Tile and backsplash work is often one of the most striking details in a remodel. While cabinets, countertops, and flooring anchor a space, the tile is what draws the eye and ties the design together. It’s not just about filling a wall with material—it’s about precision, balance, and artistry. Done well, a backsplash becomes the polished backdrop that makes a kitchen or bath feel complete.
At Morganco Design Build, we approach every tile and backsplash installation with the care of master craftsmen. Our team understands that in homes across the Greater St. Louis area—from classic bungalows in Webster Groves to modern new builds in Chesterfield—tile is where design meets detail. Every cut, every grout line, every layout decision is an opportunity to elevate the space.
Here’s what you can expect during the process, and why the difference lies in the hands of experienced professionals who treat your home as their own.
Choosing the Right Tile and Backsplash Design
Selecting tile isn’t simply a matter of taste; it’s a decision that shapes the look, durability, and function of your space. The right material and layout will complement your cabinetry, counters, and flooring while withstanding daily use for years to come.
Material Options
Ceramic and Porcelain: Durable, versatile, and available in countless finishes. Porcelain, in particular, is excellent for high-traffic or moisture-prone areas like kitchens and baths.
Glass Tile: Reflective and modern, it brightens spaces and pairs beautifully with under-cabinet lighting.
Natural Stone (marble, slate, travertine): Adds character and timeless beauty. Every piece has unique veining and texture, making the installation feel custom.
Mosaic and Specialty Tiles: Perfect for creating focal points, whether behind a range or along an accent wall.
READ: How to Pick Materials for Your Kitchen Remodel
How Design Choices Affect Function and Style
A backsplash in a Clayton kitchen might lean toward a sleek subway tile in a stacked pattern for a clean, contemporary look. Meanwhile, a Kirkwood homeowner restoring a century-old home may choose a hand-glazed ceramic tile to echo historic charm. Beyond aesthetics, factors like ease of cleaning, resistance to staining, and compatibility with your countertops should all be part of the discussion.
Trends and Timeless Choices in St. Louis Homes
We often see homeowners gravitating toward classic subway tile—because while trends come and go, a simple white or neutral tile never dates a kitchen. At the same time, bolder looks like geometric patterns, deep green or navy tiles, and textured finishes are on the rise in new builds and remodels across the St. Louis suburbs. Our role is to help balance timeless design with your unique vision so the finished space feels both current and enduring.
Preparing the Space for Installation
A flawless tile or backsplash installation begins long before the first tile is set. Preparation is one of the most overlooked steps, but it’s also one of the most critical. Skipping or rushing this phase leads to uneven lines, cracking, or premature wear—and at Morganco Design Build, that’s simply not acceptable.
Removing Old Materials and Creating a Clean Surface
If there’s an existing backsplash, we carefully remove it along with any adhesives or residue. Walls must be smooth and free from grease or debris to ensure the new tile bonds securely. In kitchens, where years of cooking can leave subtle buildup, this step takes precision and patience.
Wall Preparation: Leveling, Patching, and Priming
Walls are rarely perfect. Small dips, bulges, or cracks can cause tiles to sit unevenly, throwing off the entire design. Our team meticulously patches imperfections, sands rough spots, and levels the surface before installation begins. In some cases, a cement backer board or special primer is applied for added stability—especially in bathrooms or areas exposed to moisture.
Protecting Adjacent Finishes
A remodel is about improving a space, not damaging what you’ve already invested in. Countertops, cabinetry, and flooring are carefully masked and protected. This level of attention ensures that once the work is complete, you’ll see nothing but crisp, clean lines and a showroom-worthy finish.
The Layout and Design Planning Phase
Once the surface is ready, the artistry begins. Tile installation is like composing a piece of music—every detail matters, and the arrangement determines the final harmony.
Precision in Measuring and Dry-Fitting
We start by dry-laying tiles, testing placement before a single drop of adhesive is applied. This allows us to identify cuts, align patterns, and ensure balance across the wall. Precise measurements are the backbone of a professional installation, especially when working around outlets, corners, and unique architectural features.
Pattern Alignment and Focal Points
Every backsplash has a “moment”—a place where the eye naturally lands. In many kitchens, this is behind the cooktop or sink. We plan patterns so that the focal point showcases symmetry and balance. For example, a herringbone tile layout behind a Wolf range in a Ladue kitchen becomes a statement piece when centered with care.
