Backsplashes are an important design element in any kitchen. Not only do they serve a functional purpose by protecting your walls from splashes and spills, they also provide an opportunity to add visual interest and personality to your kitchen. Many homeowners opt to install backsplashes themselves as a DIY project. However, if you don’t have much tiling experience, you may be wondering if big box stores like Home Depot offer professional backsplash installation services.
What is a Backsplash?
A backsplash is a surface, usually made of tile, that is installed on the wall behind a countertop, stove, or sink. Backsplashes serve several purposes:
- Protect the Walls: Backsplashes prevent water, oil, grease, food splatters, and other messes from damaging your wall paint and drywall. Tiled backsplashes are water-resistant and easy to clean.
- Design Element: Backsplashes provide an opportunity to add visual interest through the choice of tile shape, color, pattern, and texture. They can complement your cabinetry, countertops, and overall kitchen decor.
- Finishing Touch: A backsplash serves as a finishing touch that pulls your whole kitchen design together into one cohesive look. It helps transition and blend the countertops and wall.
Backsplashes are commonly installed above countertops along the wall space between the counter and kitchen cabinets. Standard backsplash height is 4 inches, but they can be installed anywhere from 4 to 6 inches high. The most common backsplash materials are ceramic or porcelain tile, natural stone like marble or granite, glass tile, and metal like stainless steel or copper.
Does Home Depot Offer Backsplash Installation Services?
Home Depot does not offer professional full-service backsplash installation in most locations. You cannot simply purchase your backsplash tiles or materials from Home Depot and have their installers come and do the job for you.
However, Home Depot does offer the following installation-related services:
- Contractor Referrals: You can get quotes and hire a professional installer through Home Depot’s contractor referral service. Installers are independent contractors, not Home Depot employees.
- Design Consultations: Work with a kitchen designer at Home Depot to plan your backsplash design.
- Backsplash Templates: In some stores, you can get a template made to match your backsplash area. This ensures you purchase the right amount of tile.
- Specialized Installation Workshops: Take an in-store workshop to learn how to install a backsplash yourself. Workshops are occasionally offered and focus on topics like tiling, grouting, cutting, etc.
- Tool and Equipment Rentals: Rent useful installation tools like tile cutters, mixers, and more to DIY your backsplash.
So in summary, while Home Depot does not actually do the backsplash installation work for you, they can help you find professional installers and provide guidance to make a DIY backsplash successful. If full-service installation is what you’re after, you’ll need to hire an independent contractor.
Pros of Using Home Depot for Backsplash Installation
Even though Home Depot doesn’t install backsplashes themselves, there are some potential advantages to using them for your backsplash project:
Convenience of One-Stop Shopping
You can purchase your backsplash tiles, grout, mortar, sealant, tools, and anything else you need all in one place. This saves you time from having to visit multiple stores.
Tap Into Expert Guidance
Home Depot employees can provide useful advice on selecting materials, proper installation techniques, recommended tools, and more. Take advantage of their expertise.
Coordinated Design Services
If you work with one of Home Depot’s kitchen designers, they can help you choose a backsplash tile that perfectly coordinates with your overall kitchen design.
Wide Selection of Materials
With a variety of tile shapes, colors, materials, and prices, Home Depot offers many backsplash options to suit your budget and style. You’re sure to find something you love.
Reliable Contractor Referrals
Using Home Depot’s contractor referral service means the installers are vetted, licensed, and insured for your protection.
DIY Installation Classes
Home Depot occasionally offers in-store classes on how to install a backsplash yourself. This can help you learn proper techniques.
Cons of Using Home Depot for Backsplash Installation
On the other hand, there are a few potential drawbacks to using Home Depot for backsplash installation:
No Full-Service Installation Offered
Since Home Depot does not actually perform professional installations, you have to hire a contractor on your own if you don’t want to DIY.
Variable Contractor Quality
The skills and reliability of contractors may vary since they are independently operated. Be sure to vet installers thoroughly.
No Guaranteed Pricing
Without a set pricing structure, contractor rates can be unpredictable. Get multiple quotes to find the best value.
Limited Ongoing Support
Once materials are purchased, Home Depot’s support is limited. You may have to rely on contractor or self-help for installation issues.
DIY Workshops Not Offered Everywhere
Not all Home Depot locations offer the specialized DIY classes on backsplash installation. Call ahead to check availability.
Employee Expertise Can Vary
While some Home Depot employees have extensive knowledge, others may not give the most reliable tile installation advice. Supplement their opinions with your own research.
How Much Does Backsplash Installation Typically Cost?
Backsplash installation costs can vary widely based on the size of your backsplash area, tile materials chosen, and complexity of the design. According to HomeAdvisor, you can expect to pay the following average costs for professional backsplash installation:
- Ceramic or porcelain tile: $25-$40 per square foot installed
- Natural stone tile: $40-$100 per square foot installed
- Glass tile: $30-$80 per square foot installed
- Metal tile: $150+ per square foot installed
In addition to material and labor costs, your total expenses will include backerboard, thinset mortar, grout and any specialty trim or accent pieces. Some other factors that can influence overall installation pricing are:
- Tile size (small tiles take longer to install)
- Custom or mosaic designs
- Tile shape (irregular tiles increase cuts)
- Grout color and finishing
- Local labor costs in your area
- Contractor minimum fees
Be sure to get an itemized estimate from contractors to understand exactly what is included in your backsplash installation quote.
