Kitchen Backsplash Tile Installation

Expert Tile Installers - Toronto & GTA

WSIB / Insured

Since 2010, our professional crew installs backsplashes with sharp layouts, accurate outlet cuts, and tidy silicone lines where wall meets countertop. We plan patterns (stacked, offset, herringbone), align sightlines, and finish edges with slim Schluter® profiles for a durable, easy-to-clean backsplash that looks intentional from every angle.

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Precision in every panel, perfection in every seam

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Our 5-Step Backsplash Process

From precise measurement to final polish, we follow a proven kitchen backsplash installation process that ensures clean lines, perfect outlet cuts, and lasting results.

  • Tight joints
  • Waterproofing expertise
  • Clean cuts

1

Measure & plan

Confirm counter-to-cabinet clearance (~18″ typical) and map outlets/hood centreline for pattern alignment.

We verify actual field dimensions between countertop and wall cabinets, locate electrical outlets and range hood centreline, then plan the tile grid to avoid slivers at critical lines. This includes coordinating with your Licensed Electrical Contractor for any outlet adjustments needed.

  • Counter-to-cabinet

2

Surface prep & protection

Protect counters/appliances; confirm flatness; snap control lines; dry-fit terminations.

All countertops, appliances, and cabinets are properly protected with plastic and cardboard. We check wall flatness across the backsplash area, snap chalk lines for tile alignment, and dry-fit edge terminations with Schluter profiles to ensure clean finishes.

  • Counter & appliance protection

3

Cutting & setting

Precise outlet and edge cuts; use profiles at exposed ends; set to layout lines for even joints.
Each tile is cut with precision for outlets, switches, and edge terminations. Schluter RONDEC or QUADEC profiles are installed at exposed edges for protection and clean lines. Tiles are set using premium adhesive with consistent joint spacing and perfect alignment to layout lines.
  • Precision outlet cuts
  • Schluter edge profiles
  • Layout line alignment

4

Grout & sealant

Grout the field; apply 100% silicone at counter and inside corners (changes of plane).

High-performance grout is applied to tile joints with consistent depth and smooth finish. Per tile industry standards, we use 100% silicone (not grout) at counter-to-backsplash transitions and inside corners to accommodate building movement and prevent cracking.

  • High-performance grout

5

Clean-down & handover

Polish tile, re-seat plates with spacers/box extenders to sit flush with finished surface; care tips provided.
Final cleaning removes all adhesive residue and grout haze for a pristine finish. Electrical plates are reinstalled with proper spacers or box extenders to sit flush with the new tile surface. We provide care instructions for long-term maintenance of your backsplash.
  • Professional tile cleaning
  • Maintenance guidance

What Does Kitchen Backsplash Installation Cost?

Get a detailed timeline and estimate for your kitchen backsplash installation.
Our proven process ensures precision, clean lines, and lasting results you’ll love daily.

Choose a look — we make it precise

Explore different backsplash patterns and see how professional tile installation creates flawless results for each kitchen style.

Subway Offset

Centre the grid under the range hood; avoid slivers at upper cab bottoms; typical 50% offset or 1/3 offset to reduce lippage on larger rectangles.

Subway Stacked

Modern, linear look; confirm cabinet and counter lines are parallel to keep joints visually straight.

Herringbone

Plan start point and cut symmetry at ends; expect more cuts and layout time.

Large-Format

Verify flatness across spans; maintain movement joint at inside corners.

What you'll notice day-to-day

Beyond the initial impact, these are the lasting qualities that make your kitchen backsplash a joy to use and maintain every single day.

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Pattern planning that fits your kitchen

From running bond and stacked to herringbone, we align with sightlines and cabinet reveals for a balanced look.

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Outlet precision & code-aware coordination

We coordinate with your Licensed Electrical Contractor for outlet placement and spacing; box extenders used where depth increases.

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Clean, protected edges

Slim profiles (e.g., RONDEC/QUADEC) safeguard exposed edges and give a crisp termination at open ends.

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Smarter grout choices

Epoxy options offer strong stain resistance in cooking zones; we colour-match for a seamless look.

