Adding a tile backsplash can be one of the most impactful and cost-effective home improvements you can make. Not only does a tile backsplash protect your walls from water damage and stains, it can also significantly increase your home’s value. Here’s what you need to know about how a tile backsplash can add value to your home.
Key Benefits of Installing a Tile Backsplash
There are several reasons why tile backsplashes are a smart investment:
Aesthetic Appeal
Perhaps the biggest motivation for installing a backsplash is aesthetic appeal. The right backsplash can transform the look and feel of your entire kitchen or bathroom. Backsplashes come in a huge range of colors, patterns, textures, and materials so you can match your own personal style. It’s an easy way to add visual interest and give your space a high-end, designer look.
Protection from Water Damage
One of the primary functions of a backsplash is to protect your walls from moisture damage. Areas around sinks, stoves, and countertops are prone to splashes and spills. Over time, this can lead to peeling paint, warped drywall, mold growth, and stained surfaces. A properly sealed and grouted tile backsplash creates a water-resistant barrier between your walls and potential leaks.
Ease of Cleaning
Unlike drywall or painted surfaces, glass, ceramic, or stone tile does not absorb liquids and food particles. Backsplashes made from non-porous materials are much easier to wipe down and keep sanitary. Simply use a sponge or cloth with your preferred cleaning solution. And you don’t have to worry about scrubbing too hard or damaging the underlying surface.
Durability
Tile is an incredibly durable material resistant to scratches, stains, and heat damage. While a painted backsplash may need frequent touch-ups or full repainting, a quality tile installation can last for decades with minimal maintenance. The longevity of tile makes it a smarter long-term investment compared to cheaper, less durable options.
How Much Value Does a Tile Backsplash Add?
The exact dollar value added by installing a backsplash depends on several factors:
Quality of Materials
Higher end tiles made from stone, metal, or glass add more perceived value than basic ceramic or porcelain tiles. Mosaic patterns and intricate designs are also viewed as more upscale finishes. Using premium materials and choosing an elegant, on-trend style can impact value.
Layout and Execution
A professionally designed and installed backsplash is worth more than a DIY job. Making sure your tiles are properly cut, aligned, spaced, and sealed will ensure it lasts. Poor grout lines or sloppy caulking can detract from the overall aesthetic.
Location in the Home
Backsplashes in main living spaces like kitchens and bathrooms add more resale value than those in lesser-used areas like laundry rooms. Upgrading the spaces prospective buyers care most about pays off bigger when selling.
Overall Condition of the Home
The better condition your home is in overall, the more impact upgrades like a backsplash will have on appraisal value. A tile backsplash can make a big difference in an older home. But in a newly renovated home that is already updated, it may add less value comparatively.
According to real estate experts, a high-quality tile backsplash averages around 50-75% ROI. So if you spend $1000 on installation, you may recoup $500-750 back when selling. For more basic backsplash upgrades in the $500 range, expected ROI is closer to 80-100%. The amount varies, but quality backsplashes do tend to noticeably increase home value.
Factors That Impact Value Added
To maximize your return on investment, consider the following factors:
Use Durable, Low-Maintenance Materials
Porcelain, ceramic, glass, and natural stone tiles stand up well over time with minimal required upkeep. Avoid high-maintenance materials like unsealed grout that will look grimy and dated quickly.
Choose Popular Styles and Finishes
White subway tile and marble finishes have broad appeal to buyers. Go for timeless styles rather than bold colors or busy patterns that future owners may want to change.
Include Design Features
Details like mosaic inlays, deco borders, and accent tiles command more value. Mixing materials, shapes, and textures also adds designer flair.
Splurge on High-Traffic Areas
Focus your budget on tiling the backsplashes of kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms first. Leave lower priority areas for later.
Hire a Pro
Consult an experienced tile contractor on design, materials, layout, prep, and installation. Avoid DIY mistakes that decrease durability and detract from the overall look.
