Introduction
Installing a stylish backsplash in your kitchen or bathroom can instantly upgrade your space. Backsplash tiles come in an endless array of colors, patterns, textures, and materials to suit any design aesthetic. Finding beautiful, quality backsplash tiles for an affordable price may seem daunting. Fortunately, several excellent options exist for procuring backsplash tile from stores near you.
This comprehensive guide will examine the best places to shop for backsplash tile, what to look for when buying, factors that affect cost, how to get the best deals, and any additional materials needed for installation. With the right information, you’ll be equipped to find the perfect backsplash tile to transform your space. Read on to learn insider tips from design experts on where to find beautiful, budget-friendly backsplash tiles locally.
Big Box Home Improvement Stores
Popular big box home improvement stores such as Home Depot and Lowes offer several backsplash tile options conveniently in one place. Excellent for one-stop shopping, these stores provide everything needed for a DIY backsplash install.
Pros
- Convenience: With hundreds of stores across the country, a home improvement store is likely nearby. Browse a wide selection of backsplash tile, purchase all materials needed for installation, and consult with knowledgeable sales associates – all in one place.
- Affordability: As large retailers with buying power, home improvement chains can offer backsplash tiles for competitive prices. Frequent sales and specials also help keep costs low.
- Selection: Big box stores stock an array of backsplash tile materials, sizes, colors, and patterns. The extensive selection makes it easy to find tiles suiting your specific taste and budget.
- Online ordering, delivery, and pickup: Can’t find the perfect tile in-store? Home improvement retailers also offer the convenience of online ordering with home delivery or free in-store pickup.
- Installation materials: In addition to tile, purchase recommended backsplash installation products like grout, mortar, sealant, tile cutters, and more.
Cons
- Limited unique offerings: Mass retailers stock affordable, popular designs great for most projects. However, you may not find more unique, specialty tiles.
- Varying quality: Quality can vary among low-priced backsplash tile packs. Be sure to inspect tiles carefully before purchasing.
- No customization: Big box stores won’t cut tiles to custom sizes or make custom mixes. You must work with their standard in-stock options.
Our Top Backsplash Tile Picks at Home Improvement Stores
- Glazed ceramic tile sheets for quick, affordable installation
- Blue and white Moroccan-inspired porcelain tiles
- Faux marble and travertine sheets perfect for a spa-like look
- Eclectic penny round tin tiles offered in various finishes
- Glass subway tiles for a classic yet modern vibe
Tile Showrooms and Retailers
For unique, specialty tiles you won’t find anywhere else, visit a tile-exclusive showroom or retail store. Investigate options at a local tile shop or national tile retailer.
Pros
- Specialty tiles: Access a wider variety of ceramic, porcelain, glass, mosaic, metal, and stone backsplash tiles you won’t find at big box stores.
- Customization: Many tile retailers can do custom cuts, patterns, mixes, and more. Get the exact size, materials, and designs you want.
- Quality products: Stores focused on tile tend to offer higher-quality products that will last longer. Guidance from knowledgeable tile experts helps too.
- Better selection for larger projects: For bigger kitchen or commercial projects requiring more tile, tile stores have superior quantity, selection, and service.
- Designer consulting: Tile showrooms often provide one-on-one design consulting to help you pick the perfect backsplash.
Cons
- Higher cost tiles: Unique and customized tile options found in specialty stores generally have higher price points than mass-market big box tiles.
- No installation materials: Tile retailers may only sell tile and not accessories needed for installation like mortar and grout. Be prepared to make multiple shopping stops.
Awesome Specialty Tile Finds
- Intricate handmade Moroccan zellige tiles
- Geometric patterned encaustic cement tiles
- Custom mixed glass mosaics for a backsplash that shines
- Large-scale porcelain slabs perfect for a seamless look
- Semi-precious stone tiles such as quartzite and marble
Online Retailers and Marketplaces
Shopping online opens up a world of backsplash tile options from materials like wood to unexpected shapes like hexagons. Compare products and prices across multiple e-commerce sites.
Pros
- Convenience: Shop tile online 24/7 with no travel required. Retailers ship most tiles directly to your door.
- Huge selection: Browse through thousands of backsplash tile sizes, materials, colors, patterns, and designs across endless online stores.
- Low prices: Online retailers boast competitive pricing, with frequent sales and special coupon codes for extra savings on tile.
- International options: Import beautiful tile directly from locations across the globe for truly unique designs.
- Reviews: Read detailed customer reviews on tile quality, look, and value when shopping online. They help ensure the tiles meet expectations.
Cons
- No in-person viewing: When shopping online, you can’t physically see, touch, and inspect the tile. Be sure to read reviews and details.
- Potential extra shipping costs: Bulky, heavy tile shipments may have an additional shipping fee, especially for international tiles.
