Kitchen backsplash installation in Chicago and Wisconsin
Ceramic, porcelain, glass and natural stone tile, laid out to suit your cabinets and counters. Most backsplashes take 1–2 days.
The finishing layer of the kitchen
Kitchen backsplash installation in Chicago homes is usually the last step of a kitchen refresh, and the one that ties the rest together. The backsplash fills the wall between the countertop and the upper cabinets, so it has to work with both.
It also does a real job. It protects the wall behind the sink and range from water, grease and splatter, and tile wipes clean where painted drywall would stain.
We install ceramic, porcelain, glass and natural stone tile. Most backsplashes take 1–2 days, and the tile goes up after any new countertops are in, so it sits tight to the finished surface.
Backsplash tile materials compared
All four hold up well on a kitchen wall. The differences are in the look, the upkeep and which layouts they suit.
| Ceramic | Porcelain | Glass | Natural stone | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Look | Glazed color, glossy or matte | Dense; can look like stone or concrete | Reflective, bright color | Natural veining and texture |
| Needs sealing | No | No | No | Yes, every so often |
| Everyday cleaning | Soap and water | Soap and water | Glass cleaner; shows water spots | pH-neutral stone cleaner |
| Common formats | Subway and small tiles | Small to large-format | Subway and mosaic sheets | Subway, mosaic and slab |
| Best for | Classic subway and color | Large-format and stone looks | Accent areas and bouncing light | Warm, natural texture |
Cement-based grout benefits from a sealer whatever tile you choose; your installer will tell you what yours needs.
Coordinating tile with cabinets and counters
Choose the backsplash after the cabinet color and countertop are settled. Those two take up most of what you see, so the tile should either sit quietly beside them or carry the one bold choice in the room, not compete with a busy granite.
A few pairings that work: white or cream subway with painted Shaker doors, large-format porcelain with quartz for a calm modern kitchen, or a soft-colored herringbone when the cabinets and counters are plain. Grout color matters too. Matching grout reads smooth, while contrasting grout shows off the pattern.
Look at tile next to your actual door and countertop samples, in your own kitchen light. Your designer can help you narrow the choices at the consultation.
How backsplash installation works
Most backsplashes take 1–2 days once the countertops are in.
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Countertops go in first
Tile sits on the finished countertop, so it’s installed after any new tops are set. A full-height slab is templated with the countertops instead.
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Prep and layout
Outlet covers come off, the counters and floor are covered, and the wall is cleaned and checked. The layout is planned so cuts land evenly at the ends and around windows.
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Setting the tile
Tile is set in adhesive, cut around outlets and switches, and spaced for even grout lines. Most walls are tiled on the first day.
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Grout and finish
Once the adhesive has set, the joints are grouted and the line along the countertop is sealed with flexible caulk. Outlet covers go back on and the area is cleaned.
Outlets, edges and other details
Small details decide whether a backsplash looks finished. We plan for these before the first tile goes up.
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Outlets and switches
Electrical boxes are brought forward with extenders, so covers sit flush on the tile instead of sinking behind it.
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Finished edges
Where tile stops short of a wall or cabinet end, the edge gets bullnose tile or a slim edge trim, never a raw cut.
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Countertop joint
The joint between tile and countertop gets caulk, not grout, so it can flex without cracking.
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Grout color
Matching grout keeps the wall calm; contrasting grout highlights the pattern. Very light grout shows stains sooner.
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Where to stop
Tile can end at the upper cabinets, run to the ceiling on an open wall, or stop at the end of the counter. We settle this before tiling.
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Under-cabinet lighting
Light across the tile shows off texture and glass. If you want it, plan it before the backsplash goes up.
Backsplash questions
Have a question we didn’t answer? Call (630) 555-0140 or send us a note.
How long does backsplash installation take?
Usually 1–2 days. The tile goes up on the first day, and grout and caulk are finished once the adhesive has set.
Can I use my kitchen during the work?
Mostly. The counters are covered while tile is set, so expect limited counter space for a day or two. In most kitchens the sink and appliances stay in use.
Should the backsplash go in before or after new countertops?
After. Tile sits on the finished countertop surface, so new tops go in first. A full-height slab backsplash is templated and fabricated together with the countertops.
Do I need to seal my backsplash?
Ceramic, porcelain and glass tile don’t need sealing, though cement-based grout benefits from it. Natural stone should be sealed and resealed every so often.
Which backsplash is easiest to clean?
Large-format porcelain or a full-height slab, because there are few or no grout lines to scrub. Glazed ceramic and glass also wipe clean easily.
Do you install backsplashes in Wisconsin too?
Yes. We work across Chicagoland and in the Madison, Milwaukee and Waukesha, Racine and Kenosha areas. See our Wisconsin service areas.
See your kitchen with new doors before you commit
A designer comes to your home with door samples, finishes and hardware, measures your cabinets and leaves a written, itemized quote. It’s free, and there’s no pressure to decide that day.
- Tell us a little about your kitchen
- Pick a time for your in-home design visit
- New doors installed in 3–5 days