Installing a backsplash can be an easy and cheap way to elevate the look of your kitchen without doing major remodeling. A new backsplash can also land a beautiful flair to a kitchen renovation project whether economical or high-end.
Since there is such a wide range o of backsplash materials ranging from tile to marble slabs, to glass and metal, there is no shortage of styles for any budget.
If you are ready to install a new backsplash, contact your local tiling pros for a FREE ESTIMATE
Cost To Install Tile Backsplash
Installing a tile backsplash costs on average $1,000 – 1,250. The most affordable backsplash using ceramic tile costs $600 – 750, and you can expect to pay $1,700-2,300 for a more expensive backsplash using natural stone, glass, or metal.
Depending on your contractor, labor may cost an additional $10 per square foot, a minimum flat fee of about $150, or $50 – 70 per hour of labor.
If you are installing a backsplash as a part of the big kitchen renovation project, you can estimate your total Kitchen Remodel Cost.
Tile Backsplash Installation Prices Per Square Foot
The costs of installation will vary on the type of material used for your tile backsplash. The table below indicates the installation cost per square foot of different types of tile, organized by most expensive to least expensive.
Stainless steel is the most expensive tile material to install, whereas ceramic is the cheapest.
| Tile Material | Price per Sq. Ft. | 20 Sq. Ft. | 30 Sq. Ft. | 40 Sq. Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel | $36 | $720 | $1,080 | $1,440 |
| Glass | $32 | $640 | $960 | $1,280 |
| Stone | $30 | $600 | $900 | $1,200 |
| Ceramic | $25 | $500 | $750 | $1,000 |
Here is an in-depth guide to the Cost Of Installing Tile In The Kitchen.
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Labor Cost To Install A Backsplash
Expect to pay between $40 and $80 per hour for the labor costs of installing a backsplash. Minimally, installing a backsplash will take two full workdays, but it can often take longer for more complicated designs.
Generally, contractors will require minimally one day for preparing the surface and installing the tiles, and another day for grouting, cleaning, and sealing the tiles. For two days of labor, expect to pay on average between $320 and $480 for labor costs, and for more complicated jobs you may pay as much as $800.
The labor cost per hour will depend on the complexity of the backsplash you want installed. If you want a peel and stick backsplash, it will cost you on the lower range because the labor is less intensive, whereas more detailed designs will cost more. For instance, complex mosaic patterns can cost up to $100 per hour.
Cost Of Removing An Existing Backsplash
Another aspect you have to factor into your price calculation is the cost of removing an existing backsplash. If you already have a backsplash that must be removed before installing a new one, expect to pay around $3 – $6 per square foot.
Additionally, you might have to pay an extra $100 – $150 in order to dispose of the debris from the old backsplash. In total, anticipate paying between $300 to $650 to remove an old backsplash, depending on its size.
Factors That Impact Backsplash Cost
There are many important factors to keep in mind when calculating how much installing your backsplash will cost you. Below the main factors that influence the price of installing a backsplash are explained in detail.
Backsplash Size: the size of the backsplash you are installing will make a difference in the price, as installation is generally charged per square foot. A large kitchen backsplash, for instance, will definitely cost more than a small bathroom backsplash.
Project Complexity: the more complicated the project, the more installation will cost you. Peel and stick tiles are some of the simplest (and therefore cheapest) to install, whereas installing projects with angles, mosaics, patterns, custom designs, or in difficult to reach spaces will cost you more.
Backsplash Material: depending on the type of tile material you choose for your backsplash, you will have to pay more. Polished marble and other natural stones and metals are the most expensive backsplash material choices.
Mid-range tile material options include mosaic, vinyl, and glass, and the most affordable options are ceramic or porcelain tile, beadboard, and wallpaper.
Electric Outlets: If you have electric outlets where you want the backsplash installed, it will likely cost extra to cut or shape the tile around the outlet.
Removing Old Backsplash: As discussed in the previous section, removing an old backsplash can add several hundred dollars to the price of installing a backsplash.
Transportation Costs: Some contractors will charge to transport the materials to your home. Season and Location: Labor costs vary in different regions of the country, as well as in different seasons. Be sure to speak with local contractors to get an accurate sense of the going installation prices in your area.
Slab Backsplash Costs And Options
There are a few top choices for slab backsplashes: Vinyl wallpaper, granite, stainless steel, marble, beadboard, and thermoplastic panels.
Each has their own characteristics that make them a good choice for a slab backsplash.
Granite, marble and stainless steel backsplashes are appealing for their seamlessness, and vinyl is preferred for its affordability as well as color and style variety.
