How Much to Install New Backsplash

Installing a new backsplash in your kitchen or bathroom can completely transform the look and feel of the space. However, before taking on a backsplash installation project, it’s important to understand the costs involved so you can budget accordingly. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about how much it costs to install a new backsplash.

Introduction

A backsplash serves both form and function in a home. Not only does it protect your walls from water damage and stains, but it also adds visual interest and ties your design together. The cost to install a new backsplash in your kitchen or bathroom will depend on a variety of factors, including the size of the space, the materials you choose, and if you plan to do it yourself or hire a professional. Prices can range dramatically based on your design, from as low as $300 for a simple DIY subway tile backsplash to $3000 or more for a custom designer backsplash installed by a contractor. As you’re planning your project, it’s important to think through your goals, develop a budget, and understand what’s involved so you can make informed decisions.

Factors That Impact the Cost

Several key factors influence how much it will cost to install a new backsplash in your home:

Materials

The material you choose for your backsplash will significantly affect the total project cost. Simple ceramic or porcelain tile tends to be the most budget-friendly option, while materials like marble, quartz, or glass tile will be more expensive. Keep in mind that natural stone backsplashes usually require more installation labor too, further adding to costs.

Tile Size and Shape

In addition to the material, the size and shape of your backsplash tiles impacts the price. Large tiles are quicker and easier for a contractor to install than small mosaics or penny tiles, reducing labor time. Complex tile patterns will also drive the price up compared to basic straight-set tiles.

Amount of Tile/Coverage Area

The total square footage you need to cover will factor into materials and labor costs. A small focal-point backsplash may only require 15-25 square feet of tile while a full wall backsplash can be 50 square feet or larger. Measure the space carefully to determine how much tile you’ll need.

Special Shaping/Cutting

Simple rectangular spaces are the most straightforward to tile, while niches, corners, electrical outlets and plumbing fixtures will require careful tile shaping and cuts, likely increasing installation time/cost.

Grout and Accents

Don’t forget to account for grout and accent materials like decorative listellos, special trim pieces, or border tiles when budgeting your project.

DIY vs Professional Installation

Tackling a backsplash install yourself can save substantially on labor costs, but know that this is an advanced DIY project, especially for complex designs. Hiring a professional ensures expertise.

Accessories

Features like undermount lighting or a tile backsplash niche can enhance the design but will also boost the installation price.

With all these factors in mind, let’s look at cost estimates.

Backsplash Installation Costs

Here are typical price ranges you can expect for a new backsplash installation:

Basic DIY Backsplash: $300 to $700
Simple Professional Installation: $800 to $1500
Designer Materials and Features: $2000 to $3000+

To break things down further:

Ceramic or Porcelain Tile: $3 to $20 per sq. ft. materials
Glass or Mosaic Tile: $15 to $50 per sq. ft.
Marble or Stone: $40 to $100 per sq. ft.
Labor: $5 to $25 per sq. ft.
Accent Trim/Borders: $1 to $5 per linear ft.
Grout and Mortar: $.50 to $1.50 per sq. ft.

Keep reading for a detailed look at expected costs based on specific design factors.

Cost by Tile Material

One of the biggest cost factors is the type of tile you select. Let’s examine pricing for some of the most popular backsplash tile materials:

Ceramic/Porcelain Tile

The most budget-friendly option is ceramic or porcelain tile. This includes:

Glazed ceramic
Terracotta
Porcelain

Cost

Tile: $3 to $10 per sq. ft.
Installation: $5 to $10 per sq. ft.
Total: $8 to $20 per sq. ft.

The affordable price and endless style options make tile a top choice. The classic subway tile backsplash starts around $10 per sq. ft. total.

Glass Tile

From sleek and modern to richly colored, glass backsplash tile creates drama. Types include:

Clear glass
Frosted
Colored
Recycled
Mirror

Cost

Tile: $15 to $30 per sq. ft.
Installation: $5 to $10 per sq. ft.
Total: $20 to $40 per sq. ft.

Handcrafted or specialty tile can be up to $50 per sq. ft. The reflective qualities make the space feel more open.

Metal Tile

Metallic backsplashes are trending, from copper to stainless steel. Options include:

Stainless steel
Copper
Tin
Aluminum

Cost

Tile: $15 to $40 per sq. ft.
Installation: $5 to $10 per sq. ft.
Total: $20 to $50 per sq. ft.

