What is the difference between Saltillo tile and terracotta tile?

• <div><p>Terracotta tile is a broad term for clay tile that’s been fired in a kiln, and Saltillo tile is a specific type of <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/terracotta-home-design-ideas.htm">terracotta</a> tile produced in Saltillo, Mexico. In addition to Saltillo, terracotta tile comes in a range of other shades and styles. You’ll often find it used in buildings throughout Mexico, southern Europe, and the western United States. </p></div>

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Q: What is the difference between Saltillo tile and terracotta tile?

• <div><p>Terracotta tile is a broad term for clay tile that&rsquo;s been fired in a kiln, and Saltillo tile is a specific type of <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/terracotta-home-design-ideas.htm">terracotta</a> tile produced in Saltillo, Mexico. In addition to Saltillo, terracotta tile comes in a range of other shades and styles. You&rsquo;ll often find it used in buildings throughout Mexico, southern Europe, and the western United States. </p></div>

Q: Can tile installation be a DIY project?

• <div><p>Tiling can be DIY with the right tools and skills, but challenges like ensuring evenness and appropriate adhesion often warrant professional handling.</p></div>

Q: Can I update my backsplash without removing the tile?

• <div><p>Updating your backsplash without removing the tile is possible in a couple of different ways. First, you can remove the old grout and replace it with new grout to give your backsplash a fresh look. You can also change the grout color, which can have a surprisingly large impact on the final appearance of the backsplash. Finally, you can <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-paint-tile.htm">paint the original tile</a> to totally change the look of the backsplash without removing it.</p></div>

Q: Does removing tile damage drywall?

• <div><p>Yes, even if you&rsquo;re being careful, removing tile can damage your drywall to some degree. However, you can minimize the damage done to it by eliminating a majority of the grout and taking your time prying each tile off. Also, it's worth noting that you might have more drywall damages to deal with if your tile is set into the mortar. </p></div>

Q: Do you use sanded or unsanded for glass tile?

• <div><p>For glass tile, you want to use unsanded grout. Sanded grout is a stronger and grittier cement grout that is great for installing tiles with wider gaps and into joints. However, it is susceptible to scratching glass tile and is more difficult to use in thinner gaps. Unsanded grout, while more expensive, is easier to fit between thin gaps and is less harsh on delicate materials, like glass tile.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Backsplash Installation pros in Laurens, IA

*The Angi rating for Backsplash Installation companies in Laurens, 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 Laurens, 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 June 30, 2026

Reviewed in June 2026
The 2 men that installed my Walk in Shower were very professional, informative, efficient and kept me updated throughout the entire process. I was very impressed. Wyatt Meyer and his aide, Tanner, did a great job, in one day!! Kudos to them both. I will be recommending their services to all.
Mad City Windows & Baths
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Reviewed in July 2022
Len was very professional, friendly, conscientious and easy to work with! He did a great job and our area rug looks amazing!
Advanced Interior Care, LLC
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Reviewed in November 2021
Their team did a great job communicating with me. They completed the job well and cleanup was great. I would recommend them and will use them again.
Uprooted Tree Service
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Reviewed in February 2020
It looks good. He did a pretty good job and he cleaned up very good.
Sandvigroofing&general contractor
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Reviewed in June 2019
Joe and his crew were a pleasure to work with. He was here when he said he would be. They worked quickly and efficiently. Rain is expected later today, so we will get to test the new gutters.
Gutters Unlimited Elite Services, Inc.
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Reviewed in April 2019
Told him what I wanted done and when it came to biding my project, I thought he was doing my entree way to my basement plus my 6x8 wall and when he finished the entree way without doing the 6x8 wall he said here is my bill and he stated that he never bid on the 6x8 wall and I stated that was the...
Hatch Masonry & Concrete
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Reviewed in November 2018
Very professional. Their work was thorough and even went the extra mile to ensure our home was electrically safe. Very good at keeping me informed on scheduling the appointment. Money well invested.
Toft Electric, Inc.
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Reviewed in October 2013
In February 2013 we hired Premier Construction to undertake an extensive building project which included an addition to our house that doubled the existing square footage, a remodel of the existing space, and the construction of a detached garage. Also included in the project were a rear deck, a...
Premier Construction Services
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Reviewed in March 2012
Delivers and removes appliances. Sets up and cleans up after they install. Always very friendly. Willing to come when called and when u call them they are there within 24 hours.
Seiler Appliance Inc
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Find Backsplash installation pros in Laurens

777 Remodeling, Renovations & Repairs LLC

4.6(

)

Tile: Ceramic and Porcelain - InstallTile: Ceramic and Porcelain - Install - For BusinessTile: Natural Stone (Granite, Marble, Slate, Quartz, etc) - Install+1 more

Serving Laurens, IA and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"John was very efficient in providing us with an estimate and time to do the paint job. We are pleased with the workmanship and price. I recommend this business."

Response time2 days

6 neighbors recently requested a quote

Tile: Ceramic and Porcelain - Install

Serving Laurens, IA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Job was done when they said they were going to be done and great work very happy with the work that was done in my house will call them again"

+37

Response time2 hrs

Response rate100%

3 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Dave Navarro Construction

5.0(

)

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

Serving Laurens, 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 Laurens, 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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Shandy Home Improvements, LLC

New to Angi

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

Serving Laurens, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2000

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

At Shandy Home Improvements, LLC, we pride ourselves on being the best home improvement company in the area. We have built an excellent reputation for customer satisfaction by providing quick estimates, a great attention to detail, and competitive pricing. Being a screened and approved professional gives you the peace of mind you need to allow us to give your home the attention it deserves.

Response time6 hrs

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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 Laurens, 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

Terracotta tile is a broad term for clay tile that’s been fired in a kiln, and Saltillo tile is a specific type of terracotta tile produced in Saltillo, Mexico. In addition to Saltillo, terracotta tile comes in a range of other shades and styles. You’ll often find it used in buildings throughout Mexico, southern Europe, and the western United States.

Tiling can be DIY with the right tools and skills, but challenges like ensuring evenness and appropriate adhesion often warrant professional handling.

Updating your backsplash without removing the tile is possible in a couple of different ways. First, you can remove the old grout and replace it with new grout to give your backsplash a fresh look. You can also change the grout color, which can have a surprisingly large impact on the final appearance of the backsplash. Finally, you can paint the original tile to totally change the look of the backsplash without removing it.

Yes, even if you’re being careful, removing tile can damage your drywall to some degree. However, you can minimize the damage done to it by eliminating a majority of the grout and taking your time prying each tile off. Also, it's worth noting that you might have more drywall damages to deal with if your tile is set into the mortar.

For glass tile, you want to use unsanded grout. Sanded grout is a stronger and grittier cement grout that is great for installing tiles with wider gaps and into joints. However, it is susceptible to scratching glass tile and is more difficult to use in thinner gaps. Unsanded grout, while more expensive, is easier to fit between thin gaps and is less harsh on delicate materials, like glass tile.

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