When you walk into your kitchen, what is the first thing you notice? For many homeowners, it isn't just the cabinets or the appliances; it is the wall space between them. If you are looking to refresh your home, a professional Athens, TX flooring and tile project can completely change the atmosphere of your space. A kitchen backsplash is one of the most cost-effective ways to add personality, protection, and value to your home.
Whether you are remodeling a historic property near the town square or building a modern lake house, the right backsplash serves as the jewelry of the kitchen. At Apex Custom Floors, we have spent over 15 years helping North Texas residents navigate these choices. We know that a successful project requires more than just picking a pretty tile: it involves selecting the right materials, ensuring a waterproof installation, and matching the aesthetic to the rest of your home.
Why a Kitchen Backsplash is the Ultimate Home Upgrade
A backsplash does more than just look good. Its primary job is to protect your walls from moisture, grease, and food splatters that inevitably happen during cooking. Without a proper tile flooring and backsplash installation, drywall can absorb liquids, leading to staining and, eventually, mold or structural damage.
Beyond the practical benefits, a backsplash is a major selling point. When it comes time to put your house on the market, buyers often focus on the kitchen and bathrooms. A professionally installed, modern backsplash suggests that the home has been well-maintained and upgraded with quality materials. It is a small surface area compared to the rest of the house, but it carries a huge amount of visual weight.
Top Kitchen Backsplash Trends for 2026
If you are planning a renovation in the coming months, you might be wondering what styles are currently leading the way. We are seeing a move away from the "builder-grade" looks of the past decade. Homeowners in the greater Corsicana and Athens regions are looking for something more unique.
Textured and Handmade Tiles
One of the biggest trends for 2026 is the use of Zellige-style tiles. These are handmade-look ceramic tiles that have slight irregularities in their shape and glaze. When installed, they catch the light in different ways, creating a deep, organic texture that flat, machine-made tiles simply cannot replicate.
Slab Backsplashes
For those who want a sleek, modern look, slab backsplashes are becoming a top choice. This involves using the same material as your countertop: like quartz or quartzite: and running it all the way up the wall. It creates a seamless, high-end appearance that is incredibly easy to clean because there are no grout lines.
Reimagined Subway Tile
Subway tile is a classic, but the standard 3×6 white brick is being replaced by elongated versions, vertical stack patterns, or bold colors. By simply changing the layout from a traditional offset to a vertical stack, you can make a kitchen feel taller and more contemporary.
Beyond the Kitchen: Custom Tile Showers in Ennis and Hillsboro
While the kitchen is the heart of the home, the master bathroom is your private sanctuary. Many homeowners who start with a kitchen backsplash eventually decide to upgrade their bathrooms with custom showers in Ennis, TX. A custom tile shower is a significant upgrade over the plastic or fiberglass inserts found in many older homes.
The Benefits of a Custom Build
When you choose a custom tile shower, you aren't limited by a pre-made mold. You can choose the exact size, the number of shower niches for your soaps, and even a built-in bench. More importantly, we use advanced waterproofing systems to ensure that the water stays in the drain and out of your walls.
In places like Hillsboro, we see many residents opting for large-format tiles in their showers. These tiles reduce the number of grout lines, making the shower easier to scrub and giving the bathroom a clean, spa-like feel. Whether you want a curbless entry for accessibility or a decorative mosaic focal point, a custom tile installation is built to last for decades.
Selecting the Right Flooring: Hardwood and Stone Polymer Composite (SPC)
No kitchen or bathroom remodel is complete without considering the floors. The flooring needs to complement your new backsplash and withstand the daily foot traffic of a busy Texas household.
Engineered Hardwood for Texas Climates
In North Texas, humidity and temperature swings can be hard on traditional solid wood. That is why we often recommend engineered hardwood flooring. Because it is built in layers, it is much more stable than solid wood. It won't expand and contract as much when the Texas summer heat hits, making it a perfect choice for homes on concrete slabs.
Stone Polymer Composite (SPC)
If you have kids, pets, or a pool, you need something even more durable. Stone polymer composite (SPC) flooring is a type of waterproof vinyl that is incredibly tough. The "stone" part of the name refers to the core, which is made of a limestone and stabilizer mix. This makes the planks rigid and virtually indestructible. Our luxury vinyl plank and stone polymer composite installation is a favorite for high-traffic areas because it looks exactly like real wood but can be mopped without worry.
The Apex Custom Floors Difference: 15+ Years of Expertise
Choosing a contractor is just as important as choosing your tile. You want someone who respects your home, stays on schedule, and understands the technical side of the trade. Apex Custom Floors is a BBB Accredited business with over 15 years of combined experience.
We pride ourselves on maintaining clean and organized job sites. We know that a remodel is disruptive, so we work efficiently to get your home back to normal as quickly as possible. From the initial measurement to the final grout sealer, we guide you through every step. We don't just "slap tile on a wall": we ensure the substrate is flat, the layout is centered, and the finish is flawless.
What to Expect During Your Backsplash Installation
Many homeowners ask how long a backsplash takes. Most standard kitchen backsplashes can be completed in two to three days.
- Preparation: We protect your countertops and cabinets. We then prepare the wall surface to ensure the tile adheres properly.
- Layout: We measure and mark the walls to ensure the pattern is symmetrical and that small "sliver" cuts are avoided in corners.
- Setting the Tile: The tile is applied using high-quality thin-set mortar.
- Grouting: Once the mortar has cured (usually the next day), we apply the grout and clean the tiles.
- Caulking and Cleanup: We apply a flexible color-matched caulk to the joints where the tile meets the countertop to prevent cracking and water penetration.
FAQ: Common Questions About Kitchen and Bath Remodeling
How much does a kitchen backsplash cost?
The cost depends on the type of tile you choose and the total square footage. Mosaic tiles and natural stones are generally more expensive to install than standard ceramic or porcelain. We offer free estimates to give you an exact price for your specific project.
Can you install tile over existing tile?
In most cases, we recommend removing the old tile. Installing over the top can add too much thickness, which makes your outlets look recessed and can put stress on the wall. We prefer to start with a clean, flat surface to guarantee our workmanship warranty.
What is the best flooring for a kitchen?
For most homes in Hillsboro, TX flooring projects, we recommend either tile or stone polymer composite. Both are waterproof and easy to clean, which is essential for the room where spills are most common.
How do I maintain my new custom tile shower?
The key is to use a squeegee after each use to prevent soap scum and hard water buildup. We also recommend using a pH-neutral cleaner to protect your grout and natural stone surfaces.
Conclusion
A kitchen backsplash is more than a design choice; it is an investment in the longevity and beauty of your home. Whether you are looking for the artisanal feel of Zellige tile in Athens or a durable stone polymer composite floor in Ennis, Apex Custom Floors is here to help. Our 15+ years of experience and commitment to quality mean you can trust that your project will be handled with professional care.
If you are ready to start your next home improvement project, don't wait. A simple upgrade like a backsplash or a new floor can make your home feel brand new. Visit our homepage to see our full range of services and let us help you succeed with your next remodel.
Apex Custom Floors
Looking for materials? Apex Custom Floors sells flooring materials directly to you! Call Apex Custom Floors at 903-229-9556.
(903) 229-9556
https://apexcustomfloors.com/
