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BACKSPLASH TILE INSTALLATION
DC, MD & VA

A new backsplash is one of the highest visual-impact upgrades you can make to a kitchen or bathroom. 5 Star Pros handles the layout, cuts, grouting, and sealing — so you get a clean, professional finish that looks exactly like the inspiration photo.

PROFESSIONAL BACKSPLASH TILE INSTALLATION
IN THE DMV AREA

A backsplash is one of the first things people notice in a kitchen — and one of the easiest ways to make a dated space feel completely updated. Across the DMV, we're installing subway tile in Silver Spring bungalows, large-format marble-look porcelain in Bethesda kitchens, handmade zellige tile in Capitol Hill rowhouses, and herringbone mosaics in Arlington condo bathrooms. No two jobs look the same, and that's what keeps this work interesting.

Tile installation looks straightforward but the quality difference between a professional job and a DIY one shows immediately — in the layout, in the grout lines, in how the cuts land around outlets and under cabinets. A great backsplash starts with a careful layout plan that centers the pattern visually and minimizes ugly slivers at the edges. Then the wall surface has to be properly prepped and flat. Then thinset consistency and back-buttering technique determine whether tiles pop off in six months or stay put for twenty years. Then grout selection — type, color, and sanded vs. unsanded — affects both appearance and longevity. We handle all of it.

We work with tile you supply or help you source the right material for your space. All tile is sealed after grouting, especially in kitchen areas where grease and moisture are a constant presence. We protect your countertops and cabinets throughout the job and leave the space clean. Free estimates throughout DC, Maryland, and Virginia, and we're ready to go as soon as you are.

Full Scope

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Surface Prep

  • Remove existing backsplash or old tile
  • Patch and skim-coat wall surface as needed
  • Apply cement board or tile backer where required
  • Mark layout lines and center the pattern
  • Protect countertops and cabinetry

Tile Installation

  • Mix and apply thinset mortar
  • Back-butter each tile for full coverage
  • Set tile to layout lines with consistent spacing
  • Cut tiles for outlets, corners, and edges
  • Allow full cure time before grouting

Grouting & Sealing

  • Apply grout in chosen color and type
  • Clean tile faces before grout sets
  • Apply grout sealer for stain protection
  • Caulk all transitions and inside corners
  • Final inspection and touch-up
Typical Costs

PRICING GUIDE

Estimates vary by size, tile type, and scope. Get an exact quote — it's always free.

Small Backsplash
$400–$800
Up to 15 sq ft. Ideal for a small galley kitchen, bathroom vanity backsplash, or a focused accent area. Standard subway tile or mosaic sheets.
Full Kitchen + Bathroom
$1,200–$2,500
Large kitchen with range hood feature wall plus bathroom vanity backsplash. Complex patterns, large-format tile, or natural stone priced toward the top of the range.
How It Works

OUR PROCESS

01
Remove Old Backsplash

Existing tile, peel-and-stick backsplash, or painted drywall is removed carefully to minimize damage to the wall surface. Outlets are covered and countertops are protected with drop cloths before demo begins.

02
Prep Wall Surface

The wall is patched, skimmed, and leveled as needed. If the surface isn't flat, tile won't lay right — we address this before anything goes up. Layout lines are marked and the pattern is centered so the visual result is balanced and professional.

03
Lay Tile Pattern

Thinset is applied and each tile is back-buttered for full coverage adhesion. Tiles are set to the layout lines with consistent grout joint spacing. Cuts around outlets, corners, and under cabinet edges are made with a wet saw for clean, precise lines.

04
Grout & Seal

After thinset cures, grout is applied in your chosen color. Tile faces are cleaned before the grout sets. Grout sealer is applied to protect against staining in the kitchen environment. Inside corners and transitions are caulked for a finished look.

Common Questions

BACKSPLASH TILE FAQ

How long does backsplash installation take?+
A standard kitchen backsplash takes 1–2 days: one day to set the tile and let the thinset cure overnight, and a second day to grout and seal. Larger or more complex installations — full kitchen with a statement range hood wall, or intricate mosaic patterns — may take 2–3 days total. We'll give you a precise timeline at your free quote so you can plan kitchen access accordingly.
Can you work with tile I already bought?+
Absolutely. We install customer-supplied tile all the time. Before we start, make sure you have about 10–15% extra tile beyond the measured square footage to account for cuts and any breakage. If you haven't purchased yet, we can give you guidance on quantities, tile thickness, and grout joint sizing based on your exact measurements — just ask during the free quote.
What's the most popular tile style in the DMV?+
Subway tile in 3x6 or 4x12 white or off-white remains the most requested style — classic, clean, and works with almost any kitchen. Behind that, we're seeing a lot of herringbone patterns, large-format marble-look porcelain slabs, and handmade ceramic with texture variation. Zellige-style tile with its irregular surface and organic color has become very popular in Bethesda and Capitol Hill kitchens in the past few years.
Do you do bathroom backsplash too?+
Yes. Bathroom backsplash behind a vanity is one of our most popular tile jobs and a high-impact upgrade that can completely transform a dated bathroom without a full remodel. The process is identical to kitchen tile. We can also tile shower niches, accent walls behind freestanding tubs, and small feature areas in powder rooms — all scheduled in the same visit when combined with a kitchen backsplash job.

READY TO GET YOUR
BACKSPLASH TILE DONE RIGHT?

Free quote. No obligation. We respond within 15 minutes.

227-254-2422
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