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Plan your splash zones for lasting performance

Different kitchen areas have unique requirements. We customize our approach based on water exposure, heat sources, and daily use patterns.

Sink Area

Terminate neatly under cabinets; silicone at counter joint; consider epoxy grout for stain resistance near water.

Range Area

Align to hood width and centreline; confirm non-combustible clearances with appliance specs; plan seams/outlets in elevation.

Full-Height Feature Wall

Run tile to ceiling or bottom of crown; choose profile at outer edge for a clean finish.

Which mortar, grout, and profiles
do you use for kitchen backsplashes?

Bright-white, non-sag wall mortars for ceramic/glass, stain-aware grout (epoxy where useful), and metal edge profiles; movement joints are planned for long-term stability.

Specialized systems for porcelain slabs

Large porcelain panels demand deformable adhesives and proper edge protection. We use only S2-class systems designed for GPTP installations with movement accommodation per industry standards.

Our Recent Tile Installation Projects

See some of our recent tile installation projects across Toronto, the GTA, and beyond!

Ready for Your Kitchen Backsplash?

Join hundreds of satisfied homeowners. Get hood-centered layouts, precise outlet cuts, and clean edge terminations that transform your kitchen.

Our Customers

Review Their Experience

Watch our customers describe their tile installation experience and see the quality
results we deliver across the GTA.

"Mallet Tile transformed our dated bathroom into a spa-like retreat. The attention to detail from start to finish was exceptional."

"These guys showed up when they said they would, got the job done right, and didn’t cut corners. That’s what matters on site"

Kitchen Backsplash Installation: What Matters Most

Backsplashes succeed when sightlines and details align—hood centreline, cabinet reveals, outlet placement, and clean terminations. See our Our Process for how we plan, protect, and execute the work with tidy silicone at changes of plane and profiles at exposed edges.

How flat should walls be before kitchen backsplash tile goes in?

Flat walls keep joints straight, tiles co-planar, and outlet plates sitting flush. We check plane with a straightedge, mark high/low areas, and pre-fit edge terminations so courses track neatly beneath cabinets and around windows. Baseline prep aims and tolerances are outlined in Surface Preparation; those checks flow into the build steps described in Our Process.

Where are movement joints required for a backsplash?

Use 100% silicone—not grout—at changes of plane: counter-to-backsplash and inside corners. Flexible sealant accommodates seasonal building movement and helps reduce cracking at stress points. This approach aligns with tile-industry guidance; see TCNA EJ171 movement joint guidance for principles that apply to residential kitchens as well.

How are exposed backsplash edges finished cleanly?

Open ends are protected with slim edge profiles that create a crisp, durable termination without bulky trims. We align reveals to your pattern and cabinet heights so lines read intentional end-to-end. Explore profile families and use-cases from Schluter® movement-joint/edge profiles to understand options for corners, end caps, and transitions.

Do large-format tiles work for backsplashes?

Yes—fewer joints and continuous veining can elevate the space. Panels demand verified flatness, accurate seam planning, and silicone at inside corners. For Canadian practice and detailing, review the TTMAC 09 30 00 Tile Installation Manual. If you’re comparing looks, browse finished kitchens in our Portfolio to see stacked, running bond, herringbone, and panel solutions.

How do outlets stay centred and plates sit flush after tiling?

We centre the grid on the hood, cut tight to boxes, and use spacers or box extenders so plates sit flush with the finished tile. Electrical work is coordinated with a Licensed Electrical Contractor. For homeowner safety context during renovations, see ESA renovation safety; precise cuts and depth checks help plates feel solid and stay aligned.

What layout choices reduce visual clutter behind the range?

We avoid slivers at cabinet bottoms, land outlets within tile fields when practical, and size courses to the hood centreline so joints read balanced. Compare stacked, running bond, and herringbone options in Tile Layout & Grout Color; the right grout tone and joint width can make patterns calmer, simpler to clean, and easier on the eyes.

Which materials and trims support durable, easy-clean edges?

