A kitchen backsplash is the highest-impact, lowest-cost change you can make to a kitchen. Most backsplashes are finished in one to two days, and the price comes down to three things: the tile you choose, the wall area, and how many outlets, switches and window returns we cut around. For a ballpark, try our tile cost calculator; for an exact number, we come out and measure for free.
What that covers
- Surface preparation and priming
- Precise cuts around outlets, switches and window returns
- Edge profiles — bullnose, Schluter trim or a mitred return
- Grout and colour-matched silicone at the counter joint
- Full cleanup and disposal
How the tile type changes the job
| Material | Install effort | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard subway ceramic | Lowest | Fastest to install, most forgiving |
| Rectified porcelain | Low | Tighter joints, sharper look |
| Glass mosaic sheets | Higher | More cuts, edges must be detailed |
| Natural stone mosaic | Higher | Needs sealing |
| Handmade zellige | Highest | Irregular sizing, slow, beautiful |
The cheap quote problem
Backsplashes are where corner-cutting shows most, because the tile sits at eye level under direct task lighting. The things a low quote usually leaves out:
- Edge detail. A raw cut tile edge at the end of a run looks unfinished forever. Proper trim or a mitre costs a little more and is the difference between a professional and an amateur job.
- Outlet cuts. Sloppy cuts hidden behind a cover plate are fine. Sloppy cuts that show around the plate are not.
- Epoxy grout. Standard cementitious grout behind a stove absorbs grease and stains within a year. Epoxy resists it. It is harder to work with, which is why many installers avoid quoting it.
Buying the tile
Most clients bring samples from a local showroom. We install tile from any supplier, and we are happy to look at your samples and tell you honestly what will work in your space before you commit.
Planning your quantity
Measure the wall area in square feet and add 10 to 15 percent. Go to the top of that range for a herringbone or diagonal layout. Keep the offcuts — dye lots change between production runs, so a repair in two years rarely matches new stock.
Get a free estimate
Ultra Renovations Inc has been installing tile across Ajax, Pickering, Whitby, Oshawa and the wider GTA for over ten years. We are a registered Ontario corporation with general liability insurance.
Call (647) 648-8985 or request a free estimate and we will come out, measure properly, look at your subfloor, and give you a written quote for your backsplash at no cost.