Durham Backsplash is the premiere provider of kitchen backsplash installations in Durham Region, Ontario. Our expert installers have been installing backsplash tiles for over a decade in the area, and can assist you with your next home project.
Whether you’re a homeowner, tenant or landlord looking to increase the visual appeal of your kitchen space, bathroom or laundry room – we can assist. To begin, send us a message today by completing this form – providing us details on the space that requires backsplash work.
It is important to be as accurate as possible in your measurements (here is a helpful guide on how to accurately measure your space). Once you submit the form, one of our installers will reach out to you with a quote, including any special items you need to take into consideration.
Within Durham Region, we offer clean and affordable backsplash installations in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby and Oshawa. We primarily serve the areas closest to us, so we can remain cost-concious for both our brand and our customers.
We offer free advice to all our customers and non-customers, it’s why we remain a trusted source for backsplash installation advice and service.
Our services in Durham’s Pickering, Ajax, Whitby and Oshawa include:
Brand New Backsplash Installation
Do you have a plain wall in the kitchen that is looking bare? A beautiful backsplash can elevate the look and feel of the space. While a brand new backsplash may not increase the value of your home, it can definitely increase the visual appeal and ease of cleaning.
Backsplash Removal
Have you moved into a home, and don’t like the backsplash? Are you thinking about upgrading your backsplash to something more modern and contemporary? We’ve had many customers ask us about removing old backsplash tiles, to add new ones.
This type of project requires extra work as you know – starting with the removal of the existing tile. With a permanent Type 1 Tile Adhesive such as Mapei, it is impossible to remove backsplash tiles without leaving any residue or clean up work. There are special backsplash removal tools we use to have the job done.
Once the tiles are removed, the wall is then to be prepped for the new installation.
When it comes to backsplash removal and installation cost, it can depend on a number of factors such as time required, size of space, and restoration required. It is best to contact us for a quote.
Backsplash Repair
Our team of installers are also experienced in repairing backsplash tiles, whether that is replacing tiles or replacing the grout line. For all your backsplash repairs and emergency work, please send us a message today.
Grout and Silicone Repair
As time passes, the grout and silicone on your backsplash may require additional maintenance and repair work. Our installers can completely remove grout and add new grout, and a new bead of silicone.
A well-finished grout line can make a considerable difference in the overall look of the backsplash. We also recommend using a tile and grout sealer to spray and wipe over the finished work – to further protect the surfaces.
While its completely true that backsplash installation isn’t rocket science – it does take some patience, experience and planning to get it done right the first time. In our years of experience, we’ve had to fix some homeowner mistakes. Here are the top seven mistakes we’ve seen in homes over the last few years:
Inaccurate Measurements
We would say, this is probably the most common mistake we’ve seen in homes. Improperly measuring your space can cause further complications during the tile installation process. In the summer of 2020 when everyone was doing home renovations – we were called to a home in Ajax.
The homeowner had done their own backsplash using tiles that measured 4-inches high. The distance between their countertop and cabinet was 19-inches. The homeowner improperly measured the spacing and installed the backsplash four tiles high, and realized there was an extra 2.5-inches of space at the top. They decided to fill that gap with grout.
It was such a beautiful home with high ceilings, but as soon as you walked into the kitchen – you could clearly see that uneven gap just lined with grey-colored grout. The homeowner wasn’t happy, and asked us to correct their mistake.
We always tell our customers – it’s okay to make mistakes on your own home. After all, this is the only way you can learn. This customer ended up learning so much from our backsplash installers that day, he later went on to doing the backsplash in his basement laundry room.
This story has taught us that a simple error in measuring, can have a large impact!
Forgetting How Deep Power Outlets Are
The average thickness of backsplash tiles used in the kitchen are 0.25-inches to 0.375-inches. Once you apply mastic/tile adhesive to the wall, and put on the tiles – that thickness from the wall can increase to 0.4375-inches to 0.5625-inches.
If you don’t account for your power outlets, you will find that they’ve gone deeper into the wall once the backsplash tile is installed. Our backsplash installers recommend a thin layer of tile adhesive, not more than 0.1875-inches.
To avoid such an issue, all our installers carry what’s known as outlet box extenders. These extenders allow the outlet to come forward and remain flush with the beginning of the backsplash. Many DIY homeowners tend to forget about this crucial element – and will often make multiple cuts into the backsplash tile to allow for the outlet cover to fit on the junction box.
This is another reason to hire a professional who can quickly account for any type of obstacle in the kitchen, prior to beginning backsplash work.
Not Knowing the Kitchen Countertop Was Uneven
We all know builders aren’t perfect – and with that comes some level of inaccuracy. In Durham, there are a plethora of new homes being built from Pickering to Clarington. These homes are go up incredibly fast – and no one is taking a level to the ground to see if the kitchen countertops are level.
Every home will have minor issues with how level the countertops are. A recent backsplash project we fixed in Whitby had this exact issue. The homeowner used the countertop as their starting line to begin the backsplash. On one side of the stove, the countertops were higher, and lower on the other side. You can definitely understand how this turned out for the homeowner.
By the time the homeowner reached the section above the stove, they noticed the tiles weren’t lining up. Can you image having to remove all the tile and start over at this point?
Our backsplash installers have happily helped so many customers in Durham Region. Whether you’ve started a backsplash on your own, and need help to finish it or if you’ve bought all your tiles and just need help getting it done – we’re there for you!
Confidently send us message today for a free quote, and we’ll assist.
Forgetting the Height of Cabinets Were Different Across the Room
We have yet to see this happen to any of our customers, but would like to mention this one. Similar to how countertops are uneven – sometimes, cabinets are also installed at uneven heights. On one side of the kitchen, they may be installed 18-inches above the countertop, and 19-inches on the other side of the room.
It comes down to measuring the kitchen space accurately to ensure every possible obstacle is accounted for.
Not Realizing the Wall was Bowed
A bowed wall is one where there is a little curve in the wall, giving it a bowed shape. It is incredibly difficult to see when looking at the wall head on. You may only notice this while applying tile adhesive. The mastic/tile adhesive may seem like it is thicker in some areas – and this is due to a bowed wall.
Our Durham Backsplash installers have worked in many of these conditions, and can quickly divert their techniques to ensure the finished backsplash is straight and clean.
Not Timing the Project During Grouting
The grouting process is a messy one, and timing is everything during this stage of the backsplash installation. We use known grout products made from reputable brands, so we know the setting time involved. However, if you are using a new product – it is crucial that you remain vigilant during grouting.
Once grout starts to set, it can be very difficult to remove and clean off. It can become an extra days work in some cases! There are many examples on YouTube of where homeowners incorrectly timed their grouting process, leaving them with quite a bit of grunt work.
Our backsplash installers know how to handle grout and when to begin cleaning – so we can safely ensure the project is completed on time.
If you’re looking for a professional backsplash installation in any area of Durham (Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa) – send us a quick message and we’ll have a quote out to your inbox in no time.
Improper Tile Application Technique
When installing backsplash tiles, there is definitely an easy and efficient way of installing them. You begin with applying mastic/tile adhesive and then slowly place the tile. The first position for the tile should be against the bottom and side edge of an already applied tile (see Position 1). Next, you will slowly move the tile diagonally away to ensure no glue seeps out in between the two tiles (see Position 2).
Our backsplash installation techniques have been perfected over 6000 hours of installation. You can count on our experience, expertise and knowledge to have the job done right the first time.
To begin, let’s start by measuring out your kitchen space, and then we’ll submit a quote to our installers. Our installers will complete the required work on their end to formulate a quote for you. You can use our free backsplash tile calculator to measure the square footage required.