The Ultimate Guide to Annapolis Backsplash Installation

Tile production significantly contributed to the Industrial Revolution back in the day, where manufacturing firms supplied middle-class families with affordable ceramic tile for their homes. Modern trends have breathed new life into the art of tiling, in which artists play around with patterns, colors and shapes to make Annapolis homes stand out. More importantly, tiles serve an important purpose. Whether as part of your home’s flooring, walls or a backsplash installation, they’re there to protect your walls from moisture and other sources of damage.

Backsplashes gained popularity in the 1930s, serving as a wall’s protective surface by fending off water and grease on countertops. If you are close to finishing a kitchen remodel, your countertop is not done until your backsplash installation project is complete.

That’s where your Annapolis handyman can come in with a keen eye for detail and decorative designs—and the skill to create perfectly straight lines. You can always trust your specialists at Mr. Handyman of Anne Arundel and North PG to excel in any tiling project that you need done.

Which Type of Tile Can You Use for Backsplash Installation?

The right Annapolis backsplash installation can change the way you and your guests view your home. There are both cost-effective and expensive options, so it’s worth spending some time learning about their characteristics and purposes. Like all materials, they come with pros and cons. Before you decide on your kitchen backsplash installation, you should see what’s out there that suits your needs.

Here are a few types to consider:

Ceramic

This is your popular and versatile choice for backsplash installation in Annapolis. It’s very durable and easy to clean and replace. Ceramic options come in various sizes and shapes. Composition-wise, it’s a mixture of water, sand and clay. Ceramic is often glazed, which means it’s coated with a protective finish, giving it either a matte or glossy look. (We recommend glossy for wall installations because matte has a non-skid feature that’s more beneficial for floors.)

Porcelain

Made by exposing clay to hot temperatures (about 2400 degrees Fahrenheit), porcelain tile is more robust than ceramic and lasts longer. It doesn't need sealing and is very crack-resistant. Porcelain is not as versatile as its ceramic counterpart and offers less variety for specific decorations, but you can create mosaic patterns with porcelain that will make beautiful backsplashes.

Granite

As a solid, sturdy, beautiful material, granite is ranked as the one of the most popular choices for kitchen backsplash installation in Annapolis, MD. Granite needs frequent maintenance to remain stain-resistant, but it's also crack- and scratch-resistant, not to mention incredibly stylish!

Homeowners that install granite countertops usually have enough slab leftover to make a matching backsplash unit. However, we don’t recommend a full-height installation because granite is a thick material that already takes about two inches of your countertop space. An excess amount of granite will make it look like you have less kitchen space.

Glass

Glossy, opaque or frosted, you get to pick your favorite! A glass backsplash reflects light and color, which helps create vibrancy in your kitchen or bathroom, making the area look bigger. If necessary, your certified Annapolis handyman will help build a wall reinforcement before the installation, since glass tiles are heavy and need to be treated with the utmost care.

The manufacturing process uses sheets of glass that are cut into shapes and fired in a furnace. There are many ways to treat it afterward, enabling greater flexibility for designing your backsplash. While glass is often translucent or transparent, it’s still possible to add your desired color. You can also create unique patterns and designs using fused glass tile.

Natural Stone

Marble and other types of natural stone are expensive and more complicated to work with—and they need specific sealants to make them non-porous. Unlike other materials, stone is not entirely scratch-resistant, especially if you forget to seal it every year. You can also find engineered faux versions of these materials in Annapolis, which are all highly durable and still boost your home’s value.

Wood or Laminate

Wood backsplashes are possible as long as they’re sealed properly. Wood is high-maintenance and can be combustible or prone to water damage if not treated properly. Laminate is made of paper and resin, and comes in a variety of colors and finishes. While both materials are not as common as other choices, they are still sometimes used for backsplash installation in Annapolis.

What Are The Common Styles of Tile?

In ancient Egypt, tile had its significant functions but its ultimate purpose was to produce art. Today, it has more practical uses, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t make use of similar design aesthetics to enhance your Annapolis backsplash installation.

Hexagon/Honeycomb: This pattern’s natural shape creates a timeless, unique appeal for kitchens and bathrooms, on everything from floors to backsplashes
Mosaic Tile: This style features smaller pieces, often with different colors or finishes, that are installed to create a broad multicolored pattern.
Heritage: This porcelain style features complex, unique patterns and may be installed on walls or floors. It’s popular in bathrooms, kitchens and many other areas of homes in Annapolis with a traditional style focus.
Patina: Patina describes hand-colored porcelain/ceramic and is highly desirable for interior decorations due to its aged metallic look.
Subway: This style will probably remind you of the subway stations in Manhattan from where it originates. It’s designed in a way that makes it easy to clean, and it often utilizes a white color that brightens up your day and exudes a clean look.
Listello Border: This border feature adds an interesting element and pattern to an existing backsplash. Listello borders can add an extra accent to any space that you want to highlight.

It’s important to remember that material type focuses more on functionality, whereas style adds extra flair and artistry to your desired Annapolis backsplash installation design. Whether your residential or commercial kitchen and bathroom need a functional upgrade or a new decorative design, you can trust our skilled, uniformed technicians to get you the look and functionality you want.

Backsplash Installation Annapolis, MD — Where Do You Begin?

The process is similar to an overall tile installation, except that you have a smaller and more specific area of focus. The majority of kitchen backsplashes are made from ceramic or porcelain, which are the easiest options and most suitable for Annapolis DIY projects.

