Kitchen Backsplash Installation in the Greater Seattle Area

Element Construction installs kitchen backsplashes for homeowners across the Greater Seattle Area and North Pierce County. We're a licensed and insured tile contractor based in Auburn, WA, and we handle every part of the job: removing the old backsplash, prepping the wall, setting and grouting the tile and finishing the edges and outlets so the result looks built in, not added on.

A new backsplash is one of the fastest, most affordable ways to change the look of your kitchen, and most are done in a day or two. Request a free quote or call(206) 771-7744.

Who We Are: Local Tile Installers Who Sweat the Details

Element Construction is a family trade business led by owner Anton Tereshchenkov, who learned the craft working beside his dad. Over ten years the company has grown into a licensed and insured remodeler that completes more than a hundred jobs a year, and tile installation is one of our core trades. A backsplash is small, but it's at eye level in the room you use most, so every cut and grout line shows. We give it the same care as a full remodel.

Who We Work With

• Homeowners refreshing a dated kitchen without a full remodel
• Homeowners who just installed new countertops and need a backsplash to match
• Homeowners who've already chosen their tile and want a pro to install it
• Sellers who want the kitchen to stand out in listing photos

What Our Backsplash Installation Includes

Subway Tile and Classic Patterns

Subway tile never goes out of style. We install it in a classic offset, a straight stack or a vertical layout, with matching or contrasting grout, and plan the layout so it's centered on your range and windows.

Herringbone, Chevron and Decorative Patterns

Herringbone and chevron backsplashes take more layout and cutting time, and they're where installation skill shows the most. We set out the pattern from a centerline so it stays balanced from one end of the counter to the other.

Full-Height and Large-Format Backsplashes

Running tile from the countertop to the ceiling, or to the underside of the range hood, is one of the most popular looks in Seattle kitchens. Large-format porcelain gives the same effect with fewer grout lines.

Quartz and Stone Slab Backsplashes

A slab backsplash made from the same quartz or stone as your countertop gives you a seamless surface with no grout to clean. We coordinate with your fabricator so the slab is measured, cut and installed cleanly.

Glass, Mosaic and Natural Stone Tile

Glass tile needs a white setting material so nothing shows through, and natural stone needs sealing. We use the right products for each material so the backsplash looks the way it did in the showroom.

Old Backsplash Removal and Wall Repair

We remove the old tile, repair or replace damaged drywall and prep the surface so the new backsplash goes on flat and stays bonded.

Outlets, Edges and Finishing Details

We extend outlets and switches so their covers sit flush on the new tile, finish exposed edges with metal trim or bullnose tile and seal the joint where the backsplash meets the countertop. When you want to add outlets or under-cabinet lighting, we coordinate the electrical work as part of your project.

Why Hire a Pro Instead of DIY

Plenty of videos make a backsplash look like a weekend project. The difference shows up in the details: a layout that doesn't leave thin slivers at the end of the counter, clean cuts around outlets and windows, edges that look finished and a level first row even when the countertop isn't perfectly straight. A professional installation also avoids damaging your new countertops and cabinets, and it's usually done faster than a DIY project.

Kitchen Backsplash Installation Across the Greater Seattle Area and North Pierce County

We're based in Auburn and install backsplashes throughout King County and North Pierce County, from older Seattle and Tacoma kitchens with plaster walls to newer homes in Kent, Maple Valley and Puyallup. We work in these communities:

• Auburn

• Bellevue

• Burien

• Des Moines

• Federal Way

• Issaquah

• Kent

• Kirkland

• Lakewood

• Maple Valley

• Puyallup

• Redmond

• Renton

• Sammamish

• SeaTac

• Seattle

• Shoreline

• Spanaway

• Tacoma

• University Place

Don't see your city? We regularly work in nearby communities too. Contact us and we'll let you know if we can take on your project.

How Your Backsplash Installation Works

1. Free estimate. We measure your backsplash area, check the wall and outlets and talk through the look you want.
2. Tile selection and layout. Choose your tile, or bring us what you've picked, and we'll settle the pattern, height, edges and grout color.
3. Written estimate and schedule. You get clear pricing and an install date before work begins.
4. Install. We protect your counters and cabinets, prep the wall, set the tile and return to grout once the mortar has cured.
5. Final walkthrough. We reinstall outlet covers, caulk the countertop joint, clean up and walk the finished backsplash with you.

How Much Does Backsplash Installation Cost in Seattle?

Most kitchen backsplashes in the Seattle area cost about $1,000 to $2,500 installed for a standard 30 to 40 square foot area. Based on 2026 Seattle-area pricing published by local tile contractors and cost guides, typical ranges are:

• Ceramic or porcelain subway tile: roughly $1,000 to $1,800
• Glass, mosaic or natural stone tile: roughly $1,500 to $3,000
• Herringbone or other detailed patterns: add about 20 to 30 percent to labor
• Quartz or stone slab backsplash: roughly $2,500 to $6,000 or more

These are market ranges, not a quote. A full-height design, the number of outlets and windows, removing an old backsplash and wall repair all affect the price. Your written estimate spells out exactly what's included.

Kitchen Backsplash FAQs

• What is the average cost to install a kitchen backsplash?

  In the Seattle area, a standard tile backsplash of 30 to 40 square feet usually costs about $1,000 to $2,500 installed. Glass, natural stone, mosaics and herringbone patterns cost more, and a quartz or stone slab backsplash typically starts around $2,500. Removing an old backsplash and patching the wall are added on top.

• How long does backsplash installation take?

  Most kitchen backsplashes take one to two days: one day to prep the wall and set the tile, then a return visit to grout once the mortar has cured. Removing an old backsplash, a full-height design or a detailed pattern can add a day.

• What goes behind a tile backsplash?

  In most kitchens, tile can be set directly on clean, sound, primed drywall. Behind a range or sink, or anywhere the wall is damaged, we may patch or replace the drywall or add cement backer board. Glass and some stone tiles need specific setting materials so the adhesive doesn't show through.

• Can you install a backsplash over existing tile or drywall?

  New tile can go on painted drywall once it's cleaned and prepped. We usually remove old tile rather than tiling over it, because the extra thickness causes problems at outlets, window trim and the edges of your cabinets.

• Do I need a permit for a kitchen backsplash?

  Installing tile on its own is cosmetic work and doesn't normally need a building permit. Adding or moving outlets or adding under-cabinet lighting is electrical work, which needs a permit and a licensed electrician. We coordinate that work for you and schedule it before the tile goes up.

• Can you install the backsplash right after my new countertops?

  Yes, and that's the ideal time. Once your countertops are installed, we can set the backsplash. If you're replacing countertops, schedule the backsplash after they're in so the tile meets the counter cleanly.

Start Your Backsplash Project

Ready for a new backsplash? Tell us about your kitchen and we'll set up a free estimate. You can also explore our full tile installation services or see finished projects on ourOur Work page.

Get a Free Quote

Trusted By Homeowners Across the Greater Seattle Area

At Element Construction, we take pride in the lasting relationships we've built with our clients over the years. Our commitment to quality and customer service is reflected in the positive feedback we consistently receive. From homeowners to contractors, our clients appreciate our attention to detail, professionalism, and ability to exceed expectations.