Installing a backsplash in your kitchen can add visual interest, protect your walls from splashes and spills, and tie your space together. When planning a backsplash project, one of the most important calculations you’ll need to make is determining how much tile you need to purchase. This involves measuring the square footage of the area you plan to cover. With some simple math, measuring, and planning, you can determine the backsplash square footage and ensure you buy enough tile.
What is a Backsplash?
A backsplash is a protective surface installed on the wall behind a countertop, stove, or sink. Backsplashes are commonly made from tile, but can also be created from metal, glass, stone, or other materials. The purpose of a backsplash is to protect the wall from water, grease, food splatters, and other messes that can stain or damage drywall or paint. Backsplashes also serve a decorative purpose, allowing you to add visual interest, color, and texture to your kitchen or bathroom.
When calculating how much tile you need for a backsplash, you’ll be measuring the square footage of the wall area you plan to cover. This will typically be the wall space between your countertops and kitchen cabinets. However, you may also opt to extend your backsplash to cover a larger portion of wall. Knowing the square footage will allow you to purchase enough tile and materials for your project.
Why Calculate Square Footage?
There are a few important reasons why you’ll want to precisely measure the square footage of your backsplash installation area:
- To buy enough tiles – Tiles are sold by the square foot. If you know the exact square footage you need to cover, you can purchase the right amount of tiles and avoid either running out halfway through your project or buying way more than you need.
- To budget for the project – Tile can range dramatically in price from $1 per square foot to over $50 per square foot. By calculating your exact needs, you can estimate costs and set an accurate budget.
- To plan layout – Once you know the total square footage and the dimensions of your backsplash area, you can map out the tile layout, spacing, and pattern.
- To purchase materials – In addition to the tile, you’ll need to buy supplemental materials like grout, adhesive, and sealant. Knowing the coverage size will help you buy the right quantities.
Taking time to properly measure and calculate the square footage is an essential early step in any backsplash installation. The small upfront investment of time will pay off in the long run with a smooth installation and ideal tile usage.
How to Measure Square Footage for a Backsplash
Measuring the square footage of your backsplash is thankfully a very straightforward process. You’ll need just a measuring tape and a notepad. Follow these steps:
1. Map Out the Area
The first step is identifying the exact wall area you’ll be tiling. Stand in your kitchen and visually map out the space your backsplash will cover. This will likely be the wall area between your countertops and cabinets. However, you may choose to extend the backsplash beyond the cabinets to cover a larger portion of wall. Decide the boundaries for the backsplash.
2. Measure Length and Height
Once you’ve decided on the backsplash area, take your measuring tape and measure the length of the backsplash from one end to the other in inches. Be sure your tape is level. Also measure the height of the backsplash from the countertop to the ceiling or to the upper point where you want the tile to end. Record both the length and height.
3. Multiply Length x Height
Take the length and height measurements in inches and multiply them together. This will give you the square inch measurement.
For example:
- Length: 144 inches
- Height: 36 inches
- 144 x 36 = 5,184 square inches
4. Convert to Square Feet
Since tile is sold by the square foot, you’ll need to convert your square inch measurement to square feet. To do this, simply divide by 144 (the number of square inches in a square foot).
Using the example above:
- 5,184 square inches ÷ 144 = 36 square feet
And that’s it! By following these steps you now know exactly how many square feet your backsplash covers. This will allow you to calculate materials and purchase enough tile.
Planning and Purchasing Tile
Once you know the total square footage of your backsplash, you can start mapping out the tile layout and purchasing what you need. Here are some tips:
- Add 10% extra – It’s smart to purchase 10% more tile than your measurements indicate. This gives you wiggle room in case you make cuts incorrectly or tiles become damaged.
- Map a layout – Draw a diagram of your backsplash area with exact dimensions, then experiment with different tile arrangements on paper. Plan for grout lines and spacing.
- Calculate tile – Read the packaging or product details to learn how many square feet each box of tile covers. Divide your total square footage by the coverage per box to determine how many boxes to buy.
- Buy materials – In addition to tile, don’t forget other supplies like grout, thinset or adhesive, grout sealer, and tile cutting tools. Buy according to the package directions.
