is done.

• Structural Stability: We guarantee the tiles will stay firmly attached to the wall, thanks to the correct selection and application of thinset or tile adhesive - and we stick to the manufacturer's instructions to the letter.

Professional Installation

Our backsplash installation service is focused on precision and adherence to best practices in the tiling industry. We start by leveling a line across the entire wall using a laser level to support the ledger board, which is crucial for getting the first row of tiles spot on. When it comes to tile adhesive, we choose the right type - either thinset mortar for stone and heavier tiles or mastic-based tile adhesive for lighter ceramic tiles or glass tiles - and we stick to the manufacturer's instructions every step of the way.

We use a top-of-the-line wet saw to cut glass and marble tiles with precision, minimizing chipping, and in some cases, we'll use a manual tile cutter for ceramic tiles. For spacers, we use precision spacers consistently across the entire backsplash to achieve uniform grout lines, which is especially important for complex tile patterns or vertical layouts. After the adhesive cures, we follow a strict grouting process.

• Leveling System: We install a ledger board across the length of the counter to give us a perfectly level baseline for the entire backsplash, which is crucial for getting the first row of tiles right.*

• Getting Adhesive Thickness Right: We use a notched trowel sized for the job to apply adhesive (thinset) to the wall in small sections, a bit at a time. This helps keep the adhesive from skinning over too soon.

• Tile Cuts: We use a high-quality wet saw and the right blades to cut tile so it fits perfectly around the edges of cabinets, at electrical outlets, and to ensure the glass and ceramic tiles fit together smoothly.

• Electrical Work: We safely remove outlet covers and switch plates, then install box extenders to bring the outlets flush with the new tile backsplash surface. Then we put the outlet covers back on.

• Grout Application: We use a rubber float with a hard edge to push grout deep into the joints, ensuring they're packed tightly, and the grout is even across the backsplash.

• Cleaning Up: After the initial grouting, we use a damp sponge to wipe the tile surface clean, removing any excess grout that may have gotten on it. Then we use a wet cloth to wipe the tile again and remove any remaining grout residue. If needed, we can use a haze remover to get the final look just right.

• Sealing the Perimeter: We caulk the area where the backsplash meets the countertops and along the cabinets and trim with a flexible, colour-matched caulk that'll flex with the wood and prevent any leaks.

Putting it All Together: Our Step-by-Step Process

The key to a reliable backsplash is having every step of the installation go smoothly. When we install tile for your kitchen backsplash, we use a tried-and-true process that delivers excellent results. We start by making sure the wall surface is all clean and smooth - no grease, dirt, or loose drywall. Then we determine the best way to lay the tile and draw a line on the wall using the laser level and ledger board.

This lets us work out exactly where the tiles will go in relation to the countertops and cabinets, and we can start applying adhesive or thinset to small sections of the wall at a time. We use spacers to get the grout lines just right and work in rows to ensure vertical and horizontal alignment. We use a wet saw to trim tiles along the edges of countertops and cabinets, then finalize the layout to provide a clean, precise edge.

Once the tile adhesive or thinset has fully cured - usually 24 hours later - we start the grouting process. We mix the grout per the manufacturer's instructions and use a rubber float to spread it across the tile surface, ensuring it fills the joints. We then use a damp sponge to wipe off excess grout from the tile face, working diagonally across the tile to avoid pulling the grout back out of the joints.

We perform this wiping process a few times with a clean, damp cloth until all grout residue is removed. If we need to we even use a grout haze remover to get that final look just right. Then it's a matter of applying a bead of silicone caulk where the backsplash meets the countertops and the wood trim, which prevents water from entering and prevents the backsplash from cracking over time. It's the little details like this that make installation a lot easier in the long run - and it's what sets us apart as the go-to people for kitchen tiling services in Canada.