Backsplash installation: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What backsplash installation is

Backsplash installation sets tile, glass or stone on the kitchen wall behind the counters, with layout planning, cutting around outlets and grouting or caulking the edges. People choose it to protect the wall from splashes and to change the look of the kitchen without a full remodel.

Signs you need it

  • The painted or drywall wall behind the sink and range is stained, chipped or soft from splashes
  • You want to change the look of the kitchen without replacing the cabinets or counters
  • The old backsplash has cracked tile, missing grout or a gap at the countertop edge
  • Outlets and switches sit in awkward places, and the new backsplash has to work around them
  • You want a durable, wipeable surface behind the range, where grease and heat are common

What the pro does

  • Measure the wall and the countertop height, and mark the outlet and switch locations on the layout
  • Remove the outlet covers and the old backsplash if present, and repair the drywall or the surface behind it
  • Snap a level line above the countertop and dry-fit the tile or glass to plan even cuts
  • Set the tile or glass with adhesive or mastic, using spacers and a level so the rows are even
  • Cut the tiles around the outlets, switches and the corners, and fit the edge trim where the tile meets the wall
  • Grout the joints or caulk the countertop gap, clean the surface and reinstall the outlet covers

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Area of the wall and the number of walls included, such as a single wall or a full wrap
  • Tile, glass or stone material and the size and format chosen
  • Pattern and layout, such as a herringbone, a subway layout or a mosaic with many cuts
  • Number of outlets, switches and corners that need careful cutting
  • Surface condition behind the old backsplash, including drywall repair or a new board
  • Removal of the old backsplash and disposal of the old material

What a written quote should spell out

  • Wall area and the number of walls covered, with the countertop edge described
  • Tile or glass product, size, finish and the number of pieces with waste
  • Adhesive or mastic name, grout or caulk used and the color
  • Outlet and switch work, including the cover replacement and the trim pieces
  • Removal, disposal and drywall repair listed as separate lines where needed

Questions to ask before you hire

  • How do you lay out the tile so the cuts at the outlets and the corners look even?
  • What adhesive do you use behind glass, and does it suit the countertop type?
  • Do you remove the outlet covers, and who reconnects them?
  • How do you finish the gap between the backsplash and the countertop?
  • What grout or caulk do you use, and how do I clean it?
  • Can you show me a backsplash you installed behind a range with a similar layout?

Red flags

  • The pro sets tile on a wall with grease or dust on it and does not clean the surface first
  • The pro works around live outlets without turning off the power at the breaker, or leaves gaps around the boxes and says the covers will hide them
  • The pro uses an adhesive that is not rated for the tile or the glass
  • The pro leaves an open gap at the countertop edge with no caulk or trim

What you can do yourself

A simple tile or peel-and-stick backsplash on a flat, dry wall with no outlets to cut is a reasonable project for a homeowner. Work near outlets, switches and the range, and any repair of drywall or water damage behind the wall, should be done by a professional, and power must be shut off at the breaker before any outlet is touched.

Licenses and permits

Backsplash installation commonly does not need a license, but any outlet or switch work requires a licensed electrician in many areas. Check with your state or local licensing agency about the rules that apply to electrical work in your kitchen.

Backsplash installation questions

Can I tile over an existing backsplash?

Sometimes, if the old tile is flat and firmly bonded. Ask the pro to check for loose tile and to decide whether the old layer must come off to get a flat surface.

Should I use glass or stone behind the range?

Glass is easy to clean and resists stains, while stone needs sealing and can stain from oils. Ask the pro which suits the range and how the surface is cleaned.

Will the outlets need new covers?

Often yes, since the new tile is thicker than the old wall. Ask the pro to extend the outlet boxes and to use new covers that sit flush with the tile.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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