You may be asking: is it worth it to install a backsplash? Yes, it is. Along with an updated look, a backsplash can cover and protect your more delicate wall from splashed food stains, toothpaste, water damage, and mold. It can halt countertop appliance dents in your wall. Backsplashes are easy-care, too: just wipe clean, and you're done.
Whether your backsplash is made from porcelain, glass, ceramic, stone, or stainless steel, we have some tips to help you choose the right one. Finding the right backsplash will help give your kitchen or bathroom a fresh, new look. Use our guide to help you find a beautiful backsplash that fits your budget. Kitchen backsplashes typically go behind the stove or sink to protect the walls and add a beautiful aesthetic, and a bathroom backsplash is typically installed on the wall behind the sink.
Standard Services | Quantity | Low | High | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
What you can expect | |||||
Range per square foot: | $29.03 | $52.87 | |||
Range for this type of project: | $203 | $370 | |||
Estimate: $287 | |||||
Tile Backsplash Installation Cost | 8 square feet | $63 | $88 | ||
Cost of 6mm-thick, 3"x6" ceramic tile with matte finish. Rate is inclusive of local delivery, as well as standard excess for perfect installation and occasional future repairs. | |||||
Basic Labor for Tile Backsplash Installation | 2 hours | $80 | $194 | ||
Labor costs for thorough installation under standard conditions. This will start with a full assessment of the space. Your team will plan the layout, acquire appropriate equipment, transport materials, and execute preparation, installation and cleanup. They will measure, fabricate, and secure the backer board, arrange the tile pattern, install tiles with thin set mortar, and grout and clean the surface. | |||||
Job Supplies for Tile Backsplash Installation | 8 square feet | $5 | $6 | ||
Standard materials used in the installation process, such as fabrication and polishing supplies, manufacturer-recommended underlayment, fasteners, adhesives, and surface sealants. | |||||
Equipment Allowance for Tile Backsplash Installation | 1 job | $55 | $83 | ||
Equipment allowance for 10" diamond masonry saw, mortar box, power mortar mixer, and other specialty tools. This is assessed as a daily rental fee, while single-use equipment will incur separate charges. |
cost to install a tile backsplash | |
National Avg. Materials Cost per square foot | $9.11 |
National Avg. Cost (labor and materials) for 120 square foot | $3,102.09 |
National Cost Range (labor and materials) for 120 square foot | $2,149.89 - $4,054.29 |
Installing a new backsplash can add new life to the look of your room. However, before you run out and buy the first cool-looking tile you see, take some time to plan out your project and run the numbers. You'll need to know how much to budget for backsplash materials, prep work and labor.
It’s important to understand all of the costs associated with installing a new backsplash, including material prices and the cost of professional installation. On average, you should plan to spend between $600 to $1,000 for a new kitchen or bathroom backsplash. Your total cost will depend on several factors, including the material you select, the project's size and scope, and the skill level required for installation. More complex patterns or high-end materials will cost you more than using discounted materials and installing a simple design. If the installation process is complex or the installer runs into complications, your total cost will also increase.
Expect a professional tile contractor to charge a minimum labor fee, even if your project is small. Most tilers charge by the square foot or an average hourly labor rate between $20 to $94 per hour. The national average cost for labor to install tile is between $40 and $60 per hour, but this may vary depending on your location, the installation difficulty, and the contractor’s skill level.
Before you hire a professional to install your new backsplash, ask for references from family and friends or go online to read customer reviews. You should get at least three free estimates to compare the cost before you decide. Be sure to inform the tiler if you need an old backsplash removed and what type of walls you have. You may need to pay more (approximately $3 to $6 per square foot) if your current backsplash needs to be removed and disposed of first.
Other factors that impact how much to install a backsplash can also increase the cost of labor. The labor cost to install subway tile backsplash will usually be less than a more complicated design. It may cost more to tile hard-to-reach areas or to install tiles with a complicated pattern requiring more strategic tile cutting and positioning. Tiling around windows, corners, and electrical outlets may increase your total labor cost.
Backsplash installation costs an average $31.25 per square foot, costing between $25 to $37.50 per square foot, with the exact cost depending on the type of the tiles.
There’s plenty of options when choosing tile materials for your backsplash. Tile is usually priced at a cost per square foot, so keep that in mind when making your selection.
Ceramic tile is one of the most popular choices for backsplashes and costs between $10-$15 per square foot. This material is durable, easy to cut, and low maintenance, so it’s great for both kitchens and bathrooms.
Mosaic tiles are smaller than most other tile types and usually come in a sheet with pre-spaced designs already arranged. This tile ranges from as little as $3 to as much as $20 per square foot depending on the material, which includes glass, metal, stone, porcelain, and pebbles.
Porcelain costs more than ceramic at around $15 per square foot or more on average. This beautiful backsplash material is highly durable and adds a visually pleasing aesthetic to your home.
Slate is a natural stone that costs between $10-$20 per square foot. This water-resistant material lends an organic element to your kitchen, but it’s also porous and can be brittle, which may lead to cracks over time. Slate is also more difficult to cut due to its fragile nature. Sealing your slate tile backsplash is important to prevent stains and marks.
The cost for tile backsplash made of natural stone ranges in price depending on the material. You can find natural stone tile for $10 to up to $50 per square foot. Engineered stone tile is more expensive and starts at $20 per square foot up to $50 per square foot or more.