Glazed ceramics, porcelains, and compatible trims pair well with silicone at corners and protective edge profiles. Smooth glazes resist oil better; rectified edges help keep joints tight. After installation, consistent cleaning preserves sheen and colour. For day-to-day care guidance, see our Tile Care & Maintenance notes.

How should I maintain a backsplash long term?

Gentle cleaners, soft cloths, and periodic silicone refresh keep finishes sharp. We provide care notes at handover; for ongoing guidance see Tile Care & Maintenance. If you’re comparing materials, our Tile Installation Services page outlines options.

Free tile cost calculator with instant estimates based on your specific project requirements.

Why Choose Mallet Tile

Expert Installers

Waterproofing expertise

Since 2010

Trusted 15+ years

5.0 Google rating

Proven client satisfaction

WSIB/insured

Safety & Compliance

Backsplash Specializations

Professional installation with precision

Service Areas

+ 100km radius from Toronto

Kitchen Backsplash FAQs

Get answers to common questions about kitchen backsplash installation, outlet coordination, and our Toronto services.

We start with a clean, flat substrate, confirm layout and grout colour, protect adjacent finishes, then set and grout. Corners and plane changes are left for a flexible sealant per industry practice. For a step-by-step overview, see our process, or get an estimate.

Yes—if the wall is sound, within tolerance, and free of contaminants. We correct issues (skim coat, patching, or removal) so tiles bond properly and lines stay true. See our surface preparation guidance, then get an estimate with a few photos of the area.

Ceramic and porcelain are durable and low-maintenance; glass and mosaics add texture and light; large porcelain panels minimise joints. We help match size, finish, and pattern to your cabinets and countertop. Explore small-format tile, mosaics, or porcelain slabs.

We plan terminations during layout, then use slim profiles, crisp 45° mitres where suitable, or cabinet returns for a clean stop. Inside corners and counter junctions receive flexible sealant rather than grout to manage movement. See tile layout & grout colour for options.

Backsplashes typically use tight joints—often around 2 mm with rectified tile—balancing alignment, movement, and cleanability. We choose cementitious, epoxy, or premium pre-mixed grout based on tile type and kitchen use. Corners and plane changes are sealed (not grouted) per TCNA EJ171.

Cementitious grout benefits from high-quality sealer after curing; epoxy and certain pre-mixed grouts are inherently stain-resistant. Wipe spills promptly with a neutral cleaner and soft cloth to preserve joints and tile sheen. See tile care & maintenance for simple routines.

We make precise cut-outs and use approved box extenders so plates sit flush after tiling. For new circuits or lighting, a licensed electrician should complete the electrical work. Safety guidance: ESA renovation safety. Share photos of outlet locations when you get an estimate.

Yes—tile performs well near stoves. We follow appliance manufacturer clearance requirements and use appropriate mortars and sealants for heat exposure. Glass and porcelain are common choices. Provide the make/model of your range so we can plan details and sequence work correctly.

We can remove existing tile or backsplash materials, protect countertops and cabinetry, and repair minor wall irregularities before setting. Dust control and site protection are built into our workflow. See surface preparation, then get an estimate with a few quick measurements.

Start with your countertop and cabinet tones, then decide whether you want the tile to blend or contrast. We preview 2 mm joints, running-bond or stacked patterns, and edge options so the lines feel intentional. See tile layout & grout colour for ideas.

Most standard backsplashes are completed in one to two working days, depending on tile type, layout complexity, and any wall preparation required. Larger feature walls or intricate mosaics may add time. Share a few photos when you get an estimate and we’ll outline a clear timeline.

A backsplash involves substrate prep, layout alignment, outlet adjustments, clean edge termination, and tight joints—small inaccuracies show visibly in kitchens. Hiring a professional helps ensure straight lines, clean cuts, and durable bonding. If you’d like guidance or comparison, contact us or get an estimate.

Use our quick tile installation cost calculator to outline tile type, area size, and photos. We’ll review details, confirm any prep, and provide an estimate with clear next steps. You can also reach us via contact us.

Get your kitchen backsplash estimate now

Start with our Cost Calculator to outline budget and timing, or call to discuss your space.

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