5 Tips for Installing a Backsplash from Home Depot
If you plan to DIY your backsplash using supplies from Home Depot, keep these tips in mind:
1. Gather All Materials Before Starting
Buy all your tile, backerboard, thinset, grout, tools, trim, and other items so they are ready to go before you begin. You don’t want to realize something is missing mid-installation.
2. Follow the Manufacturer’s Instructions
Read guidelines on mortar and grout mixing ratios, cure times, recommended tools, and application instructions. Follow them precisely for best results.
3. Use Proper Backerboard
Install cement, fiberglass mesh, or other backerboard designed for tile rather than drywall. Backerboard provides a water-resistant base.
4. Test Tile Layout Before Setting
Dry lay your tiles on the floor first to map out spacing and get your layout just right before permanently adhering tiles.
5. Seal and Grout Properly
Once tiles are set, be sure to apply grout sealer and get grout into all joints evenly. Wipe diagonally across tiles to clean off excess.
5 Ideas for a Stunning Home Depot Backsplash
Need some inspiration for your Home Depot backsplash? Here are 5 beautiful and attainable backsplash designs:
1. Subway Tile
Classic white 3×6 subway tiles create a clean, classic backsplash that matches any decor. Use coordinating grout color to accentuate the grid pattern.
2. Hexagonal Shape
Interesting shaped tiles like hexagons, diamonds, or octagons add visual appeal. Mix multiple colored glossy ceramic hexagons for an eye-catching mosaic layout.
3. Moroccan Fish Scale
Overlapping fish scale tiles in bold blues and greens evoke exotic Moroccan themes. Their circular pattern adds movement.
4. Marble or Travertine
For a natural stone look, marble or travertine backsplash tiles give you swirls, veins, and organic texture. Stacked stone pieces provide depth.
5. Metallic Accents
Add pops of shiny metallic like copper or silver tiles or glass tile accents to make the backsplash the kitchen focal point.
5 Tips for Choosing Backsplash Tile at Home Depot
Keep these tips in mind when selecting backsplash tiles for your Home Depot DIY project:
Match Your Countertops
Choose a tile material and color that coordinate with your countertop finishes for a cohesive kitchen design.
Consider Maintenance
Compare the care needed for porcelain, ceramic, glass, and natural stone tiles based on your lifestyle and cooking habits.
Include an Accent Tile
Use a bolder accent tile sparingly to add interest while keeping most tiles neutral. Accent alongside corners, appliances, or sinks.
**Complement Cabinetry **
Look at cabinet and floor finishes when choosing backsplash tile colors and textures so everything flows visually.
Check Tile Size
Measure the backsplash space and map out what combination of tile sizes will fit without requiring too many cuts.
Hiring a Contractor for Home Depot Backsplash Installation
If you opt to hire a professional installer for your Home Depot backsplash project, here are some tips:
Verify Licensing and Insurance
Contractors should be licensed, bonded, and insured. Check that their coverage is current.
Request References
Ask contractors for examples of past kitchen backsplash projects and contact those references.
Look at Past Work
If possible, view previous backsplash installations in person to evaluate the quality.
Get a Detailed Bid
The contractor’s bid should outline specific project details like materials, timeline, cleanup, and payment terms.
Ask About Warranties
Find out if the contractor offers any guarantees or warranties on their installation workmanship.
5 Questions to Ask Contractors for a Home Depot Backsplash Install
When interviewing backsplash installation contractors, ask these questions:
How Long Have You Been Installing Kitchen Backsplashes?
Look for extensive experience with a variety of tile materials and installation methods.
Are You Licensed, Bonded, and Insured?
Verify the contractor has active credentials and liability coverage for your protection.
Who Will Be Completing the Work?
Find out specifically who will be on site overseeing and performing the labor.
How Do You Ensure a Quality Installation?
Ask about their tile cutting, leveling, grouting, and sealing techniques to confirm they follow industry best practices.
What Is Your Availability for This Project?
Provide your project timeline and make sure the contractor can accommodate it based on their current schedule.
Mistakes to Avoid When Installing a Home Depot Backsplash
Steer clear of these common backsplash mistakes during DIY installation:
Not Preparing the Walls Properly
Don’t tile over drywall or paint. Improper substrate can lead tiles to crack or detach.
Using the Wrong Adhesive
Make sure you use fortified thinset mortar designed for tile rather than multipurpose glues.
Allowing Gaps or Crooked Tiles
Carefully space tiles to avoid uneven gaps and use spacers to keep rows straight.
Missing the Grout Sealant
Sealing grout is essential to prevent staining and discoloration over time from moisture.
Not Allowing Proper Cure Time
Rushing through the job can lead to grout or thinset that hasn’t fully dried or cured properly.
Conclusion
While Home Depot does not offer full-service backsplash installation, they can still be a great resource for your backsplash tile project through their wide range of materials, design services, contractor referrals, and DIY classes. Taking advantage of Home Depot’s offerings while also doing your own research on hiring a qualified backsplash pro means you can end up with a stunning, high-quality backsplash you’ll love. Just be sure to get multiple bids and evaluate installer credentials closely if going the contractor route. For DIYers, follow all manufacturer instructions carefully. With proper planning and preparation, you can install an eye-catching, unique backsplash that makes your kitchen pop.