Should I tile a backsplash myself or hire a tile installer?

Tile a backsplash yourself if the wall is sound, the tile is a standard size and you are patient with layout and cuts. Hire a tile installer if the wall is damaged, the tile is large-format, natural stone or a tight pattern, outlets or appliances need to move, or you want the result covered by a written warranty. A backsplash is one of the most do-it-yourself-friendly tile jobs, and one of the easiest to see when it is done badly.

When doing it yourself makes sense

The area is small, the wall is vertical, and a mistake is at eye level where you can catch it early. The work is mostly preparation and layout: clean, smooth, dry walls free of grease,^[1] a center line, a dry-fit, and full tiles set from the countertop up so the cuts fall at the top under the cabinets.^[1] If you have time, a rented or borrowed tile cutter and patience for outlet cuts, it is realistic. The full method is in how to tile a kitchen backsplash.

Keep the $1,000 line in mind if the project turns into the whole kitchen. DPOR says a valid Virginia contractor's license is required when the work you are considering is valued at $1,000 or more,^[2] so once you are hiring out larger work, hire a licensed contractor.

When to hire an installer

The wall is not ready. Daltile says damaged, loose or uneven areas must be repaired, patched and leveled before tiling.^[1] If the wall needs more than patching, the prep is the hard part.

The tile is demanding. Large rectangular porcelain should not be set in a running bond: Daltile says to use no more than a 1/3 overlap, widen the joint to 3/16" and use a large unit porcelain mortar.^[1] Natural stone, glass, small mosaics and patterns such as herringbone all make flatness and layout less forgiving.

Something has to move. Outlets, switches, a gas range, a range hood or plumbing are not tile work. Electrical and gas work belongs to licensed trades, and a licensed tile contractor will coordinate it.

You want a warranty. Daltile says tile mistakes are hard to cover up and end up being very costly.^[3] It also says to get a written warranty that the work will be free from leaks and other issues, and to expect a warranty that covers you for about two years.^[3] A mistake in your own work is yours to redo.

Your time is the cost. Layout, setting, a wait of about 24 hours before grouting,^[1] grouting and clean-up spread the job over several days, and the wait for sealer is longer still.

If you hire, check these

• The license. Virginia requires one for work valued at $1,000 or more.^[2] The Board for Contractors has a specialty license for tile, marble, ceramic and terrazzo work, and says the commercial and residential building classifications and the home and commercial improvement specialties also cover it.^[4] Look the contractor up on DPOR's License Lookup.
• The work. Daltile suggests asking to see pictures of finished projects and checking for even spacing, straight grout lines and no lippage.^[5] It adds that windows, doors and corners are the trickiest places and a good test of skill.^[5]
• The quote. DPOR advises at least three written bids on identical plans and specifications, and not automatically accepting the lowest.^[2] See how much tile installation costs in Virginia for what to put in the scope.
• Who buys the tile. Daltile advises letting the installer purchase it, so material problems fall under the warranty.^[3]
• The contract. A licensed contractor's residential contract must state the amounts and schedule of progress payments, including the down payment.^[6]

Stop and call a pro if

• The wall is damp, soft, moldy or stained. A moisture problem has to be fixed first.
• Outlets need to be moved or extended. That is a licensed electrician's job.
• A gas appliance is in the way. Do not disconnect it yourself.
• The cuts or the layout stop going right after the first few rows. Stop before the adhesive sets and ask an installer to look.

Getting help in Virginia

Browse tile and backsplash pros on Loclis, or read more flooring and tile answers. To compare quotes from licensed local installers, describe your backsplash.