Benefits are the modern style, durability, and rustic-industrial feel.

Mosaic Tile

Mosaics use small tiles arranged in decorative patterns. Choices include:

Ceramic
Porcelain
Glass
Stone

Cost

Tile: $10 to $50 per sq. ft.
Installation: $10 to $15 per sq. ft.
Total: $20 to $65 per sq. ft.

Mosaics cost more due to their intricate installation. The artistic style makes a statement.

Stone Tile

Natural stone like marble, travertine, or slate bring elegance. Types are:

Marble
Travertine
Slate
Limestone
Onyx
Granite

Cost

Tile: $40 to $100 per sq. ft.
Installation: $10 to $25 per sq. ft.
Total: $50 to $125 per sq. ft.

Stone is pricier but adds high-end flair. Careful sealing is required.

Cost by Tile Size

Tile dimensions also factor into backsplash costs. Larger tiles are quicker to install than small ones:

Mosaic sheets/penny tiles: Starting around $10-15 per sq. ft.
Standard tiles (4”x4” to 6”x6”): Starting around $15-25 per sq. ft.
Oversized tiles (12”x24” or larger): Starting around $25-40 per sq. ft.

With mosaics, the sheets help tile faster. Oversized tiles require less cutting and fewer grout lines.

Cost by Project Size

As mentioned earlier, the total coverage area is a major cost factor. To illustrate:

4 foot by 2 foot focal backsplash: 8 sq. ft.
Single wall 4 foot by 6 foot backsplash: 24 sq. ft.
Full 4 foot by 15 foot kitchen backsplash: 60 sq. ft.

Here are rough estimates for these sample sizes:

8 sq. ft. focal backsplash
- Ceramic tile: $160
- Glass tile: $320
- Natural stone: $600
24 sq. ft. single wall backsplash
- Ceramic tile: $480
- Glass tile: $960
- Natural stone: $1800
60 sq. ft. kitchen backsplash
- Ceramic tile: $1200
- Glass tile: $2400
- Natural stone: $4500

Measure your exact backsplash area when calculating costs.

Cost by Project Complexity

Simple, straight backsplashes are cheaper to install than intricate designs. Factors impacting price include:

Number of difficult cuts: Angle cuts for fitting around cabinets, outlets, etc. add time and price.
Special shaping needs: Creating a mosaic medallion, niche or decorative border is more labor-intensive than square tiles in straight lines.
Multi-level installation: Backsplashes that wrap multiple walls or have accent areas require working at different heights/locations.
Outlets/Obstacles: Cutting tiles to fit around outlets, pipes or fixtures takes precision.
Grout lines: Small tiles means more grout lines that boost labor time.
Borders/accents: Adding decorative trim, accent tiles or inserts increases material costs and installation time.

In general, expect to add $200-500 or more onto a simple tile backsplash if your design includes higher-complexity features.

Additional Factors Affecting Cost

A few other considerations that can alter your total backsplash installation costs:

Demolition/tear-out: Taking out an existing backsplash adds $1-3 per sq. ft.
Substrate preparation: Drywall repair, leveling, etc. to prep the surface can add $100-300.
Primer/membrane: Waterproofing or surface primers average $.50-2 per sq. ft.
Trim/accessories: Decorative accents like metal trim, chair rail, or accent tile inserts range from $2-10 per linear ft.
Niche: Adding a backsplash niche typically ranges $200-500.
Undercabinet lighting: Hardwired lighting averages $75-150 per linear foot. Battery operated is simpler to add.
Installation products: Thinset, grout, sealant, etc. averages $.50-1.50 per sq. ft.
Permits: Some areas may require pulliing permits for electrical or major demolition.

Backsplash Installation Cost by Location

Like all home renovations, local labor rates influence the total installed price. Additional factors like job complexity and material costs also impact the price range in your area. Here are sample average costs for professionally installed backsplashes by location:

New York City: $1500 – $3000+
Dallas: $1000 – $2500+
Atlanta: $800 – $2000+
Las Vegas: $800 – $2000+
Seattle: $900 – $2500+
Orlando: $800 – $2000+

For a basic tile backsplash, expect to pay $40-60 per sq. ft. on average if hiring a professional installer. More complex designs with designer tile selections can easily be $75 – $150+ per sq. ft. installed.

