Get matched with top backsplash installation pros in Amherst, VA

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: Do you grout or caulk where the tile meets the wall?

• <div><p>You should always use caulk instead of grout where the tile meets the wall. This will help your tile installation look great and last a long time. When you accidentally use grout for the corner seams, you end up making the tiles too rigid. So as the wall shifts over time, your tiles have no wiggle room. This can lead to tile damage, which will eventually require you to do at least a partial reinstallation.</p></div>

Q: What can I use instead of tile spacers?

• <div><p>If you&rsquo;re out of spacers for your tile installation, you can use pennies. Each time you place a tile, stick the pennies around the edges (on the sides and the corners). Like working with spacers, you&rsquo;ll want the same amount of space around each tile before they set. </p></div>

Q: Can I use sanded grout in a shower?

• <div><p>You can use sanded or unsanded grout for a shower pan, but sanded grout isn&rsquo;t the best option for shower walls. For those areas, you&rsquo;ll want to use unsanded grout, which works well on vertical surfaces and is less likely to slump than sanded grout. Alternatively, you can use epoxy grout for shower walls. </p></div>

Q: Should tile touch the tub?

• <div><p>Tile shouldn&rsquo;t be set tight against the tub. Bathtubs can expand when filled, and they can shift slightly with the weight of occupants. For this reason, it&rsquo;s important to leave a slight gap between the bathtub and the first row of tile. Aim for a narrow gap of approximately 1/16 of an inch, filled with caulk, to allow for this expansion and movement while still allowing for <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/your-shower-tile-really-waterproof.htm">tile shower waterproofing</a>.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Backsplash Installation pros in Amherst, VA

*The Angi rating for Backsplash Installation companies in Amherst, VA 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 Amherst, VA 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 September 26, 2024

Reviewed in September 2024
Hakan did a great job. Was polite, kept me informed of progress, jobsite was always clean, he installed a new toilet, sink, light fixtures and floor, added sheet rock to center block walls and painted room. I am very pleased and highly recommend Hakan.
Yurt Construction LLC
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Reviewed in February 2024
Waiting for install. They gave me a great price on the purchase. They were on time and very friendly and professional. Very knowledgeable about the product and the warranty was outstanding. I'll let you know more after the installation.
Clear Wave Water Solutions
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Reviewed in November 2023
Michael did great work installing our Christmas lights. He goes to great lengths to get it right. I would recommend him highly.
Campbell County Pressure Washing LLC
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Reviewed in July 2023
Great customer service, installers did not follow the agreed contract but that is not necessarily the fault of the company. Gutter is not draining properly in heavy rain due to not enough downspouts as the original contract called for. Company is coming out to look and hopefully fix issue so I...
LeafFilter Gutter Protection
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Reviewed in May 2023
Awesome customer service with everyone that I talked to and they kept me up to date on installations day and time. The craftsmanship of my window replacement is great! My house front, back and side looks totally brand new. I will and have already told my family and friends of the great service...
Sears Home Improvements - Windows
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Reviewed in August 2022
Very well done. Replaced 3 existing 110 w/GFI, refit a poorly installed (by another electrician) 220 behind my stove, and installed a new 110. He responded immediately to my need for service with a phone call, he showed up in a timely manner, was personable and astute to my requests. I highly...
Coates Electrical Service
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Reviewed in July 2022
This was for a kitchen wall backsplash in which Ashley supplied the materials, helped with the design and installed as well as did the grouting work.
Smith Family Property Detectives
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Reviewed in November 2021
Very pleased with the roof and gutters they installed.
Mason Company of Virginia, Inc.
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Reviewed in February 2021
Very professional company. The installers knew exactly what the were doing, due to their extensive training. I've used Wooldridge for years and plan on using them in the future too.
Wooldridge Heating & Air, Inc.
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Reviewed in July 2020
Jeff and his crew replaced our sidewalk, patio, and installed a concrete foundation for our new garage in 2018. They did an awesome job in a timely manner. The company who installed the garage was impressed with the foundation and said it was the first time they had a perfect foundation to work...
On The Level Construction, LLC
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Find Backsplash installation pros in Amherst

Aztec Stone Works

5.0(

)

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

Serving Amherst, VA and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"David was very knowledgeable about a variety of stones we were considering The work was beautiful and he gave us very good instructions for maintaining the countertops. The work was done in a timely manner and the pricing was very fair."

Response time2 days

Response rate100%

3 neighbors recently requested a quote

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

Serving Amherst, VA and surrounding areas

In business since 2008

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"The planning and execution of my new bathroom tile project was perfect. Paolo and Mario worked neatly and professional. I highly recommend."

Response time1 day

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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

Serving Amherst, VA and surrounding areas

In business since 2000

Free estimates

"He was awesome. He did everything I asked him to do."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Livengood Electrical LLC

4.4(

)

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

Serving Amherst, VA and surrounding areas

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Jake and his team were great. They installed as agreed and did so in a professional manner. The project took a couple of days but they held to their word and did everything well. Very customer focused and will work until you are happy. Highly recommend."

