Kitchen Backsplash

The Details That Make a Backsplash Look Right

A kitchen backsplash seems straightforward until you're actually doing it. The wall behind a range has heat exposure that affects adhesive selection. Outlets and switches need to be cut precisely, not just chipped away at. The grout line at the countertop needs a flexible sealant, not grout, because the counter and wall move independently and a rigid grout joint will crack. The transition at upper cabinets needs to be planned so the top course of tile doesn't end in an awkward partial.

We address all of these things as a matter of course. Before we set a single tile, we establish a level reference line, plan the layout so the focal point of the backsplash, typically the area above the range, has full tiles or symmetrical cuts. We use a wet saw for all cuts, which produces a clean edge that looks intentional rather than improvised.

Tile Types We Work With

Subway tile in its traditional 3x6 format remains popular in Atlanta kitchens, particularly in the Craftsman and cottage-style homes common in Poncey-Highland and Virginia-Highland. We also install zellige tile, which has a handmade, slightly irregular surface that catches light differently from standard ceramic. Patterned cement-look tile, large-format porcelain, and glass mosaic are all within our scope.

One thing worth knowing about zellige and other handmade tiles: they require a different setting technique than standard factory tile. The variation in thickness means we adjust the mortar bed for each piece rather than using a uniform trowel pass. It takes longer, but it's the only way to get a flat surface with tiles that aren't perfectly uniform.