Backsplash Installation in Thornton, CO
We put in tile and stone backsplashes above kitchen and bathroom counters in homes across Thornton, Colorado.
- Quotes in writing
- 20 areas covered
Thornton Countertops puts in backsplashes in homes across Thornton. We measure the wall between your counter and the cabinets above it, then fit tile or stone that goes with the countertop.
What a backsplash does
PATH, a housing effort managed and supported by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, has a Rehab Guide for kitchens and baths. The guide says a backsplash, whether it is 4 inches high or runs all the way up to the cabinet, is a shield for the walls around sinks, stove tops and work areas.
The guide also says that because a backsplash stands up on the wall, it is easier to see than the countertop and can easily become what your eye goes to first. We can run yours all the way up to the cabinets, or keep it short.
Choosing a backsplash material
The guide says some surfaces that aren't advised for a countertop, such as marble or decorative tiles, can be used on the backsplash alone. It says the same goes for materials that cost too much to use across the whole counter, such as stainless steel, wood or granite.
We fill the lines between the tiles with grout. On a ceramic tile backsplash, the guide says white or light grout can be used because it will not be stained there, unlike grout on floors and countertops. It also says large tiles can take longer to put up.
For stone, the guide says granite, soapstone, slate and even marble can be used on the backsplash. The U.S. Geological Survey describes soapstone as a rock that contains talc. The guide says marble is soft and porous, so it is not recommended for heavy countertop use, but it can be used on the backsplash. We fit stone backsplashes to match our granite, marble and soapstone tops.
The guide says a stone backsplash gives you the look of stone without the high cost of solid stone counters. It also says stone costs more than most other backsplash options and needs sealing and care, much like tile.
The seam where the counter meets the wall
The guide says the seam between the backsplash and the countertop is open to water, bacteria and dirt building up. We seal that line with caulk, a soft filler we squeeze into the gap that stays a little bendy once it sets. The guide says a 100% silicone caulk can be used to fill that seam and keep water out. It also says caulk can't be painted, and it usually comes only in clear, white, brown or black.
On solid surface countertops, the guide says the counter and backsplash can come as one piece, with a seam you can barely see or no seam at all. It says this leaves less room for a backsplash in a different material, unless the splash is not full height.
Outlets and switches
The guide says that for a stone backsplash, outlets and switches should be moved, as long as they are still easy to reach, so the stone runs without a break. It says the outlets are then usually put in a strip along the top of the backsplash, or under the counter at drawer height.
If your backsplash means moving an outlet, we'll tell you before we start, because the City of Thornton lists electrical modifications among the inside projects that need a building permit.
Older homes and lead paint
The EPA says the federal government banned the sale of lead-based paint for use in homes in 1978. It says anyone paid to do work that disturbs paint in a home built before 1978 must be certified in lead-safe work practices.
When we take down an old backsplash, we can disturb the paint on the wall behind it. If your home was built before 1978, ask whoever you hire to show you that certification.
What sets the price of a backsplash
We price a backsplash once we've measured, and you get that quote in writing. Our price depends on the material you choose, how much wall we cover, how high the backsplash goes, and how many outlets and windows we have to cut around.
What to get in writing
Ask for these in writing, whoever you hire:
- The name of the tile or stone, and its size.
- How high the backsplash goes, marked on a drawing.
- The grout color and the caulk color.
- Whether sealing the stone or the grout is in the price.
- Whether taking down the old backsplash is in the price.
- Who moves any outlets or switches, and who gets the permit for it.
Questions about backsplash installation in Thornton
Can you put in a backsplash without replacing my countertops?
Yes, we can fit a new backsplash above the counters you already have. We'll check the top edge of your counter first so the new backsplash sits tight against it.
Can the backsplash be the same stone as my countertop?
Yes, we can cut the backsplash from the same slab as your countertop if there's enough stone left over. The guide says most marble also comes in tiles, so a marble backsplash doesn't have to be a slab.
Does a tile backsplash need sealing?
The guide says the grout on a tile backsplash may need sealing and a little care over the life of the tile. We'll tell you which grout we plan to use and how to look after it.
Can I have a mirror or wood backsplash?
The guide says a wood or mirrored surface can be used on a backsplash, and that a glass supplier can cut and put in a mirror. It says both can make water spots hard to get off.
Can you add a backsplash in my bathroom?
Yes, we can fit a backsplash on bathroom vanity tops as well as in kitchens.
Does cutting a stone backsplash make dust?
OSHA says stone contains crystalline silica, and that very small silica particles, at least 100 times smaller than ordinary sand, are made when stone is cut, sawed, ground or drilled. Ask whoever you hire where the stone will be cut and how they keep the dust down.
Can you put up a backsplash when you fit new countertops?
Yes, we can do both in one job: we fit the kitchen countertops first, then put up the backsplash once they are set.
Get a quote for backsplash installation
Call us, or send the quote form with your ZIP code and a photo of the wall. We'll measure, go through tile and stone options with you, and give you a written quote. To see the countertops we fit, go to the Thornton Countertops home page.
Ready to talk about your countertop job?
Send the quote form with your ZIP code and what you need. We will get back to you with a written quote.