Accounting for Grout Lines and Symmetry
Grout lines, though subtle, play a significant role in the final look. Our installers calculate their width and placement so the design remains even and consistent from one end of the wall to the other. Without this level of precision, tiles can appear off-center or uneven—small flaws that homeowners notice every time they walk into the room.
Cutting and Setting the Tile
This is where preparation meets precision. Cutting and setting tile isn’t simply about filling a wall; it’s about ensuring every piece is placed with accuracy and intent. Even the smallest misstep—a crooked cut, uneven spacing, or sloppy adhesive—can compromise the entire installation.
The Craftsmanship of Clean, Accurate Cuts
Tiles are cut using specialized saws and tools that allow for exact, smooth edges. Corners, outlets, and unique architectural details often require custom cuts that demand steady hands and sharp eyes. For instance, cutting around multiple outlets along a backsplash in a Des Peres kitchen requires patience and planning to maintain symmetry. Each cut must feel intentional, as though the tile were made for that exact spot.
Adhesive Application and Setting Techniques
A quality installation depends on more than just the tile itself. The type of adhesive—whether thin-set mortar, mastic, or epoxy—is chosen based on the tile material and the conditions of the space. We apply it evenly to create a solid bond without voids that could cause future cracks or loose tiles. Tiles are then set with consistent spacing, checked with levels and spacers to ensure perfect alignment.
Challenges in Corners, Outlets, and Specialty Cuts
No wall is ever perfectly square, and no backsplash is free from obstacles. That’s why we take extra care around inside and outside corners, ensuring clean transitions that look seamless. Outlets and switches are cut precisely so plates fit snugly, leaving no awkward gaps. Specialty tiles—such as mosaics or textured stone—require even more attention, since irregular edges must still come together in a crisp, cohesive pattern.
Grouting and Finishing Touches
If tile setting is about structure, grouting is about refinement. This is where the installation transforms from raw pieces of material into a polished, finished surface.
Choosing the Right Grout Color and Type
Grout is not just filler—it’s part of the design. The right color can either blend seamlessly or create bold contrast. For example, white subway tile with white grout offers a timeless, subtle look in a Clayton kitchen, while pairing it with dark grout adds definition and character. Beyond color, we also select grout type (sanded, unsanded, or epoxy) based on tile size and durability requirements.
Sealing Natural Stone or Porous Tile
Certain materials, like marble or travertine, require sealing to protect against stains and moisture. This step not only preserves the tile but also enhances its natural beauty. Without sealing, everyday spills like wine, coffee, or cooking oils could permanently damage the surface.
Caulking for Clean Transitions and Long-Lasting Results
Where tile meets countertops, cabinets, or windows, grout isn’t the best solution. Instead, we apply high-quality caulk that flexes with slight movement over time. This creates smooth, waterproof transitions that protect the integrity of the installation and keep it looking sharp for years to come.
The Final Walkthrough and Quality Assurance
By the time the last tile is set and the grout lines are polished, our team treats the space as if it were our own home. But installation isn’t truly complete until every detail has been inspected, cleaned, and approved.
Inspection for Even Lines, Level Placement, and Flawless Finishes
We step back and review the installation from every angle. Lines are checked for consistency, surfaces are confirmed level, and edges are evaluated for precision. In St. Louis homes where lighting can shift dramatically between day and night, we also check the tile under different conditions to ensure the finish remains consistent.
Cleaning and Polishing the Surface
Before we leave a project, the tile is thoroughly cleaned, haze is removed, and grout lines are carefully polished. We don’t consider it finished until it gleams—whether it’s a glossy glass backsplash in a Town & Country kitchen or a matte stone feature wall in a Clayton bath.
What to Expect in Terms of Care and Maintenance
Every tile type has its own care needs. We provide homeowners with tailored guidance, whether that means resealing natural stone every few years, using pH-neutral cleaners, or simply wiping down grout lines regularly. This ensures the beauty of the installation lasts for decades, not just the first year.
Tile and backsplash installation is far more than a finishing detail—it’s a discipline of design, precision, and craftsmanship. Every stage, from selecting the right materials to the final polish, shapes the look and durability of your home. When done right, a backsplash doesn’t just protect your walls; it elevates your entire space.
At Morganco Design Build, we take immense pride in this process. As third-generation builders, we believe that true craftsmanship lies in the details—the symmetry of a herringbone pattern, the clean edge of a custom cut, the flawless transition from counter to wall. It’s in these details that a home feels complete.
If you’re considering a remodel in the Greater St. Louis area, know that your tile and backsplash installation can be more than functional—it can be a work of art designed and built to last. Contact us here to start today!