How do porcelain tiles compare to ceramic tiles?

• <div><p>Porcelain and ceramic tiles are made from clay, but porcelain tiles are fired in a kiln at a higher temperature. This makes them more durable, but it also means porcelain is more expensive than ceramic at <b>$3 to $5 more per square foot</b>.</p><p>Even with the higher price point, many people choose porcelain over ceramic because there are more color and design options.</p></div>

What is the best tile for a bathtub surround?

• <div><p>Bathrooms are naturally moisture-rich environments, so choose a durable, water-resistant tile for your tub surround. Porcelain and ceramic are two popular options that are also quite affordable. Glass is another good option that’s also low-maintenance—you just need a glass cleaner like you would use on the bathroom mirror. Natural stone tile is porous, but it’s still a viable option if you choose it in a glazed version.</p></div>

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Q: Can I tile over painted walls?

• <div><p>No, tiling over painted walls or wallpapered surfaces is generally not recommended. Textured surfaces and paints will affect the adhesive, possibly causing tiles to lift or fall off. Painted walls with a semi-gloss or high-gloss finish are particularly difficult for adding tiles. It&rsquo;s wise to strip the paint first if you install the tiles to drywall, although it&rsquo;s still best to opt for a cement backer board.</p></div>

Q: What is the best paint for shower tile?

• <div><p>The best paints for shower tiles include epoxy, latex, or acrylic. Ideally, you should look for paints that are waterproof and mildew-resistant if you plan to paint shower or other bathroom tiles. You can even find waterproof paints made specifically for tiled surfaces, which will be the best option for shower tile paint that lasts as long as possible.</p></div>

Q: How do you know how many boxes of tile you need?

• <div><p>The number of boxes of tile you need depends entirely on the amount of tile in each box or case. Different manufacturers package their tiles differently, and boxes contain different amounts of tile depending on the size, shape, and material. Often, the amount of area that a case will cover is listed in the product description. To calculate the number of boxes you need, take the total square feet of the space and divide it by the number of square feet the box will cover.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Backsplash Installation pros in Armstrong, IA

*The Angi rating for Backsplash Installation companies in Armstrong, IA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Backsplash Installation needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Backsplash Installation companies in Armstrong, IA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Backsplash Installation needs.

Last update on April 08, 2025

Reviewed in April 2025
The basement floor was to be leveled before the new flooring was installed, that was not done. The flooring was installed with many mistakes and flaws that were all to be repaired or covered by trim. As time went on the contractor did not fix mistakes but made them worse and created more...
PC Obsidian
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Reviewed in January 2024
This is my second time hiring Mad City - we replaced one shower, and needed to do our other bathroom. In just two days - the agreed upon amount of time - they took out an old bath and put in a bath and shower combination that works great and looks great. They have many financing options, were...
Mad City Windows & Baths
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Reviewed in May 2021
My company, North Star Properties, just purchased a lake house rental property. As we were conducting renovations on the property, we noticed smell starting to develop in the basement near the downstairs bathroom. After a few weeks, I thought it may be mold. The Restoration Company was...
The Restoration Company, LLC
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Reviewed in November 2019
Ed Ymker is a very honest reliable, dependable individual who takes as much time as necessary to explain your insulation concerns. I felt completely comfortable doing business with him. Had spray foam installed and blown insulation. Would highly recommend YMKER.
Ymker Insulation
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Reviewed in May 2019
The contractor who did the work was SUPERIOR in every way. Absolutely outstanding and we are so pleased with the new siding and the quality of his installation.
Paramount Siding & Windows, Inc.
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Reviewed in August 2012
They covered their shoes when they came into the house. I was not around when they did the work, but I was very happy with the units that they installed. I was very happy with their service. I had received a couple of estimates, but my husband went with them. They were punctual.
DAY PLUMBING HEATING & COOLING
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Reviewed in June 2012
The installation was good on most windows but on a couple the installer just installed the window right over a very rotted window sill instead of replacing the sill first. <br /> On another window the top of the window fogs up with condensation at times and we cannot even see out of the...
Borderline
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Reviewed in February 2007
The salesman and installers were professional and courteous.
Window Concepts of Minnesota, Inc.
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Find Backsplash installation pros in Armstrong

Gregor Made, LLC

4.9(

)

Tile: Ceramic and Porcelain - InstallTile: Ceramic and Porcelain - Install - For Business

Serving Armstrong, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"Quick response. Great communication and repaired the door very quickly."

Response time12 hrs

Response rate98%

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Tile: Ceramic and Porcelain - InstallTile: Natural Stone (Granite, Marble, Slate, Quartz, etc) - Install

Serving Armstrong, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"very good, definitely happy with it"

Laundry room and closet remodeled to a 3/4 bath

+40

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

Dave Navarro Construction

5.0(

)

Tile: Ceramic and Porcelain - InstallTile: Ceramic and Porcelain - Install - For Business

Serving Armstrong, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2010

Free estimates

We are a General contracting company. We perform all services involved in the completion of unfinished space. We do hire sub contractors when needed. We also stand by their work as well. Though we have only been in buisness for a short time. we have a combined 37 years construction experience.

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Jill Seidner Interior Design

3.5(

)

Tile: Ceramic and Porcelain - InstallTile: Ceramic and Porcelain - Install - For Business

Serving Armstrong, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2006

Credit card accepted

"The design was totally useless to me. I was extremely disappointed.
"

Recommended by55%of homeowners

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JD MO BUILDERS

New to Angi

Tile: Ceramic and Porcelain - InstallTile: Ceramic and Porcelain - Install - For BusinessTile: Natural Stone (Granite, Marble, Slate, Quartz, etc) - Install

Serving Armstrong, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality and customer service that\nwe provide to meet your needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship\nand complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. \nIn order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers,\nwe take great care to work and communicate with every customer a professional manner.\nOur reputation is based on service, safety and quality, regardless of how large\nor small the job.

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Backsplash Installation questions, answered by experts

Porcelain and ceramic tiles are made from clay, but porcelain tiles are fired in a kiln at a higher temperature. This makes them more durable, but it also means porcelain is more expensive than ceramic at $3 to $5 more per square foot.

Even with the higher price point, many people choose porcelain over ceramic because there are more color and design options.

No, tiling over painted walls or wallpapered surfaces is generally not recommended. Textured surfaces and paints will affect the adhesive, possibly causing tiles to lift or fall off. Painted walls with a semi-gloss or high-gloss finish are particularly difficult for adding tiles. It’s wise to strip the paint first if you install the tiles to drywall, although it’s still best to opt for a cement backer board.

The best paints for shower tiles include epoxy, latex, or acrylic. Ideally, you should look for paints that are waterproof and mildew-resistant if you plan to paint shower or other bathroom tiles. You can even find waterproof paints made specifically for tiled surfaces, which will be the best option for shower tile paint that lasts as long as possible.

Bathrooms are naturally moisture-rich environments, so choose a durable, water-resistant tile for your tub surround. Porcelain and ceramic are two popular options that are also quite affordable. Glass is another good option that’s also low-maintenance—you just need a glass cleaner like you would use on the bathroom mirror. Natural stone tile is porous, but it’s still a viable option if you choose it in a glazed version.

The number of boxes of tile you need depends entirely on the amount of tile in each box or case. Different manufacturers package their tiles differently, and boxes contain different amounts of tile depending on the size, shape, and material. Often, the amount of area that a case will cover is listed in the product description. To calculate the number of boxes you need, take the total square feet of the space and divide it by the number of square feet the box will cover.

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