Rus Willken


Tile installer — Charlotte, NC
Tile Buyer’s Guide

Which tile is right for your backsplash?

Choose based on your lifestyle, cleaning habits, and kitchen style.
With visuals, budget tips, and install notes.

Cozy

Glossy ceramic tile

Classic, budget-friendly, and easy to clean — perfect for everyday cooking.

  • Huge range of styles
  • Low maintenance
  • Can chip if hit hard
  • Standard look if not styled well
Durable

Porcelain tile

Super durable and stain-resistant — great for busy kitchens and long-term wear.

  • Stronger than ceramic
  • Works for large format
  • Fewer design variations
  • Slightly more expensive install
Expensive

Glass tile

Sleek, bright, and modern — adds shine and color to the kitchen.

  • Reflects light beautifully
  • Easy to wipe clean
  • Shows grout lines and smudges
  • Expensive to install properly
Nobly

Natural stone tile

Elegant and earthy — best for style-focused kitchens with less heavy cooking.

  • Luxurious look
  • Unique, natural patterns
  • Needs sealing and regular care
  • Stains easily with oil or sauces
Underrated

Large format tile

Minimal grout, maximum style — underrated modern option that feels high-end.

  • Clean, seamless look
  • Easy to clean
  • Can feel too plain
Eternally

Subway tile

Timeless and versatile — fits almost any kitchen style.

  • Affordable and classic
  • Tons of size/layout options
  • More grout lines
  • Basic look without creative layout
Diversely

Mosaic tile

Decorative and detailed — great for small spaces or accent zones.

  • Lots of texture and visual interest
  • Great for creative combos
  • More grout = more cleaning
  • Higher installation cost
I cook a lot and need something easy to clean

You'll be fine with ceramic tiles or porcelain tiles, the larger the format the better

I hate cleaning grout lines

The larger the tile size, the less the grout lines.

I want a classic, timeless kitchen

Then Subway tile is the perfect solution. Especially since there are many different layouts for this tile

What you should absolutely do before tiling your backsplash

Tile is often the last big step in your kitchen refresh — but there are a few things you really want to take care of before the tile goes on the wall, so you don’t end up redoing work or making compromises.

Install under-cabinet lighting first

Adding LED strips or puck lights? Get them installed before tile. That way, wiring stays hidden. Avoid awkward shadows — lighting affects how the tile looks

Finalize outlet & switch placement

Even a small shift in outlet height can change the look of your backsplash. Make sure everything is in the right spot before tile starts going up.

Planning
for a pot filler?

If you're thinking about adding one over the stove, now's the time to do it. Plumbing has to be done before tile — not after.

Install your range hood/microwave first

If you’re changing or upgrading your hood, install it before tiling. Tile should fit around it — not under it — and changes later can ruin your backsplash layout.

I can help
with all that

Just contact me, some of these things I can do myself,
for some tasks I have partners I can involve

Get in touch

What you need to know before we start your backsplash project

If you’re planning a kitchen backsplash, here’s a simple guide to help you prepare, understand what to buy, and avoid surprises during the project.

Read