Get matched with top backsplash installation pros in Buffalo Center, IA

Regardless of the material, basic square tiles will never go out of style. Neutral colors like white, grey, beige, and black will always be in demand in residential and commercial settings. Certain designs, like herringbone and hexagonal patterns, are considered timeless. Porcelain and porcelain-like tiles will also never go out of style.

Whether you use a brush or roller depends on the size, shape, and amount of tiles. Rollers are easier to maneuver over large areas and can apply a more even coat of paint in a shorter time frame with no visible brushstrokes. Brushes are best for precision work, particularly in very small areas. If you don't want visible brushstrokes on your painted tiles, you can paint details with small foam brushes instead of bristled paint brushes.

Yes, you can install a backsplash directly onto drywall, provided the wall is properly prepped, clean, and dry. For best results, especially in kitchen areas, your walls should be made of moisture-resistant drywall, often called green board. If your current wall isn't moisture-resistant, it's recommended to replace it before installing the backsplash. For even greater protection against water damage, you can remove the existing drywall and install a tile backer board or cement board instead. While properly installed standard drywall is typically strong enough to support a backsplash, some local building codes may require water-resistant materials in kitchen areas, so it's a good idea to check.

While you shouldn’t use thinset mortar on its own as a floor leveler, it can work alongside other products to help level floors. For instance, you could start with a self-leveling compound, let that dry, then apply backer board with thinset mortar to help fully even out the floors ahead of laying tile.