Get matched with top backsplash installation pros in De Ruyter, NY

Q: Can you put a backsplash on drywall?

• <div><p>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.</p></div>

Q: Should grout be lighter or darker than the tile?

• <div><p>The grout shade you choose comes down to personal taste and preference. A darker grout will give you a more dramatic and noticeable contrast with the tile around it; however, lighter grout helps create a more uniform look when blending the colors together. Additionally, a darker grout combined with a patterned tile could be overwhelming to the eye, while lighter grout makes the pattern stand out as the main focus.</p></div>

Q: Do you tile over hot mop?

• <div><p>You cannot tile directly over hot mop waterproofing because tile requires a smooth, solid surface to adhere properly. Additionally, the shower bed pan needs to be raised and sloped toward the drain to prevent water from pooling. However, you can hot mop and apply a sloped mortar bed over the top (to which the tile can then be adhered). </p></div>

Q: How do I maintain tile and grout?

• <div><p>To maintain tile and grout, clean the surfaces regularly with mild, non-abrasive cleaners and wipe up spills promptly to prevent buildup. It is also important to reseal the grout every 1-2 years to maintain its durability.</p></div>

Q: What is the difference between mortar and thinset?

• <div><p>Mortar and thinset both serve the same purpose&mdash;<a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/types-of-tile-adhesive.htm">tile adhesion</a>&mdash;but have different compositions and use-cases. Thinset is heatproof and presents a wide range of possibilities due to the added polymers. Mortar is typically used for bonding stones and brick. Thinset is rarely used outside, while mortar is rarely used inside. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Backsplash Installation pros in De Ruyter, NY

*The Angi rating for Backsplash Installation companies in De Ruyter, NY 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 De Ruyter, NY 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 07, 2026

Reviewed in June 2026
The contract was for a deck in back of house. Matt did a terrific job! He was thorough in explaining the scope of work and gave us different choices in materials. Job was completed in a very timely fashion. Matt has a great personality and kept us updated on all work and progress. Already have...
Fern Wood Property Management, LLC
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Reviewed in August 2025
100% Satisfaction with communication, installation and follow up. A dedicated group of professionals!
Distinctive Stone & Concrete
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Reviewed in October 2024
Professional installation however they donâ t provide the salt to start you off. $4000..00 and they donâ t provide $50.00 with of saltâ ¦would be better customer service if they did
Pure Water Source
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Reviewed in October 2021
I can't say enough good things about this company. Easy communications, always responds promptly. Installed a farm sink which required additional wood working to make it look right. Durin was on time, cleaned up after the job was completed and the price was right. Amazing after spending...
Ali Fix It
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Reviewed in June 2021
C. Michael Exteriors, Inc. was a pleasure to do business with from start to finish. From sales to service to installation we were pleased with the entire process+the windows look amazing! Great job guys! Would recommend this company+would use them again!
C. Michael Exteriors, Inc.
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Reviewed in October 2020
The guys that came to install the unit where top notch. Completely satisfied.
Hurricane Home Solutions Southern Tier, Inc.
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Find Backsplash installation pros in De Ruyter

Custom Tile Solutions LLC

5.0(

)

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

Serving De Ruyter, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2016

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Custom Tile Solutions did a fantastic job installing the tile backsplash in my kitchen remodel. Professional, polite and neat, I'm extremely pleased with the results. I highly recommend this company."

+69

1 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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

Serving De Ruyter, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"Mario did an amazing job on my parents tile bath enclosure. He was able to finish the job earlier than we expected which was greatly appreciated. We would definitely use him again in the future!"

Response time6 hrs

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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

Serving De Ruyter, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2015

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Project: replace tile and waterproofing in shower floor. When I had a leak in my shower floor Robert contacted me and came over the same day to look at the problem. It took a week to get the tiles but he came over the next weekend on his own time and did a beautiful job and even picked up the tile and grout saving me a trip. I would recommend him to family and friends. He does high quality work at very fair prices"

Response time4 hrs

9 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Empire Tiles Syracuse

1.0(

)

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

Serving De Ruyter, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2000

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Empire Tiles Syracuse is committed to excellence every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty and responsibility in all of our jobs. We are a locally owned and operated business with more than 19 years of experience serving Syracuse, NY and surrounding areas. There is no job too big, or too small for our team. Call today and let us put our experience to work for you!

Response time7 hrs

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

Serving De Ruyter, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Wonderful. They came when they said they would and did an excellent job."

+123

Recommended by86%of homeowners

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

Serving De Ruyter, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 1974

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Outstanding service. Ripped up carpet, installed stair treads, fixed broken kitchen drawers. Excellent work at reasonable price."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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JH MANAGEMENT AND CONSULTING LLC

5.0(

)

Tile: Natural Stone (Granite, Marble, Slate, Quartz, etc) - Install

Serving De Ruyter, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"The install was done efficiently and my cabinets look brand new with the reface! Josh was very professional and lovely to work with."

Response time2 days

Response rate97%

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

Serving De Ruyter, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 2013

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Went amazing. Guys work at a great pace. All employees were very nice and the owners are amazing. Highly highly recommend."

2 bathrooms and base board install and sales

3 bedrooms of carpet, 2 bathrooms of lvt, Lvp in the rest of the house

+45

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Parkmond Construction and Repair

5.0(

)

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

Serving De Ruyter, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 2019

Free estimates

"Everything was fixed quickly and efficiently. I highly recommend Lloyd for any and all work! He was great."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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

Serving De Ruyter, NY and surrounding areas

Credit card accepted

"Domir and his team was A++++! They went above and beyond and made my new bathroom beautiful! Will be hired again for any work on my house!"

+103

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

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Showing 1-10 of 64

Backsplash Installation questions, answered by experts

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.

The grout shade you choose comes down to personal taste and preference. A darker grout will give you a more dramatic and noticeable contrast with the tile around it; however, lighter grout helps create a more uniform look when blending the colors together. Additionally, a darker grout combined with a patterned tile could be overwhelming to the eye, while lighter grout makes the pattern stand out as the main focus.

You cannot tile directly over hot mop waterproofing because tile requires a smooth, solid surface to adhere properly. Additionally, the shower bed pan needs to be raised and sloped toward the drain to prevent water from pooling. However, you can hot mop and apply a sloped mortar bed over the top (to which the tile can then be adhered).

To maintain tile and grout, clean the surfaces regularly with mild, non-abrasive cleaners and wipe up spills promptly to prevent buildup. It is also important to reseal the grout every 1-2 years to maintain its durability.

Mortar and thinset both serve the same purpose—tile adhesion—but have different compositions and use-cases. Thinset is heatproof and presents a wide range of possibilities due to the added polymers. Mortar is typically used for bonding stones and brick. Thinset is rarely used outside, while mortar is rarely used inside.

The De Ruyter, NY homeowners’ guide to backsplash installation services

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