- Comparison shop – Prices can vary greatly between tile retailers. Comparison shop to find the best deal on the tile material and style you want.
With some careful planning and a tile purchasing strategy, you can ensure you buy just what you need for your backsplash installation. Getting the measurements right is the crucial first step.
Backsplash Square Footage FAQs
Q: How do I calculate the square footage for a backsplash that covers multiple walls?
A: For a backsplash spanning multiple walls, calculate the square footage of each wall section separately following the steps above. Then add together the individual square footages to get the total.
Q: Does the square footage include the area taken up by my outlets and switch plates?
A: No, you can deduct the square inch measurements of any outlets, switches, or other obstructions from your total square inch calculation. This will give you a more accurate estimate of how many full tiles are needed.
Q: My backsplash includes designs like listello, mosaics, and accent tiles. How does that impact square footage?
A: The square inch measurements of any specialty tiles or mosaic sections should be deducted from the total square footage as well. Calculating the net square inches of just full tile coverage will result in a more accurate materials estimate.
Q: What’s the best way to calculate square footage for a backsplash that wraps around a window?
A: Break the area into smaller “walls” by mentally dividing it at the window corners. Calculate the square footage of each smaller wall section separately, then add together for the total. This allows you to account for the different heights and lengths.
Q: I’m using large format tiles. Do I need to account for grout line spacing in my measurements?
A: Yes, it’s a good idea to reduce your total square footage calculation by about 10% to allow room for the grout lines when using tiles larger than 12″x12″. This ensures you buy enough tile for full coverage.
Q: My backsplash will have a detailed mosaic tile border. Should I calculate that border separately?
A: Definitely. Calculate the square footage of the main backsplash area, then measure the border independently to ensure you purchase enough of both the field tile and specialty border tile.
Tools for Calculating Backsplash Square Footage
Manually measuring and calculating square footage is straightforward. However, there are also several handy tools available to help streamline the process:
- Smartphone measurement apps – Apps like Magicplan use your smartphone camera to create floor plans and calculate areas. All you have to do is walk around the perimeter.
- Online square footage calculators – Input the length and width measurements into calculators on sites like Build Calculator to instantly get the square footage.
- Measurement books – Grid paper measurement books allow you to draw a sketch of the backsplash area and each tile to map layouts.
- Laser measuring tools – Laser distance measurers can instantly measure length and height by pointing the laser and reading the distance.
- Backsplash design software – Programs like Tile Calculator help you design patterns and get tile counts for the area based on measurements.
For do-it-yourselfers, free online calculators and grid paper are all you really need. But high-tech tools can save time and provide cool visualizations.
Avoiding Common Backsplash Measurement Mistakes
While the basic process is easy, there are a few common mistakes people make when calculating backsplash square footage:
- Only estimating dimensions rather than precisely measuring
- Forgetting to allow for grout lines and edging with mosaic accent tiles
- Measuring height inconsistently rather than at same points on each wall
- Not deducting for outlets, switches, windows, and other obstructions
- Not measuring any additional wall space beyond base cabinets
- Ordering tiles and supplies without checking packaging for coverage
- Assuming one measurement method is as accurate as another
Being detail-oriented and methodical in your measurements will help avoid these pitfalls. Remember that an inch or two difference can end up costing you several extra tiles. Take time to carefully measure using a consistent process for best results.
Hiring a Professional
If the idea of tackling all these backsplash calculations yourself seems daunting, consider hiring a professional to help:
- Tile dealer – Many local tile shops offer free design consultations and will measure and recommend tile quantities needed.
- Kitchen designer – Kitchen designers can create detailed plans for you including tile layouts, grout details, and materials lists.
- Tile contractor – Tile installation pros have experience calculating needed materials. Get free estimates before committing.
While hiring a pro does add cost, it saves you time and hassle, ensures a quality job, and can prevent expensive tile purchase errors. Get free consultations to decide if it fits your budget.
Final Takeaways
Calculating the square footage of a backsplash install is an essential first step in any tiling project. With some careful measurements, basic math, and tile planning, you can determine the precise square footage you need to cover. This allows you to buy the right amount of tile and materials for your backsplash. While the process involves some details, the ability to DIY your backsplash and save money makes the effort well worthwhile.