Adding a backsplash to your kitchen can transform the look and feel of the space. But before taking on a backsplash project, it’s important to understand the costs involved so you can budget appropriately. Here’s a detailed look at what goes into backsplash installation and material costs.
What is a Backsplash?
A backsplash is a decorative, protective surface that is installed on the wall behind a countertop, most commonly behind a kitchen sink or stove. Backsplashes are typically made of tile, metal, glass, or stone.
Backsplashes serve both form and function:
- Visually, they inject color, texture, and personality into the kitchen. A backsplash can tie together your cabinetry, countertops, and other finishes.
- Functionally, a backsplash protects the wall from water damage, stains, and splatters while cooking. The water-resistant surface makes cleaning much easier.
Factors That Impact Backsplash Cost
Several variables affect the total cost of a backsplash installation:
Material
The material you choose for the backsplash has a significant impact on cost. Natural stone, metal, and glass tile tend to be more expensive than ceramic. Prices range considerably based on the type of material:
- Ceramic tile: $5 to $20 per sq. ft.
- Glass tile: $20 to $30 per sq. ft.
- Metal tile: $15 to $50 per sq. ft.
- Stone tile: $40 to $100 per sq. ft.
More intricate tile patterns, mosaics, handmade tiles, and special shapes like subway tile can increase costs as well.
Labor
In addition to the cost of the backsplash materials, you’ll need to factor in labor charges for installation. Labor costs typically add an additional $5 to $10 per square foot onto the project cost. The complexity of the design will also impact the time and labor required.
Area to be Covered
The size of the area you want to cover with a backsplash affects the price tag. Measure the wall area behind sinks, stoves, and countertops to estimate the square footage. Standard backsplash heights are 4-6 inches.
Larger kitchens with more counter space will require a larger backsplash, increasing materials and labor costs.
Special Cutouts
Cutouts for outlets, light switches, cabinets, windows, and appliances will add time and complexity to the installation. This typically adds $50 – $100 onto labor costs.
DIY vs. Professional Installation
Installing a backsplash yourself can save on labor charges, but not always. DIY projects take longer and if tile cuts are inaccurate or the job is poorly done, you may end up paying a professional to redo it. An experienced tiler has the skills to complete the project efficiently.
Other Costs
Other potential expenses to keep in mind:
- Cost of grout, mortar, adhesive, and sealant
- Backerboard if required
- Specialized tools like a tile cutter and grout float
- Removal and disposal of old backsplash
Average Cost to Install a Backsplash
The average cost to install a backsplash ranges from $800 to $1,500 depending on the factors listed above. Here’s a breakdown:
- Ceramic tile backsplash install: $800 to $1,300
- Glass tile backsplash install: $1,200 to $1,500
- Stone tile backsplash install: $1,500 to $3,000+
Higher end materials like natural stone, intricate patterns, and sprawling layouts can cost $3,000 to $5,000 or more.
For a basic 4×8-foot DIY ceramic tile backsplash, materials may cost around $200 to $500. Tack on another $100 to $200 for tools and supplies.
Cost to Add Backsplash by Location
Backsplash costs can also vary depending on the area installed:
Kitchen
Kitchen backsplashes typically measure 15-30 square feet. At $5-$50 per square foot for materials plus $5-$10 for labor, kitchen backsplash installation costs $200 to $1,500+.
Bathroom
Bathroom backsplashes range from 4 to 8 square feet. With simpler tile or accent strips, bathroom backsplash costs are $150 to $500 installed.
Laundry or Utility Room
Smaller 4×4-foot backsplashes in utility rooms cost $75 to $300+ for materials and labor.
Full Wall Backsplashes
For full wall backsplashes in larger open concept kitchens, costs can be $2,000 to $5,000+.
Factors That Increase Backsplash Costs
Some finishes, patterns, and special tile shapes can significantly increase backsplash costs:
- Mosaic tiles: Small mosaic tiles take longer to install, increasing labor costs. Materials also cost more.
- Subway tiles: Installing subway tiles in a brick pattern takes more time and cuts versus a basic grid.
- Specialty tiles: Handpainted, customized, or special order tiles can be 2-4 times more expensive.
- Natural Stone: Marble, travertine, and granite backsplash tile cost exponentially more than ceramic or porcelain.
- Glass/metal: Glass, stainless steel, and copper backsplashes have high material costs.
- Accent inserts: Adding strips or medallions of accent tiles adds to material costs.
- Border tiles: Listellos, mosaics, cubes used as borders increase materials and labor time.
- Niche tiles: Installing recessed or protruding niches costs $100-$300 extra in most cases.
How to Get the Best Value on a Backsplash
To get the most value from your backsplash installation or DIY project:
- Get quotes from 3 tilers – compare their prices and reviews.
- Use the most affordable material that suits your design – ceramic and porcelain tile provide the best bang for your buck.
- Limit fancy accents – only use higher priced tiles sparingly.
- Standardize cuts – avoid tiny customized pieces.
- Install it yourself if you have tiling experience and can do it well.
- DIY small projects like a bathroom or laundry room backsplash.
- Shop sales and clearance tiles – find deals on overstock or discontinued styles.
Enhancing Your Kitchen with a Backsplash
The backsplash is a critical design element that can make or break the look of your kitchen. Investing in a quality backsplash installation pays dividends in terms of aesthetics and functionality. Now that you know what to expect cost-wise, you can start gathering quotes and planning your perfect kitchen backsplash project. Careful planning and budgeting will ensure you achieve the backsplash design you love at a price you can afford.