Increase Lighting
Properly illuminate your new backsplash with undercabinet lighting, sconces, or pendant lights. Lighting allows the details and textures to stand out.
Pair with Other Updates
If feasible, replace countertops, sinks, and faucets at the same time. New finishes in the whole space maximize the impression of high-end upgrades.
Backsplash Ideas That Increase Value
Here are some of the most popular backsplash tile ideas that add value to kitchens and bathrooms:
Subway Tile
Subway tile backsplashes are rectangular glossy tiles laid in a brick pattern. Typically white or neutral colored, subway tiles have clean lines and timeless appeal. Durable, inexpensive, and easy to install, subway tile suits a variety of design aesthetics.
Accent colors, mosaic details, or spacing variations add extra flair. Subway tile backsplashes add function and simplicity at a reasonable price point.
Marble Tile
Marble backsplashes bring elegance with gorgeous natural patterning in neutral hues. But marble requires more maintenance to keep looking pristine. Topical sealants prevent staining and etching of the delicate surface.
Limit marble backsplashes to low traffic areas. Combine with more durable surrounding tiles. Marble delivers high-end sophistication that instantly increases resale potential.
Glass Tile
Glass tile is eye-catching, easy to clean, and water-resistant. Modern glass backsplash tiles come in every color and finish imaginable – from metallic and iridescent to mimics of natural stone.
Glass tile allows creativity, sparkle, and texture perfect for making a design statement. Use mosaic sheets to create dazzling geometric effects. Just take care with grout color choice so the tile design doesn’t get lost.
Travertine Tile
Travertine is a porous limestone with rustic, earthy aesthetic in soft neutral tones. Brushed finishes highlight the pitted surface and variation in color. Travertine requires sealing to prevent stains but delivers Old World charm.
To incorporate travertine affordably, use it selectively as an accent mixed with other materials. Travertine backsplashes add texture and a sense of durability paired with more polished tiles.
Herringbone Pattern
A herringbone pattern backsplash utilizes rectangular tiles set in an interlocking zigzag design. The dynamic layout draws the eye and elevates simple tiles into a decorative focal point.
Herringbone backsplashes work with marble, stone, brick, ceramic, porcelain, and more. Choose contrasting grout to accentuate the geometric pattern. It brings visual interest without overwhelming a space.
Stone Mosaic
Stone mosaic backsplashes use small pieces of granite, marble, or limestone tiled together seamlessly. Stone mosaics create vibrant combinations of colors, shapes, and textures.
Meticulously handcrafted, stone mosaic backsplashes are true works of art. The eye-catching designs make a dramatic style statement. Just take care that the busy pattern doesn’t clash with other finishes.
Metal Tile
Metal backsplashes add contemporary chic with lots of shine and visual impact. Choices range from stainless steel to copper and brushed metals. Metal tiles are very durable and easy to clean but higher in price.
Minimize costs by using metal sparingly as an accent. Combining metal and glass mosaic tiles balances the sleek modern look with softer textures. Metallic backsplashes feel luxe and on-trend.
Should You Add a Backsplash When Remodeling to Sell?
If your goal is to maximize resale value, one of the best things you can do is upgrade the kitchen and bathrooms. Adding a backsplash is an easy kitchen remodel project that makes a noticeable difference to potential homebuyers.
During open houses, you want buyers to be wowed by the finishes. An impressive, on-trend backsplash conveys that the house is updated and move-in ready. It shows off your design taste and the care you’ve put into maintenance and improvements.
However, balance your budget and focus on the most important updates first:
- Repair any existing damage or issues with plumbing, electric, HVAC, etc. Fix problems first.
- Update cabinetry and appliances if they are very out of date. Ensure everything is clean and working.
- Install new countertops if needed. Quartz or granite counters refresh the whole space.
- Replace old floors if necessary – new vinyl, laminate, or LVT flooring covers worn surfaces well.