DIY Backsplash Installation Cost

One way to save substantially on a backsplash project is to tackle it as a DIY. While still a challenging task, a beginner can manage a basic tile backsplash install with proper planning and preparation. Here’s a look at potential DIY costs:

Tile: $3 to $50 per sq. ft. depending on material
Thinset and grout: $.50 to $1.25 per sq. ft.
Tape and tools: $50 – $150
Your time: 20-40 hours

Overall, a DIY tile backsplash can cost $300-700 or more depending on tile selection and size of project.

The advantage is avoiding labor fees of $400+ for installation. The tradeoff is the time commitment and learning curve involved. Carefully assess your skill level before deciding between DIY vs. hiring a pro.

Hiring Professional Installers

Backsplash installation is advanced DIY. For complex designs or if you want to ensure top-quality results, hiring professionals is usually worth the price.

Tile Installer Rates

Typical tile installer hourly rates are:

Tile setter laborer or helper: $30 to $80 per hour
Experienced tile setter/contractor: $60 to $120 per hour

Rates vary based on location, skill level, and complexity of the project. Expect to pay at the higher end of these ranges for specialty materials like natural stone or mosaic tile.

Factors Affecting Project Timeline

While a simple DIY backsplash may only take 15-20 hours, professional installation time varies:

Tile demolition/tear-out: 1-2 days
Surface preparation: 1-2 days
Standard tile install: 1-3 days
Mosaic or intricate tile patterns: 3-5 days

Total turnaround is often 2-5 business days from start to finish.

Additional Services

Tile installers may also offer services like:

Design consultation
Tile curating/shopping
Grout sealing
Decorative trim enhancement
Lighting
Niche or shelving addition

Discuss all your needs upfront and request an itemized bid. Many pros offer package deals on both materials and labor.

Backsplash Design CostConsiderations

Beyond basic installation costs, there are a few other things to keep in mind for an impactful backsplash:

Select Complementary Materials and Colors

Your backsplash color palette and materials should coordinate with counters, cabinets, and other finishes. A designer can ensure it enhances your overall kitchen or bath aesthetics.

Consider Maintenance

Certain backsplash materials like natural stone require resealing over time.

Include Lighting

Proper illumination showcases the tilework. Undercabinet lighting or accent lighting boosts the visual appeal.

Balance Form and Function

While you want an attractive backsplash, don’t sacrifice durability, moisture-resistance, and easy cleaning ability.

Set Realistic Budget Expectations

Backsplash projects can easily cost more than anticipated. Have a minimum 10-20% buffer when budgeting in case of incidentals.

FAQs

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about backsplash installation costs:

How much does it cost to install a kitchen backsplash?

For a typical 10×5 foot kitchen backsplash, expect to pay $1000-2000 professionally installed. The price can go up significantly for premium tile choices like marble or glass mosaics.

How much does a stone backsplash cost?

Due to the high cost of materials, a stone backsplash averages $2500 for a 10×5 kitchen, ranging from $2000 for slate up to $5000+ for high-end marble or granite.

How much does backsplash installation cost per square foot?

The typical per square foot cost for professionally installed backsplash tile ranges $10-50. Simple ceramic tile can be as low as $10 per sq. ft. while specialty tiles like handmade mosaics can be $50 per sq. ft. or more.

Is it cheaper to do backsplash yourself?

DIY installation can save 50% or more on labor costs. However, tile setting is an advanced skill. For intricate or stone backsplashes, the cost to have a pro fix mistakes may outweigh DIY savings.

Can I install backsplash over existing tile?

In some cases, it may be possible to install a new backsplash over existing tile if the old tile is properly prepared. However, most pros recommend removing old tile for the best results.

How much does it cost to remove a backsplash?

To demo an existing backsplash, expect to pay $1-3 per sq. ft. in labor fees. So for a 60 sq. ft. backsplash removal,Allow $60 to $180 total. The contractor will dispose of old tile and prepare the surface.

The Bottom Line

Installing a new backsplash transforms the look of your home. Costs vary widely based on the size of your backsplash, the tile material and style you select, and the complexity of the design. For a professionally installed backsplash in a typical kitchen, expect to invest $1000 to $3000+. Carefully evaluate your budget, level of DIY skill, and design goals before embarking on your backsplash project. With smart planning, you can create a stunning focal point that enhances your living space within your budget.