Is it better to tile or use a tub surround?

• <div><p>The choice of whether to tile or use an acrylic tub surround is up to you and can be based on a number of factors, including aesthetics, cost, waterproofing, ease of cleaning, and maintenance.</p><p>Tile is a beautiful, classic bathtub surround choice; while <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/tile-installation-cost.htm">tile installation cost</a> is higher, it’s customizable and offers visual appeal. Tile is also harder to clean and presents waterproofing problems because of grout lines. Acrylic surrounds can be more affordable, don’t require much maintenance, and are easier to clean. However, they aren’t usually as visually appealing and may need to be replaced if they become damaged.</p></div>

Get matched with top backsplash installation pros in Washburn, WI

Q: Does ceramic tile need to be sealed?

• <div><p>Glazed ceramic tiles don&rsquo;t need to be sealed because the glazing already offers some protection against moisture. Unglazed ceramic tiles need to be sealed to keep the porous tile safe from moisture and staining. However, both types of tile can benefit from sealing. Sealant can make the tiles easier to keep clean and offer more resistance to water, spills, and stains.</p></div>

Q: How long does bathroom tile last?

• <div><p>The lifespan of bathroom tile can be 50 years or more, depending on proper installation and regular maintenance. A well-done tile job, whether it's a new installation or a retiling project, can last for many decades. To lengthen the life of your tile, it's best to have it installed by a professional and to perform regular maintenance. This includes routine cleaning, resealing, and regrouting as needed. With proper care, you can expect your tile to last 10 years or more before needing major repairs or retiling, especially in high-traffic areas where tiles can wear out more quickly.</p></div>

Q: What size tile is easiest to install?

• <div><p>The easiest tile size to install is large tiles, and they&rsquo;re easier to install than small tiles&mdash;the job is faster and simpler when there&rsquo;s less placing, adhering, and grouting to do. However, when tiles get really big, they&rsquo;re more difficult to handle, cut, and fit. Standard floor tile sizes are 12-by-12 inches, 18-by-18 inches, and 12-by-24 inches.</p></div>

Q: Can you tile over existing tiles in a bathroom?

• <div><p>Yes, you can tile over existing tiles in a bathroom, but it is not always recommended. For this method to be successful, the original tile surface must be clean, flat, and free of damage such as cracks, unevenness, mold, or mildew. While tiling over existing tiles can save time and money, there are potential drawbacks. The new adhesive may not bond properly, and the process adds extra weight to the wall or floor. Additionally, the increased height of the surface could interfere with door clearances. For the best and most durable results, removing the old tiles before installing new ones is generally the better option.</p></div>

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your backsplash installation project in Washburn, WI?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Verified Reviews for Backsplash Installation pros in Washburn, WI

*The Angi rating for Backsplash Installation companies in Washburn, 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 Washburn, 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
Request a quote
Reviewed in January 2025
Very well. They did excellent work. It was a challenging job but they were up to it. The windows and patio door they installed are a big improvement over the originals.
Renewal by Andersen Lake Superior Region
Request a quote
Reviewed in March 2023
We had a floor installed a year and half ago and are still asking them to meet the warranty requirements. Our claim started on day on. The floor had an acrylic finish that had not set well. This was obvious even to the installers. The floor would scratch just from shoes walking on it. Even felt...
DESIGNER'S OUTLET
Request a quote
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
Request a quote
Reviewed in May 2020
The Staff at Stone Concepts Corporation were great to work with. They were patient and helpful throughout the selection process and were prompt with the installation of the product we selected which looks great in our kitchen. We would gladly work with them again!
Stone Concepts Corp.
Request a quote
Reviewed in April 2016
The following bold italicized text is from a letter I sent to Mr. Cady on 11-27-2015. I have been awaiting a response while running the unit through the winter to see if it would increase my homes humidity, at least as well as the previous bypass model. After the unit was installed Mr. Cady...
Cady Plumbing & Heating
Request a quote
Reviewed in November 2013
These guys were great especially Tim. Gave excellent quote. Techs were on time, fast, and cleaned up after themselves. They setup and passed the inspection an hour after installing the boiler. I was most impressed by the way the company worked with me on my payment options and got the boiler in...
Northside Heating & Cooling
Request a quote
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
Request a quote
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
Request a quote

Find Backsplash installation pros in Washburn

Nicholas Palm Tile and Stone

4.8(

)

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

Serving Washburn, 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

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

Serving Washburn, 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

Request Quote

Jill Seidner Interior Design

3.5(

)

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

Serving Washburn, 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

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

Serving Washburn, 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

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

Serving Washburn, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 1980

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

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

Flawless Flooring Sales/Installation

New to Angi

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

Serving Washburn, 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.

Request Quote

AB contracting

New to Angi

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

Serving Washburn, WI and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

We specialize in handyman services, home repairs, remodeling, and more! We guarantee your satisfaction, and we won’t leave until the job is done right. We pride ourselves on the quality work we provide, while delivering great customer service! Check out all the services we offer below and call -or- click to schedule a free estimate today!

Request Quote

Twin Cities Tile

New to Angi

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

Serving Washburn, 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!

Request Quote

Backsplash Installation questions, answered by experts

The choice of whether to tile or use an acrylic tub surround is up to you and can be based on a number of factors, including aesthetics, cost, waterproofing, ease of cleaning, and maintenance.

Tile is a beautiful, classic bathtub surround choice; while tile installation cost is higher, it’s customizable and offers visual appeal. Tile is also harder to clean and presents waterproofing problems because of grout lines. Acrylic surrounds can be more affordable, don’t require much maintenance, and are easier to clean. However, they aren’t usually as visually appealing and may need to be replaced if they become damaged.

Glazed ceramic tiles don’t need to be sealed because the glazing already offers some protection against moisture. Unglazed ceramic tiles need to be sealed to keep the porous tile safe from moisture and staining. However, both types of tile can benefit from sealing. Sealant can make the tiles easier to keep clean and offer more resistance to water, spills, and stains.

The lifespan of bathroom tile can be 50 years or more, depending on proper installation and regular maintenance. A well-done tile job, whether it's a new installation or a retiling project, can last for many decades. To lengthen the life of your tile, it's best to have it installed by a professional and to perform regular maintenance. This includes routine cleaning, resealing, and regrouting as needed. With proper care, you can expect your tile to last 10 years or more before needing major repairs or retiling, especially in high-traffic areas where tiles can wear out more quickly.

The easiest tile size to install is large tiles, and they’re easier to install than small tiles—the job is faster and simpler when there’s less placing, adhering, and grouting to do. However, when tiles get really big, they’re more difficult to handle, cut, and fit. Standard floor tile sizes are 12-by-12 inches, 18-by-18 inches, and 12-by-24 inches.

Yes, you can tile over existing tiles in a bathroom, but it is not always recommended. For this method to be successful, the original tile surface must be clean, flat, and free of damage such as cracks, unevenness, mold, or mildew. While tiling over existing tiles can save time and money, there are potential drawbacks. The new adhesive may not bond properly, and the process adds extra weight to the wall or floor. Additionally, the increased height of the surface could interfere with door clearances. For the best and most durable results, removing the old tiles before installing new ones is generally the better option.

The Washburn, WI 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
•
Aug 3, 2026Aug 3, 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.