- A fresh coat of neutral paint goes a long way. Make sure walls and trim are spotless.
- THEN install the backsplash as the finishing accent touch.
Aim for maximum return on investment from your updates and staging. A backsplash alone won’t drastically increase an older home’s value if other systems need serious work. But combined with other renovations, it takes the kitchen to that next level of move-in appeal.
When Should You Avoid Adding a Backsplash?
While a backsplash is almost always a good upgrade for resale, there are a few cases when you may want to hold off:
If the Existing Backsplash is in Good Condition
Don’t tear out a quality backsplash that’s in great shape just for the sake of change. A newer neutral glass, subway, or ceramic tile backsplash can still appeal to buyers as-is.
If the Kitchen Needs Major Work
If your kitchen is severely outdated with old appliances, cabinets, and layout, a new backsplash will be just a minor band-aid. Focus your effort on the necessary major overhauls first.
If Your Budget is Very Limited
Backsplashes are most cost effective when part of a larger kitchen remodel since installation labor can be combined. If funds are very tight, just giving the whole kitchen a deep clean can suffice.
If You Plan a Full Renovation Later
Don’t spend on upgrades like a backsplash if you know you’ll remodel the whole space in the next few years. Make minor cosmetic improvements for now and save for the full overhaul down the road.
If the Tile Doesn’t Suit the Home’s Style
Choose classic backsplash tile styles and materials that will appeal to a range of buyers. Avoid bold choices that don’t align with the home’s architecture or may limit appeal.
FAQs
How much does a tile backsplash increase home value?
On average, a high-quality tile backsplash increases resale value about 50-100% of installation cost. The exact dollar value depends on the scope of the project, materials used, and current condition of the home. In a kitchen remodel, it can increase home value approximately 1-3% on average.
What is the most popular backsplash tile?
The most popular backsplash tile is white subway tile. The rectangular shape and classic brick pattern works with any kitchen design. Subway tiles are affordable, easy to install, durable, and timeless.
Other top choices are marble tile, ceramic mosaic tile, and metal tile. Neutral tones and simple patterns have the widest appeal.
Should you seal a tile backsplash?
It’s a good idea to seal any natural stone backsplash tile such as marble, travertine, limestone or granite to prevent staining and damage over time. Ceramic and porcelain tiles don’t require sealing. Make sure to use a durable grout that matches the tile color well and seal the grout lines too.
How much does it cost to add a backsplash?
The average cost to install a tile backsplash is $800-$1200 depending on the size of the area and materials used. More extensive backsplash projects with higher end tiles can cost $1500-$3000. Professional installation is approximately $6 per square foot.
What increases a backsplash’s value?
Factors that increase a backsplash’s value include:
- Using quality durable materials like ceramic, porcelain, glass, or natural stone tile
- Opting for popular timeless styles like subway tile or marble
- Including special details like mosaic insets or accent borders
- Professionally installing the backsplash for maximum longevity
- Coordinating with countertop and cabinetry finishes for a cohesive look
- Properly illuminating the backsplash with undercabinet lighting
How long does a tile backsplash last?
A professionally installed tile backsplash can last 20-30 years or longer with proper maintenance and regrouting. Cracks or damage are not common unless the underlying wall develops issues. Durable porcelain or ceramic tiles may last indefinitely. Natural stone has a slightly shorter lifespan around 15-25 years.
Conclusion
Installing a high-quality tile backsplash in your kitchen or bathroom adds value by protecting your walls, simplifying cleaning, and providing aesthetic appeal. On average, you can expect to recoup 50-100% of your backsplash installation costs through increased home value.
Focus on timeless, low-maintenance materials installed well. Neutral marble, subway, mosaic, or porcelain backsplashes have the widest appeal. Upgrading your backsplash along with other renovations maximizes the return when you go to sell. Refreshing the heart of your home helps make an outstanding first impression.