Vinyl, however, is not heat resistant so it should not be used for a slab backsplash by a stove.
Beadboard is sold in easily installable panels and comes in PVC or fiberboard, and is valued for its durability. Thermoplastic panels are also durable as well as easily cleanable, and are a good choice for DIYers because of their easy installation.
The table below summarizes the costs of the six main slab backsplash options.
| Slab Type | Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Stainless Steel | $80 |
| Granite | $42 |
| Marble | $55 |
| Vinyl Wallpaper | $1 |
| Beadboard | $1 ($40 to $85 per panel) |
| Thermoplastic panels | $18 -$20 (per 18.5″ x 24.5″) |
Backsplash Materials Prices
Each backsplash material you choose will come in different prices, which reflects the positive and negative features of that material. Beadboard and wallpaper are the cheapest material options available, whereas a stainless steel or metal backsplash will cost you the most.
| Material | Cost per Sq. Ft. | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beadboard | $0.50 – $1 | Easy installation and affordable price | Grooves can be hard to clean |
| Wallpaper | $0.35 – $1.50 | Style variety and affordable price | Prone to peeling, staining, and other damage |
| Ceramic Tile | $2 – $8 | Resistant to moisture, easily cleanable, affordable price, easy to cut into difficult angles, low maintenance, durable | Limited style choices available, not recommended for DIY installation |
| Porcelain Tile | $3 – $10 | Resistant to moisture, easily cleanable, affordable price, secure and durable | Limited style choices available |
| Glass Tile | $3 – $15 | Simplest to clean, customizable, preassembled patterns | Susceptible to damage |
| Peel and Stick Tile | $4 – $30 | Best for DIY because no extra tools are required, style variety | May harm drywall upon removal |
| Natural Stone Tile | $5 – $15 | Natural appealing aesthetics, durability | Cleaning can be more challenging, pricier |
| Stainless Steel or Metal | $15 – $25 | Ideal for industrial kitchens, stain resistant, difficult to damage | Pricey option, may clash with other kitchen metals if present, can loose sleek appearance if not cleaned properly |
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Popular Backsplash Styles And Patterns
Backsplashes come in a wide variety of designs and patterns, giving you plenty of choice in the appearance of your backsplash.
In your planning, consider how the backsplash will match your kitchen countertop material as well as the color and style of your kitchen cabinets.
There are three primary backsplash styles that are the most popular amongst buyers.
Penny tiles are small, circular tiles that are well-suited for a backsplash. Penny tiles can be installed using porcelain, ceramic, glass, and even marble, and they come in a variety of colors and tile sizes. Penny tiles are perfect for those hoping to give their space a refined yet bold look.
Subway tiles are a classic and affordable choice. Subway tiling is composed of small, rectangular tiles, and is low maintenance. Subway tiles are very versatile and can be made from many different materials, including glass, ceramic, and natural stone. The one major downside of subway tiles is that they can be difficult to replace.
Mosaic tiles are a very versatile backsplash choice, as mosaic tiles are easily customizable. Mosaic tiles are frequently bought in hexagon shapes, penny round, herringbone, and chevron.
Just like Subway tiles, mosaic tiles can be found in glass, ceramic, and natural stone, as well as some other materials.
The largest downside of mosaic tiles is the price, which is higher than penny tiles and subway tiles. Also, mosaic tiles can be particularly difficult to install, so steer clear of mosaic tiles as a DIY project.
Backsplash Placement Considerations and Tips
There are lots of factors to keep in mind when deciding where to place your backsplash in your kitchen. Depending on the layout of the room and the different features of the kitchen, you will want to place your backsplash in different places.
The most important thing to consider is where you cook. The primary purpose of the backsplash is to prevent cooking stains and splatters from reaching the wall, as backsplashes are easier to clean than plain walls.
Consider where you do the bulk of your cooking in your kitchen, and be sure to have a backsplash installed in those areas.
If you have upper cabinets above the counter, a good option is to run the backsplash from the lower counter to the upper cabinets. This is a very straightforward, easy backsplash placement choice that connects the upper and lower cabinets, giving the kitchen a seamless, cohesive feel. This placement also can have the benefit of making your kitchen appear larger than it is.
As a rule of thumb, do not install your backsplash somewhere you cannot see it and it does not come into contact with food. Extending the backsplash behind the refrigerator, for instance, is generally speaking a waste of money because it is not visible or useful.
In contrast, one of the best places to install a backsplash is behind your cooktop and hood vent. This region is constantly bombarded with spills, splashes, grease, and stains, so protecting the wall is critical to a clean kitchen. Cleaning up a messy backsplash will be much easier than cleaning up the wall behind your stove if left bare.
