Kitchen Backsplash Installation 101: Pro Tips

It’s amazing the impact your backsplash has in your kitchen. Although it might not take up the most real estate—like your cabinetry—it has the capacity to bring the space together. An opportunity to add color, depth and detail to your kitchen, backsplashes serve a far greater purpose than merely guarding your walls from sauce staining.

When installing a new tile backsplash, there are many important design considerations. Given how many options you have—in terms of tile materials, size, color and patterns—having a clear idea of what you want is key. Not only will you be able to communicate expectations with your contractor, but an organized vision will also create the look you’re going for.

Perhaps you’re already well on your way to planning out your new backsplash. Or maybe you need a little guidance to make sure you get exactly what you want. Either way, there are many tips and tricks we’ve learned over the years that will help you elevate your kitchen with a carefully planned backsplash.

Gather Inspiration

The first step in any successful remodeling project is to gather ideas. Flip through interior design magazines and scroll Instagram and Pinterest. Once you’ve accumulated a range of ideas, store them somewhere you can easily access and share with home improvement professionals, contractors and home hardware store employees—such as a file on your computer, saved to Instagram favorites or on a Pinterest board. You could even print out some favorite photos and make a mood board.

Use One Material

For a cohesive look, use the same material, or pattern of materials, throughout your entire backsplash. For instance, if you have tile above the stove and on the surrounding walls, ensure each surface is the same. Having one kind of tile over the sink and another over the stove looks jarring and unfinished. If your tiling is a blend of materials, say you have a few glass tiles interspersed throughout a ceramic tile majority, then keep that pattern the same throughout your kitchen.

Keep it Full Height

Design your backsplash so it goes from the countertop up to the base of cabinets as well as your hood fan. While this is more of an investment than a row of tiles of only four to six inches, you’ll thank yourself in the end. Simply put, full height tiling looks better. It adds a focal point to your kitchen and utilizes the area. Having a partial backsplash looks unfinished and is a waste of space.

Choose a Focal Point

Does your kitchen lack visual appeal? Or perhaps there’s so much going on, your eyes don’t know where to look? Since your backsplash generally highlights key fixtures such as the stove and/or sink, it’s a great opportunity to add a pop of interest to your kitchen. If your cabinets and countertops are relatively neutral, add to the space with a patterned backslash. If a pattern is not your style, consider incorporating textured tiles to add more depth.

Choose Complementary Colors

Look around your kitchen, what other colors do you see? Perhaps your granite countertop has slight hints of green or blue. Or maybe your wood cupboards have a light tan grain. Alternatively, perhaps you have unique yellow salt and pepper shakers or a fruit bowl. Consider highlighting one of the accent colors in your kitchen with use of a backsplash. The key caveat here is “accent colors.” For instance, if your teapot, mixer and kettle are all a gorgeous royal blue, consider tying those in with light blue tile or tiles with royal blue details. If your countertops are mostly cream with pops of rose quartz, it’s the rosy color you’ll want to accentuate—not the cream. Too much of one color in your kitchen could leave it looking drab and uninteresting, or completely over stimulating.

Mind the Trim

If your backsplash’s outside edge is against a wall, it’ll naturally look finished. But if the edge ends and the wall continues—for example, like an open kitchen—it’s important to finish the tile’s edge. If you don’t, the rough edges will look like it’s still a work in progress. There are a few different trim options:

• If you are using natural stone tiles, such as slate or limestone, you can have the edges polished to complete the look.

• If you have small tiles or a mosaic tile backsplash, use a matching trim piece to finish the edge.

• Lastly, consider installing a Schluter metal trim. Available in a range of styles, metals and colors, Schluter trim is an easy way to finish your backsplash’s edge while adding a modern aesthetic to your kitchen.

Light it Up

Your choice of tile is not the only way to draw focus to your backsplash. Consider installing under-cabinet lighting to really make a statement. Not only will this highlight the area and add to the overall ambience of your kitchen, but it will also be helpful for completing tasks like chopping vegetables or stirring sauce. There are many types of lighting options available, but an easy one to install is LED strips. These can be placed along the front edge of your upper cabinets to create a pleasant glow that adds warmth to your space.

Hire the Pros at Mr. Handyman of Dallas!

At Mr. Handyman of Dallas, our hardworking technicians have offered expert tile installation services for years throughout the Dallas area. We’ve worked with a range of materials, styles and spaces to update kitchens and elevate homes. Sprucing up your kitchen doesn’t have to be an ordeal. Rather, a quick backsplash installation job can transform your walls from average to amazing.

As America’s most trusted handyman service, you can count on us to get the job done right- the first time. If you’re ready to breathe life into your kitchen with new backsplash, we invite you to call our friendly office staff and book an appointment today. We can be reached from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturdays, or you can contact us online through our website.