Redoing your kitchen backsplash can completely transform the look and feel of your kitchen. However, before taking on a backsplash remodeling project, it’s important to understand the costs involved so you can budget appropriately. Here is a comprehensive guide on how much it typically costs to redo a kitchen backsplash.
Introduction
The backsplash is one of the most visible parts of any kitchen. As such, redoing your backsplash is one of the easiest ways to update the style and aesthetic of your kitchen. From subway tiles to marble slabs, backsplash materials come in endless options to match any design sensibility and budget.
When estimating costs, there are several factors to consider:
- Materials: The material you choose, such as ceramic tile, metal, glass, or stone, can range significantly in price. More exotic or premium materials will increase costs.
- Labor: Backsplash installation requires an experienced contractor. Labor will likely be your biggest expense.
- Layout: The total square footage of your backsplash area will determine how much material and time is needed. More intricate layouts or patterns boost costs.
- Accessories: Grout, accent tiles, trim, and sealants also add to the project budget. Quality waterproofing is essential.
- Appliance alterations: Adjusting your stove or fixtures to fit a new backsplash adds expenses.
With proper planning and reasonable expectations, however, redoing a backsplash is a very achievable project for most kitchens and budgets.
Cost Factors
Several variables affect the total cost of redoing a kitchen backsplash.
Materials
The material choice has a big impact on the project budget. Prices per square foot can range from:
- Ceramic tile: $5 – $25
- Stone tile: $15 – $50
- Glass tile: $15 – $50
- Metal tile: $15 – $50
- Natural stone slabs: $40 – $100
Ceramic or porcelain tiles tend to be the most budget-friendly option. Handmade, cracked glaze, or mosaic tiles add uniqueness for a slightly higher cost. Stone tiles made from granite, marble or travertine bring elegance at a moderate price point.
Glass, metal, and stone slab backsplashes add drama and luxury. Make sure to pick a material that is appropriate for a wet, high-traffic environment and within your budget.
Labor
Installation is where the biggest portion of your backsplash remodeling budget goes. Contractor fees typically range from $40 – $70 per hour. This covers labor, tools, adhesive and basic materials. Complex patterns, accessibility issues or special cutting around outlets and fixtures will take more time.
Many contractors charge a minimum fee in the range of $500 – $700 to start a project. This baseline covers travel, setup and breakdown onsite.
For a 10×4 foot backsplash area, a complete tearout and installation often ranges from $1,200 – $2,000. High-end materials or intricate details add hours to the project timeline.
Be sure to get an itemized estimate of project phases, including tile prep, installation, clean-up and sealing. Confirm if dump fees for tile disposal are included or extra.
Layout
The total size of your backsplash determines how many tiles and tiles backs/membranes you need. The layout also impacts labor time:
- Full wall backsplash: Standard at 4 feet high, including area behind range. Approximately 40-50 square feet.
- Partial backsplash: Only 4-5 feet wide behind sink/stove. Approximately 10-15 square feet.
- Perimeter backsplash: Bordering countertops only. Approximately 25-35 square feet.
- Intricate patterns or designs: Adds installation time for careful alignment and cuts.
In general, you can estimate ceramic tile installation to cost $5 – $10 per square foot. The more intricate the design, the more expensive.
Accessories
Beyond the tile itself, your backsplash needs accompanying materials:
- Tile backer boards: $10 – $30
- Thinset mortar: $10 – $20
- Grout: $0.30 – $1 per sq. ft.
- Trim pieces: $1 – $5 per linear foot
- Accent tiles: $2 – $10 per tile
Waterproofing and sealants are crucial:
- Membranes: $150 – $350
- Sealants: $30 – $50
Include a 10-15% overage for breakages or future repairs.
Appliance Alterations
If your new backsplash requires adjusting appliances like your stove, rangehood or sink, add:
- Sink alterations: $200 – $500
- Cooktop or stove modifications: $300 – $600
- New rangehood required: $500 – $2000+
Any electric or plumbing shifts require permits and professional installers.
Cost To Redo Kitchen Backsplash By Size
The total size of your planned backsplash is the prime factor determining price.
Partial Backsplash
For a simple 4×4 foot backsplash behind the sink or stove, materials can cost $200 – $500. With contractor installation, expect to pay $800 – $1,500 for a partial simple installation.
Standard Backsplash
A full backsplash spanning 8-10 linear feet and 4 feet high will need $500 – $1,000 in tile and materials. With professional installation, plan for $2,000 – $3,500 total.
Large or Feature Backsplash
An expansive backsplash covering multiple walls or showcasing ornate materials needs a big budget. For a large installation of 20+ square feet, tile costs can easily exceed $2,000 – $5,000. With labor, total renovations costs will range from $5,000 – $10,000+.