If you are unsure of where to end your backsplash, one option is to end it where your cabinets end. This will create a crisp line and will add a sense of coherence to your cooking space.
Where Should My Backsplash Start And Stop?
The starting and stopping points of your backsplash will depend on the layout of your kitchen. A popular approach to deciding how far to extend your backsplash is to align the starting and stopping points with other features in the kitchen. For instance, you can align your backsplash starting or stopping points with a window, a cabinet, a wall corner, or any other distinguishing feature.
If you have aligning upper and lower cabinets, another obvious choice in terms of backsplash height is to run the backsplash between the two cabinets.
However, if you do not have aligned upper and lower cabinets, you can stop your backsplash where the lower cabinet ends (this is preferable to aligning it with the upper cabinet, as you want to ensure all of your potential cooking space is protected).
If you do not have aligned upper and lower cabinets, another option is to create an angled backsplash that runs between the edge of the upper and lower cabinets.
If you have an open plan kitchen, another great option is to run your backsplash from your counter up to the ceiling. This helps clearly define the kitchen space, as well as giving your kitchen a more high end look.
Another benefit of running your backsplash to the ceiling is that it can make the kitchen space feel taller as it draws the eye upwards, and can also make unique features such as open shelves stand out more.
How Long Does It Take to Install Tile Backsplash?
A professional contractor will take two days, at a minimum to install a backsplash. A larger or more complicated backsplash design may take longer.
For DIY installation, expect to spend between two to three days working on your backsplash if you have the proper tools and are experienced in DIY tiling installation.
If you are a newbie to this type of DIY project, it will likely take much longer and unexpected issues are likely to arise that will cost more and take more time than planned.
DIY Tile Backsplash Installation vs Hiring A Pro Tiler
You may look at the price of hiring a professional to install your backsplash:$40 -$80 per hour of labor, or a minimum $160 fee and $10 – 18 per square foot–and think you may be better off installing your backsplash yourself.
However, unless you are an experienced DIY-er, installing a backsplash is often best left up to the professionals. Installing a backsplash requires many specific tools, which will be expensive to purchase yourself. Also, a professional will be faster, more efficient, and less prone to making mistakes.
If you must remove the old tiling to install a new backsplash, a professional will be able to remove the old backsplash without causing damage to the wall, which is a possibility if attempted DIY.
Installing a backsplash is at minimum an intermediate level DIY task, so if you are not experienced in DIY home improvement projects, installing a new backsplash is best left up to the professionals to ensure a high-quality, damage-free job.
The one exception to this is if you are planning on installing a peel and stick vinyl backsplash, because this backsplash material is relatively easy to install and can be completed by a non-professional.
If you are committed to installing a backsplash DIY, be sure to calculate the costs of materials into your decision. The additional materials will likely cost you around $300. Below are the tools required to install a backsplash, in addition to the tiles themselves:
-Grout
-Rubber float
-Caulk
-Spacers
-Bull-nose or edge tiles
-Mastic
-Trowel
-Cement backer board
-And more, depending on your chosen backsplash design
Benefits Of Installing A Backsplash
Installing a backsplash is an excellent option for anyone looking to revamp their kitchen without investing in an entire kitchen remodeling. A backsplash adds visual appeal to the kitchen, and comes in a variety of styles to match any aesthetic.
In addition to the aesthetic benefits, a backsplash also serves a very important purpose. By covering the wall near your cooking space, a backsplash prevents staining on the wall, as well as scratches and dents.
A tile backsplash is easier to clean than a wall, reducing the time you spend cleaning your kitchen. Additionally, a backsplash will keep out moisture, which is very important in order to prevent mold growth, which is very costly to remove.
Ultimately, if you spend a lot of time cooking in your kitchen, a backsplash is a great way to keep cleaning simple and straightforward, while adding a beautiful feature to the kitchen.
Does A Backsplash Add Value To My Kitchen?
Adding a backsplash is an excellent way to increase the value of your house when considering a move in the future. Because of its aesthetic and practical benefits, a backsplash is a good way to make your kitchen stand out and increase the resale value of your home.
For minor kitchen remodeling projects like a new backsplash, the national average Return on Investment (ROI) is 81%. This means that for every $1,000 you pay, expect to receive back $810 when you sell your home.
Of course, the ROI of a backsplash varies depending on many factors, including what region you live in. However, overall installing a backsplash will increase the value of your kitchen and you will earn back most of what you spend on a backsplash if you sell your home.
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