Backsplash & Tile Work

A backsplash is where function meets personality in the kitchen. It protects the wall behind your countertops from cooking splatters, steam, and water damage while serving as a major design element that ties the room together. In New Brunswick, the most popular backsplash materials are subway tile (the timeless choice at $8-$20/sq ft installed), large-format porcelain ($12-$25/sq ft), glass mosaic ($15-$35/sq ft), and natural stone like marble or travertine ($20-$40/sq ft).

Peel-and-stick tile has gained popularity as a DIY option ($5-$15/sq ft), though it doesn't have the longevity or resale value of professionally installed tile. A standard NB kitchen backsplash covers 25-40 square feet, putting total costs at $1,000-$2,500 for most installations. Full-wall backsplash treatments (counter to ceiling) are trending and run $2,500-$5,000.

The installation process involves surface preparation, layout planning (where cuts fall, how patterns align at corners), setting tile with appropriate thinset, and grouting. Professional tile setters ensure level lines, consistent spacing, and clean cuts around outlets and switches — details that separate a polished installation from a DIY attempt.