Granite and marble tile bring a sophisticated, high-end look to backsplashes. These natural stone tiles vary widely in price depending on the size, shape, and quality and can range from $7 to $300 per square foot. Granite or marble slab costs more than smaller, individual tiles.
Glass backsplash tiles add a colorful, modern look to bathrooms and kitchens. Glass tile costs between $7 and $30 per square foot and comes in a wide range of colors, shapes, and pre-assembled patterns. This tile is a great way to add a pop of color or a contemporary element to bathroom walls and in the kitchen behind the oven or sink.
Natural terracotta ceramic tile can be glazed in different colors, and you can use it to create beautiful patterns on your backsplash. This durable, versatile tile is stain-resistant with a smooth surface and ranges from as little as $1 to around $15 per square foot.
Mirror tiles typically cost $8-$15 per square foot. The reflective surface adds an ultra-modern element to the kitchen or bathroom while bringing a bright, contemporary touch to your home
Stainless steel comes in individual tiles or one single piece, costing $30-$50 per square foot on average. This unique backsplash material brings a modern touch to trendy kitchens and is a wonderful complement to stainless steel appliances. This backsplash material is easy to clean, but it needs to be maintained to keep its bright, smooth, and shiny appearance.
Backsplash Type | Average Cost | Lowest Cost | Highest Cost |
Ceramic backsplash | $12.50 | $10.00 | $15.00 |
Mosaic backsplash | $11.50 | $3.00 | $20.00 |
Porcelain backsplash | $15.00 | $10.00 | $20.00 |
Slate backsplash | $15.00 | $10.00 | $20.00 |
Natural stone backsplash | $30.00 | $10.00 | $50.00 |
Glass backsplash | $18.50 | $7.00 | $30.00 |
Mirror backsplash | $11.50 | $8.00 | $15.00 |
Stainless steel backsplash | $40.00 | $30.00 | $50.00 |
Before you install a backsplash, you may need to have the old one removed. So, you'll want to budget the cost of removal. The tiler will carefully take the old tiles off. Because the tiles are affixed to the wall, your wall may be damaged in the process, so factor in the cost of repairing the wall behind.
Your tile installer will charge less for removing the old backsplash than for installing the new backsplash. He may charge $3 to $6 per square foot removal, so add $200 to $600 to the cost of the project, depending on the size of your backsplash area. Be prepared to add additional funds for debris disposal.
A slab backsplash is a continuous slab of material instead of smaller, individual tiles. The absence of grout lines gives them a sleek, modern look. Some homeowners choose to match their slab backsplash with the kitchen countertops or bathroom vanity top to create a cohesive look, while others may prefer to use something that contrasts with a different color or texture.
Slab backsplashes are easier for you to install DIY since it’s just one piece. Here are some examples of slab materials and their costs.
Beadboard slabs (or panels) are affordable at around $1 per square foot. This material is made from durable PVC or a medium-density fiberboard and comes in large sections to give your kitchen or bathroom a traditional, vintage-inspired look.
Stainless steel costs approximately $40 to $90 per square foot when purchased as a sheet. This smooth, shiny material is easy to clean and brings an updated, modern vibe to kitchens and bathrooms.
Vinyl comes in a roll and costs $30 to $50 per roll. This material comes in a wide range of colors and styles, but it’s not recommended for installation near a stove since it’s not a heat-resistant material.
Thermoplastic panels cost $7 to $15 per square foot. This durable material is easy to clean and comes in various colors and patterns. This option is great for DIY installation since you can cut it to size with just a pair of scissors.
Slab Backsplash Type | Average Cost | Lowest Cost | Highest Cost |
Beadboard slab backsplash | $1.00 | $0.50 | $1.50 |
Vinyl slab backsplash | $40.00 | $30.00 | $50.00 |
Thermoplastic backsplash panels | $11.00 | $7.00 | $15.00 |
The cost to install backsplash tile in a kitchen vs. a bathroom varies depending on the type of tile you choose, the application method, and the size that you need to cover. Installing a new backsplash is a significant part of the cost of performing a complete kitchen remodel. On average, it costs between $300 and $1,000 for a new 16-square-foot kitchen backsplash. You could save money by choosing a peel-and-stick option, especially if you’re looking for a renter-friendly way to update your kitchen on a budget.
It might surprise you to learn that most homeowners spend more on the cost to install a backsplash in the bathroom than they do in the kitchen. On average, a typical bathroom backsplash can cost between $600 and $1,350. However, this costs much less than it would to retile the entire bathroom. Prepare to pay more if you’re planning to retile an existing backsplash, which typically costs an extra $3 to $6 per square foot if the contractor needs to remove the old backsplash first. Tack on another $100 to $150 for the disposal of the remaining debris.
How much is a backsplash installation if you do it yourself? Remember that labor can cost anywhere from $10 to $30 per square foot, so DIY may help you save money. Basic tile like ceramic or a peel-and-stick option is much easier to install on your own. If you decide to update your backsplash yourself, don’t forget to include the cost of other materials like grout, tile adhesive, and sealant when applicable.
Remember that certain types of tiles are more difficult to install than others. If you’ve never installed tile before or if you’re planning to use heavy stone slabs or custom-cut tiles, then it’s recommended to hire a professional tile contractor to perform the installation.
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