Required Materials:

First, you have to gather all the essential tools and materials:

Tape measure
Tile cutter/saw
Level
Trowel
Thinset mortar
Plastic spacers
Unsanded grout
Rubber grout float
Cleaning sponge
Tile caulk (100% silicone)

Project Steps:

Note: Please keep in mind that this guide will focus on using thinset mortar as the preferred installation method because it’s important to use liquid adhesive to ensure that tiles firmly stick to the substrate. Mastic is not suitable for damp areas and is not as strong as thinset, but could be an alternative option for some types of Annapolis backsplash installation.

The essential prep steps for your ideal Annapolis backsplash installation include thoroughly cleaning the wall and countertop and giving it time to dry. Having a supporting backer board for the installation is optional and can provide extra waterproofing protection, but it’s not required because your drywall will give enough support.
After cleaning, use masking tape and protective material to secure the counter area. Then measure the entire installation area from start to end. It sometimes helps to find the center point on the wall from where you can plan out certain tile patterns. Use a level as a cutting guide and plan out what will fit where.
Apply your individual pieces using thinset and spacers. Because thinset dries quickly, you should work in small sections, starting out with straight rows. Your plastic spacers are there to help maintain uniform spacing when you’re working with horizontal lines. Once the thinset has dried, you can carefully remove them. (We recommend a 24-hour drying period for the thinset.)
Mix the grout and apply it diagonally across your newly applied tile backsplash, using a good-quality float. Gently press the grout into the joints. When done, give the grout about 20 minutes to settle and then use a sponge to wipe away any excess. Now it will need a good 48 to 72 hours to dry, depending on the manufacturer’s instructions.
Ensure you apply a high-quality grout sealer to protect your new backsplash. The wait time for the cure can last up to 72 hours.
Lastly, because backsplash tiles are attached to the wall, connecting to the countertop, you need to fill the seam and any expansion gaps with 100% silicone caulk.

If you need any help with extending any electrical outlets, caulking, or any other project steps before, after or during an installation in Annapolis, we are here to help. Since we are specialists in tile repair and bathroom remodeling, you can trust our workmanship, which is backed by our done right promise!

Annapolis Tile Installation Services

Are you feeling inspired for your next bathroom or kitchen remodeling project. Now that you’ve learned more about different types and styles and some Annapolis backsplash installation basics, you’re ready to begin—but tiling can be tricky and requires a certain level of expertise. Not to mention, it’s messy and complicated work, especially when you add grout to the game.

Thinset, grout and sealant are one reason why these projects take longer because they need almost a whole week to settle and dry, but correctly cutting materials and laying in your backsplash so that it’s perfectly straight also takes time. That careful placement is the only way to ensure splendid results for your Annapolis backsplash installation, so it’s important to take the time to get the job done right—or hire a professional handyman to help.

If you want help with an Annapolis backsplash installation project, we are happy to take this burden off your shoulders. All you have to do is tell the professionals at Mr. Handyman of Anne Arundel and North PG what you want, and you can consider it done.

Frequently Asked Questions About Annapolis Backsplash Installation

Our expert tile technicians have answered all your common questions about Annapolis backsplash installation!

What’s the Most Durable Kitchen and Bathroom Backsplash Material?

Porcelain would be your most durable and cost-effective option, whereas ceramic is the most popular and versatile. But porcelain has a unique strength that can last for many years.

Can an Annapolis Backsplash Installation Be Completed in One Day?

We would love to say yes to Annapolis homeowners, but unfortunately, when using thinset and grout, you are dealing with materials that need several days at a time to cure. Although, projects that use mastic may not take as long. Also called adhesive mat, mastic enables you to apply the tiles on a dry, sticky surface. It only requires silicone sealants that only take 24 hours to cure, but it’s not always an effective choice for all projects. Ultimately, the time required for your project will depend on the size of the area, and the types of styles, patterns and materials being used.

Do I Need a Ledger Board for Backsplash Installation?

A ledger board is indeed useful if your backsplash installation goes over and past the countertop. Depending on how far you want the tiles to go, the ledger board gives them temporary support until the adhesive or thinset has cured completely. Some homeowners prefer this style.

What is the Average Cost of Professional Backsplash Installation in Annapolis, MD?

Since there is a wide variety of types and styles, it depends on the material used and the installation complexity, as those factors determine the requirements for time and labor. At Mr. Handyman, we offer transparent pricing and upfront estimates, so you can rest assured that we’ll provide a clear, honest estimate before your project begins.

What’s Your Opinion on Stick Tiles for Backsplash Installation?

Some have nice designs, but they come with an abundance of disadvantages. They are convenient for smaller homes and kitchenettes or anywhere you don’t call a forever home. Our goal is to improve and secure all homes, and that includes yours. We strive to install systems for safety, longevity and comfort. Having secure countertops with water-resistant walls is a necessity for every household in Annapolis.

Hire Our Annapolis Backsplash Installation Experts Today!

Are you ready to get started on your Annapolis backsplash installation project with the help of the professionals at Mr. Handyman of Anne Arundel and North PG? Whether you live in Annapolis, a nearby area, such as Parole, or another community in Anne Arundel County, we’re here to help you with your home improvement needs. We look forward to helping with your next home project, whether it involves porcelain, ceramic, wood, metal or glass.

Give us a call today to chat with our friendly customer service representatives and find out how we can make your home safer and more comfortable.