Backsplash

Kitchen backsplash tile across San Diego County

A new backsplash is the highest-impact, lowest-disruption kitchen upgrade you can make. We install subway, zellige, large-format porcelain, marble, and mosaic tile on a proper substrate, set it in modified mortar, and finish with grout or caulk at the counter and corner transitions so the job looks new again in five years.

(858) 925-5546 Request a quote

White zellige backsplash tile installed in a San Diego kitchen with a custom range hood

What's included in this service?

Demo of existing tile or backsplash area, including clean substrate inspection
Cement board or uncoupling membrane panel install for proper waterproofing behind ranges
Subway, zellige, large-format porcelain, marble, or mosaic tile layout and set
Mitered corners, accent stripes, and outlet extenders to sit flush with the tile
Grout in cement, epoxy, or urethane based on the application
Color-matched silicone at counter, cabinet, and corner transitions

When do you need this service?

The existing tile is dated, cracked, or pulling away from the wall
You are replacing counters and the old backsplash no longer matches
You want to upgrade from a 4-inch granite slab to a full tile or slab backsplash
Grease and cooking residue have stained grout lines that will not clean up
You are adding an outlet, under-cabinet lighting, or a new range and need the wall refinished

What do homeowners ask about Backsplash?

How much does a kitchen backsplash cost in San Diego?

Most San Diego kitchen backsplash installs run $1,200-$4,500 for a typical 30-50 square foot wall area in mid-range subway or porcelain. Zellige, handmade ceramic, and marble push the cost up. Slab backsplash in matching quartz or marble is a different cost line and usually lands $2,500-$6,500.

What tile is best for a San Diego kitchen backsplash?

Ceramic subway and porcelain are the most common for value and durability. Zellige and handmade tile add texture and variation. Large-format porcelain (12x24 or larger) reads modern and has fewer grout lines. Marble looks beautiful but needs sealing and a more careful grout choice to avoid staining.

Do I need to replace the drywall behind the backsplash?

Not usually. If the existing drywall is solid, flat, and clean, we can install tile directly over it after scuffing the surface. If the old tile pulled off paper, there is water damage, or the wall is wavy, we cut back to clean drywall and install cement board or a uncoupling membrane panel before tiling.

How do I clean a tile backsplash without damaging the grout?

Use a pH-neutral cleaner and a soft cloth. Avoid acidic or abrasive cleaners on marble or natural stone. Re-seal cement grout every 1-2 years with a penetrating sealer. Epoxy and urethane grout need no sealing and stand up to kitchen grease better than cement grout.

Can you install a backsplash on a textured or knockdown wall?

We can, but the wall needs to be skimmed flat first or the tile will follow the texture and look uneven. Skim coating adds a day and a small cost, but it is the right call for a level, clean tile install. We can also float the wall with a thin membrane panel for a flatter substrate.