Cost Saving Tips
If your backsplash redo is exceeding your budget, consider these cost-cutting ideas:
- Choose affordable ceramic, porcelain or faux tiles instead of natural stone.
- Use a brick, stacked or staggered layout to reduce tile cuts.
- Install a smaller or partial backsplash around functional areas only.
- Use trim pieces strategically to visually expand less expensive tile.
- DIY the demolition and purchase materials yourself to save on labor fees.
- Add personality with paint, wallpaper or decals instead of a full tile installation.
Factors That Increase Cost
Several variables can quickly increase backsplash remodeling costs:
- Premium materials like slab granite, marble or handmade tile
- Mosaic patterns or intricate designs requiring specialized cuts
- Heavily textured or 3-D tiles that need thicker mortar beds
- Larger layouts with multiple focal points or accents
- Changes to electrical, lighting or plumbing that require professional alterations
- Poor existing wall conditions needing structural improvements
- Specialty grout or sealants for high-end installations
- Rushed timelines requiring overtime wages for contractors
New Backsplash Cost Calculator
Use this quick calculator to estimate your total costs for redoing a kitchen backsplash:
- Take total backsplash area width x height to get square footage
- Multiply square footage by material cost per square foot
- Add estimated labor fees based on size
- Include extras like demolition fees, accessories, appliances
For example, a 10 x 4 foot backsplash revamped with $10 per square foot ceramic tile will be approximately:
- 40 sq feet x $10 per sq foot = $400 in tile
- Labor, accessories, tax = $2000
Total cost = $2400
Get multiple bids and ask contractors to break down overall costs in detail so your budget isn’t surprised. With smart planning, redoing your backsplash can completely transform your kitchen without transforming your whole budget.
Backsplash Ideas On A Budget
If a full tile reconstruction is beyond your budget, there are affordable ways to refresh your backsplash:
- Paint existing tile with epoxy paint formulated for kitchens. Expect costs around $300.
- Apply decorative stickers over existing tile fortemporary change at approximately $500.
- Attach budget-friendly tin ceiling tiles for a quick upgrade under $750.
- Panel over existing backsplash with budget shiplap or beadboard. Panels cost around $15 per 4×8 sheet. At a minimum, use backer board behind panels.
- Wallpaper selection areas like the range backsplash only. Use prepasted, peel-and-stick papers to make installation easy.
- Use removable wall decals to transform the look for just $20 to $200, depending on coverage area and intricacy of design.
Backsplash Maintenance
Once your new backsplash is installed, follow these tips to protect your investment:
Seal annually – Sealing grout and natural stone helps prevent staining and damage.
Use backsplash cleaners – Use a cleaner made specifically for your backsplash material. Avoid abrasive scrubs.
Wipe spills quickly – Don’t let grease or liquids sit on grout lines. Wipe stoves and counters often.
Avoid stressing joints – Control humidity and use backsplash-safe cleaners to prevent tile or grout from cracking.
Consider protective coating – Professional-grade sealants can protect natural stone from etching or stains.
Get Quotes From Contractors Now
If you are considering redoing your outdated or damaged kitchen backsplash, get free estimates from qualified local contractors today. They can assess your existing backsplash, measure the layout, and recommend affordable materials and timelines for your budget.
The project costs can vary drastically depending on special patterns, premium materials and appliance modifications. Getting multiple bids is highly recommended.
With an experienced kitchen backsplash company, however, the process can go smoothly. New tile or stone can refresh your whole kitchen. Take the first step and get quotes on how much it will cost to redo your kitchen backsplash today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to redo a 4×4 backsplash?
For a small 4×4 foot backsplash area behind a sink or stove, expect to pay $200 – $500 for materials like tile, grout and sealant. With a professional installer, total costs will range from $800 – $1,500.
Can I install a backsplash myself?
With some DIY experience, simple ceramic tile layouts can be self-installed. Complex patterns, natural stone or adjustments to lighting or appliances do require a pro. Building permits are needed for any electrical work.
What is the cheapest option for backsplash?
Ceramic, porcelain or faux tiles give you the most options under $5 per square foot. Painting existing tile, applying stickers, or using panels or wallpaper offer temporary upgrades for under $500 – $750.
How long does it take to install a kitchen backsplash?
A typical backsplash of 20 – 40 square feet will take a professional installer 1-2 days from start to finish. Letting tile mortar and grout fully cure before sealing does extend the overall timeline a few extra days.
What maintenance does a backsplash need?
Seal natural stone backsplashes annually. Use backsplash-safe cleaners only. Wipe up spills immediately to prevent stains in porous grout. Avoid excessive humidity and use sealants to prevent cracking grout or tile.