What is the difference between travertine and porcelain tile?

• <div><p>Travertine is a natural stone, while porcelain is ceramic. You can enjoy the best of both worlds with porcelain travertine tiles. Some people prefer porcelain to travertine because it doesn’t require regular maintenance and it’s easier to clean. Porcelain travertine looks like the real thing but only costs <b>$3 to $6 per square foot.</b></p></div>

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Q: Should I remove tile before installing hardwood floors?

• <div><p>Ideally, you should remove tile before installing hardwood floors, but there are good reasons not to. Removing stubborn tile can be a labor-intensive job that adds days to the project. The subfloor beneath the tiles could also be damaged during the process, meaning you&rsquo;d have to repair the subfloor before installing the new hardwood floor. </p></div>

Q: Does penny tile need to be sealed?

• <div><p>Penny tile should be sealed to protect the grout from moisture and keep stains from damaging the look of the tile. If penny tile is in a humid or high-traffic area, like a bathroom, kitchen, or entryway, it needs sealant. Any type of tile and grout is best maintained with a sealant reapplied by a pro every one to two years.</p></div>

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: How long do tiles last?

• <div><p>Tiles last for around 100 years or more. Tiles on backsplashes can last even longer since they&rsquo;re less likely to crack under foot traffic or from accidental drops, but even tile in high-traffic flooring can last a century or more with proper installation and upkeep. Porcelain tiles are denser and stronger than standard ceramic tiles, so they&rsquo;ll last longer, often pushing past the 100-year mark.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Backsplash Installation pros in Ashland, WI

*The Angi rating for Backsplash Installation companies in Ashland, WI 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 Ashland, WI 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 July 02, 2025

Reviewed in July 2025
I absolutely L-O-V-E my new baths from Mad City! Peter, the installer, did an amazing job! He was unbelievably quick and knew exactly what he was doing! I was so impressed by his skill and craftsmanship. He not only took great care to cover the floors and keep everything protected, he also...
Mad City Windows & Baths
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Reviewed in January 2021
The sales person quoted the price, and it was FAR too expensive for my budget. Unfortunately, he would not leave! He offered me financing -- for 10 years?! I only wanted to get a dishwasher installed, not remodel my whole kitchen. I felt like I needed to call the sheriff. I will not be consider...
Hip and Ridge Construction
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Reviewed in November 2020
Good product, good installation. Very energy efficient compared to old vinyl, from Home Depot from 2002. Two big windows installed, half a day.
Mad City Windows & Baths
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Reviewed in October 2020
They have stood by the product through a few glitches and most importantly the installation and that made a HUGE difference in the performance of the windows. GREAT follow up by everyone in the company.
Your Home Improvement Company, LLC
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Reviewed in October 2016
The installers were very efficient and they did a good job cleaning up. When we had it installed, though, they said that somebody would come back in one year to take a look at it, and they didn't come. We had to call them to have them come back, which they eventually did
Your Home Improvement Company
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Reviewed in September 2013
100% Professional!!! All debris was cleaned daily. Installed Landmark Architectural shingles on roof with complex intersections of ridges and valleys of Historic Home. Great job! <br />
BLUE WATER BUILDERS LLC
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Reviewed in September 2013
The first step they sealed and caulked multiple entry spots. After the date they could evict them they installed one way devices the bats could leave from, but not re-enter. It is a two year package that goes until November 2014. No bats after eviction at this point. They cut the price quoted as...
Bats By Day
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Reviewed in September 2013
Carpet was done in a professional manner. The tile work was not done as well as it could have been. Installer did not want to do the prep work to have the floor perfect. <br />
DESIGNER'S OUTLET
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Reviewed in March 2013
They did a great job. He was on time. He did the installation. He cleaned up after himself.
Handyman Connection of Carmel
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Reviewed in October 2008
The old boiler was removed and a brand new high efficiency boiler was installed in one day. However, the boiler did not work as intended and would shut down on the coldest days. The owners of the business worked with the manufacturer and their engineers to resolve the problems and did not quit...
KLEEN AIR FURNACE SALES AND SERVICE
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Find Backsplash installation pros in Ashland

Nicholas Palm Tile and Stone

4.8(

)

Serving Ashland, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 2003

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"They did a great job, and got what needed to be done handled."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Ashland, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 1985

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"He did a great job. It was an absolute mess, he tackled the job and did and fixed it. I was able to recommend him to other people."

+19

Recommended by83%of homeowners

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Jill Seidner Interior Design

3.5(

)

Serving Ashland, WI 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

Serving Ashland, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 2017

Free estimates

"He is a nice friendly guy who will show up and do a good job."

Response time3 days

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Ashland, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 1980

"A tad messy but job was very difficult even for a pro."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Flawless Flooring Sales/Installation

New to Angi

Serving Ashland, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 1998

After many years of experience we opened our business to serve your community in 1998. We use only quality materials and maintain a high standard of customer satisfaction. Call us today for any of your flooring needs.

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Twin Cities Tile

New to Angi

Serving Ashland, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

At Twin Cities Tile we pride our ourselves in quality, value, and service! We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular project. We look forward to earning your business!\nWhen you contact us, you'll be given the exceptional customer service you deserve, including free quotes, up-front pricing, and no hidden fees. These benefits are provided to our clients in order to show that our company genuinely cares about customer satisfaction. Give us a call today to schedule your free estimate!

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Backsplash Installation questions, answered by experts

Travertine is a natural stone, while porcelain is ceramic. You can enjoy the best of both worlds with porcelain travertine tiles. Some people prefer porcelain to travertine because it doesn’t require regular maintenance and it’s easier to clean. Porcelain travertine looks like the real thing but only costs $3 to $6 per square foot.

Ideally, you should remove tile before installing hardwood floors, but there are good reasons not to. Removing stubborn tile can be a labor-intensive job that adds days to the project. The subfloor beneath the tiles could also be damaged during the process, meaning you’d have to repair the subfloor before installing the new hardwood floor.

Penny tile should be sealed to protect the grout from moisture and keep stains from damaging the look of the tile. If penny tile is in a humid or high-traffic area, like a bathroom, kitchen, or entryway, it needs sealant. Any type of tile and grout is best maintained with a sealant reapplied by a pro every one to two years.

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.

Tiles last for around 100 years or more. Tiles on backsplashes can last even longer since they’re less likely to crack under foot traffic or from accidental drops, but even tile in high-traffic flooring can last a century or more with proper installation and upkeep. Porcelain tiles are denser and stronger than standard ceramic tiles, so they’ll last longer, often pushing past the 100-year mark.

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