Kitchen tile services

Kitchen backsplash installation that fits your kitchen

A backsplash sits at eye level in the room you use most. We center it on the range or sink, cut cleanly around every outlet and finish the edges properly, so it looks deliberate from every angle.

Kitchen backsplash of gray-and-white veined subway tile with a framed arabesque mosaic inlay above the range, between white shaker cabinets

What goes into a backsplash installation

Most backsplashes look simple, but they meet a lot of edges: the countertop, the underside of the cabinets, windows, outlets and the open end of a wall. Where you start the pattern decides how all of those cuts turn out.

The kitchen pictured at the top of this page shows the approach. The subway tile runs in an even offset pattern, the framed mosaic inlay is centered over the range opening, and the rows are kept level across both runs of cabinets.

  • Layout centered on the range, hood, sink or window
  • Clean cuts around outlets, switches and under-cabinet lighting
  • Finished ends with trim or bullnose at open walls
  • Counters, cabinets and floors protected while we work
Illustration: offset subway, the most versatile backsplash layout.

Materials

Ceramic, porcelain and mosaic backsplashes

The material affects how a backsplash looks, how it’s cut and how easy it is to keep clean. These three cover most kitchens.

  • Ceramic tile backsplash

    Glazed ceramic is light, easy to cut and comes in almost any color, including glossy subway tile and handmade-look zellige styles. It’s an affordable way to change the feel of a kitchen.

  • Porcelain tile installation

    Porcelain is denser and absorbs very little water, so it shrugs off grease and steam. Large porcelain pieces can cover a backsplash with only a few grout lines, which is ideal behind a busy range.

  • Mosaic tile installation

    Glass, stone and ceramic mosaics come on mesh sheets that have to be set so the seams between sheets disappear. Mosaics also work as framed inlays, like the arabesque panel above the range in the photo at the top of this page.

Custom tile patterns

Backsplash patterns that change the whole look

The same tile can look classic or modern depending on how it’s laid. Each of these patterns has its own layout challenges, and we plan for them before the first tile goes up.

  • Herringbone

    Rectangles set at 45° in a zig-zag. It needs a precise centerline, so it’s usually started behind the range.

  • Vertical stack

    Tiles aligned in straight columns. A clean, modern option that draws the eye up toward the hood.

  • Hexagon

    Six-sided tile with a geometric texture. The edges need careful cuts where they meet counters and cabinets.

  • Basketweave

    Paired rectangles that alternate direction. A traditional look that suits inlays and accent panels.

More kitchen tile

Kitchen tile beyond the backsplash

  • Kitchen wall tiling and accent walls

    Take the tile to the ceiling behind the range hood or open shelving, or create a tiled accent wall for a coffee bar or dining nook. Taller walls need the rows planned so the top course isn’t a thin sliver.

  • Kitchen floor tile installation

    A kitchen floor deals with spills, dropped cookware and a steady path between the sink, stove and refrigerator. We check the subfloor, plan the layout from the main entry and set larger tiles flat. Our floor tile installation page covers materials and prep in detail.

  • Tile countertop installation

    Tile countertops are set on a rigid, flat base with finished edge pieces at the front. Larger tiles and narrow grout joints keep the work surface easier to wipe down.

Service area

Kitchen backsplash installation in Macomb County and beyond

A new backsplash is one of the quickest ways to update a kitchen without replacing the cabinets. Whether it’s a standalone refresh or part of a bigger kitchen project in Sterling Heights, Clinton Township, Shelby Township or Warren, we plan the backsplash around what’s staying in the room.

We also install backsplashes and kitchen tile in Troy, Rochester Hills, Royal Oak, Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills. A photo of your kitchen and the tile you have in mind is all we need to get started.

Areas we serve in Metro Detroit

  • Macomb County
  • Sterling Heights
  • Clinton Township
  • Shelby Township
  • Troy
  • Rochester Hills
  • Warren
  • Royal Oak
  • Birmingham
  • Bloomfield Hills

Not on the list? Contact us to check whether your location is in our service area.

Kitchen backsplash questions

Should the backsplash go in before or after new countertops?

After. The backsplash sits on top of the counter, so the countertops need to be installed first. If you’re replacing both, let us know your countertop schedule so we can plan around it.

How far should a backsplash go?

Usually from the countertop to the underside of the upper cabinets, and to the ceiling or hood where there are no cabinets. Where it should stop on an open wall depends on your kitchen, and we’ll suggest a clean stopping point during the estimate.

Can you install tile I’ve already bought?

Yes. Tell us the tile type and size in your request. For mosaics and patterned layouts, it helps to know the sheet size or pattern so we can plan the layout.

How should I prepare my kitchen?

Clear the counters and let us know about any appliances that need to be moved. Outlet covers come off during installation and go back on once the tile is grouted.

Free estimates

Ready for a new kitchen backsplash?

Tell us what you have in mind — the room, the tile you like, your timeline. We’ll follow up to discuss the details and set up a free estimate.