Vanity lighting, fan, can lights, gfci receptacle and switches.

50 amp breaker panel with surge protector

+24

Recommended by93%of homeowners

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C&C Construction & Renovations

4.8(

)

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

Serving Amherst, VA and surrounding areas

"It went awesome. Curtis did an awesome job and did it very quickly. Would recommend them to anyone"

+41

Recommended by87%of homeowners

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S&J Handyman services

5.0(

)

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

Serving Amherst, VA and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Specializing in handyman services, remodels, decks & porches, and even driveways! We always guarantee your satisfaction and won’t leave until the job is done right. We take pride in ourselves and on the quality work we provide, while always delivering great customer service! Check out our services offered, then call --or-- click to schedule a free estimate today!\n

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 Amherst, VA and surrounding areas

In business since 2006

Credit card accepted

"Purchased coupon on August 11, 2011. Because I was remodeling my kitchen myself after work and weekends, I didn't have time to deal with the creating the room drafts, plans, layouts or measurements she required. I did contact Jill and explain the situation and she was very understanding. She said because I contacted her, not to worry about the deadline. I remained in contact with her over the next few years (that's how long it took me) and when I was ready around the start of 2014, she worked hard to provide her new design.
A true professional and great person to work with. The design was spot on and my wife and i were very impressed. Thank you Jill.
"

Recommended by55%of homeowners

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Jo Hwa Construction, Inc. DBA Top Floor Masters

4.3(

)

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

Serving Amherst, VA and surrounding areas

In business since 1995

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Timely and came in with a fair price."

Recommended by9%of homeowners

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

Serving Amherst, VA and surrounding areas

In business since 1983

Free estimates

Warranties offered

We are a small family owned & operated business serving the area for over 25 years. Our customers keep coming back for quality work at reasonable prices on all residential tile projects. Call us now!

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Sean's Handyman

New to Angi

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

Serving Amherst, VA and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Thank you for visiting Sean's Handyman! We are a locally owned and operated service based out of and servicing the surrounding areas. Whether it is residential or commercial, we promise to complete your project with a guaranteed persistence in getting it done right the first time. Contact us now for your free estimate!

Request Quote

Showing 1-10 of 13

Backsplash Installation questions, answered by experts

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.

You should always use caulk instead of grout where the tile meets the wall. This will help your tile installation look great and last a long time. When you accidentally use grout for the corner seams, you end up making the tiles too rigid. So as the wall shifts over time, your tiles have no wiggle room. This can lead to tile damage, which will eventually require you to do at least a partial reinstallation.

If you’re out of spacers for your tile installation, you can use pennies. Each time you place a tile, stick the pennies around the edges (on the sides and the corners). Like working with spacers, you’ll want the same amount of space around each tile before they set.

You can use sanded or unsanded grout for a shower pan, but sanded grout isn’t the best option for shower walls. For those areas, you’ll want to use unsanded grout, which works well on vertical surfaces and is less likely to slump than sanded grout. Alternatively, you can use epoxy grout for shower walls.

Tile shouldn’t be set tight against the tub. Bathtubs can expand when filled, and they can shift slightly with the weight of occupants. For this reason, it’s important to leave a slight gap between the bathtub and the first row of tile. Aim for a narrow gap of approximately 1/16 of an inch, filled with caulk, to allow for this expansion and movement while still allowing for tile shower waterproofing.

The Amherst, VA homeowners’ guide to backsplash installation services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Stephanie Mickelson
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does Backsplash Installation Cost? [2026 Data]
Backsplash installation costs vary by tile type, design, kitchen layout, and contractor. Find out how much your dream backsplash will cost you.
Kat Brancato
•
Jul 15, 2026Jul 15, 2026
How Much Does a Marble Backsplash Cost to Install? [2026 Data]
Marble backsplashes are beautiful and costly additions to your kitchen. Our guide lays out marble options and the labor required to install it.
Haley Nothstein
•
Sep 16, 2026Sep 16, 2026
What Is the Average Cost of Laminate Countertops? [2026 Data]
Discover the cost of installing laminate countertops, including how their size, material, and finish impact your total price.
Amy Freeman
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
Can You Put a Backsplash Directly on Drywall?
Can you put backsplash on drywall? The answer might surprise you: Yes, you can. Read on to find out more about installing a backsplash on drywall.
Deane Biermeier
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
Do You Need a Backsplash in Your Kitchen? Beautify and Protect Your Remodel
Do you need a backsplash? Technically, no. However, installing one in your kitchen can add beauty and help avoid costly repairs. Here's how and why.
Elisa Greenberg
•
Jul 10, 2026Jul 10, 2026
How To Install a Kitchen Backsplash in 12 Steps
When installing a kitchen backsplash, you’ll need the right tools, materials, and knowledge. Our guide will show you how to install a kitchen backsplash.