- Delayed timeline: Shipping tile takes longer than purchasing in a local store. Make sure to order well in advance of your project start.
Favorite Online Backsplash Tile Retailers
- Wayfair: Excellent prices on popular, affordable backsplash tile options
- Overstock: Frequent sales and specials on tile every style from modern to rustic
- Houzz: Browse beautiful backsplash designs and find tiles to match your style
- Etsy: Unique, handmade tile creations from artists around the world
- eBay: Vintage, discounted, and rare backsplash tiles available through auction
Salvaged and Reclaimed Materials
For a truly one-of-a-kind backsplash, consider using reclaimed and salvaged tiles or repurposing other materials into tile. Upcycling creates an eco-friendly, vintage aesthetic at a lower cost.
Pros
- Unique, antique tiles: Reclaim old tiles from architectural salvage warehouses, antique stores, and demolition sites. Vintage finds create a customizable backsplash.
- Alternative tile materials: Get creative by cutting and preparing repurposed materials like old plates, glass bottles, broken china, or mirrors into DIY tile designs.
- Environmentally-friendly: Repurposing old building materials or recycling unwanted household items for backsplash tile keeps waste out of landfills.
- Cost savings: Depending on the source, reclaimed or recycled tile costs less than purchasing new tile. Plus, you save on demo and disposal fees.
- Imperfections add character: Minor chips, cracks, or stains on old architectural tiles add depth, patina, and interest to a backsplash install.
Cons
- Inconsistent sizing and quality: Salvaged tile may have variations in size and quality that require extra prep work. Plan for higher waste allowance.
- Limited material options: Sources for reclaimed tile are limited compared to endless retail options. Prepare for an extended search to source materials.
- Extra installation work: Retrofitting old tile often requires more intricate installation involving tile-setting and grout work.
- No warranties: You could run into issues like tiles falling off or grout cracking with no manufacturer warranty. Be prepared to put in extra maintenance.
Creative Salvaged Backsplash Tile Ideas
- Vintage subway tiles from an old New York City station
- Recycled broken plates and cups for an artsy mosaic
- Antique Mexican hand-painted Talavera tiles
- Old penny tiles reclaimed from early 20th century buildings
- Mirrored glass squares salvaged from an art deco mansion
Factors Affecting Backsplash Tile Prices
Tile prices vary tremendously based on the factors below. Keep these elements in mind when budgeting for your backsplash tile installation.
Material
The material used to manufacture the tile dramatically impacts the cost. Stone and glass tend to be more expensive than ceramic and porcelain.
- Ceramic: Made from clay and baked at high temperatures. Budget-friendly option starting around $2 per square foot.
- Porcelain: Denser and more durable than ceramic, with prices from $4-10 per square foot.
- Glass: Eye-catching, shiny tiles made by shaping molten glass. Starts around $10 per square foot.
- Natural Stone: Tile sliced from quarry stone like marble, travertine, and granite. Ranges from $15-50 per square foot.
- Metal: Durable metal tiles such as stainless steel, copper, and tin. Usually $15-25 per square foot.
Size, Shape and Texture
Smaller tiles, unique shapes like hexagons, and special textures raise costs due to additional production requirements.
- Mosaics: Small, intricate tiles arranged in decorative patterns. Starts around $10 per square foot.
- Subway: Classic rectangular brick-like shape cut into different lengths. Approximately $5-15 per square foot.
- Beveled or Textured: Special tile face shapes and finishes requiring more manufacturing steps. Adds $2-5 per square foot.
- Oversized: Popular large-format tiles. More material used equals higher price per tile but can reduce installation cost.
Customization
Personalized backsplash tile mixes, intricate designs, special cuts, and custom finishing mean you pay a premium.
- Mixed sets: Retailer-designed or custom mixes of coordinated multipiece tile combinations, around $10-20 per square foot.
- Involved patterns: Intricate tile layouts like herringbones cost more in design fees and labor. Add at least $5 per square foot.
- Special cuts: Irregular, non-standard tile shapes cut to your specifications typically add $5 or more per custom piece.
Shipping
Importing unique tiles from overseas substantially increases costs for international shipping, taxes, and customs fees. These extra charges can double the total price. When possible, source tiles locally.
How to Get the Best Deals on Backsplash Tile
While backsplash tile costs vary widely, these savvy shopping tips will help you find gorgeous tiles while sticking to your budget.
- Check sales and clearances: Retailers like Home Depot and Lowe’s frequently discount overstock tile so visit often or look online.
- See if the retailer price matches: Big box stores will usually match a competitor’s advertised lower price, so do your research.
- Tile remnants: Stores sell remnant irregular cuts, discontinued items, and customer returns at deep discounts. Call to ask about availability.
- Buy in bulk: Purchasing full boxes lowers the per tile price. Coordinate with friends on larger orders if you don’t need that many.
- DIY materials: Making your own tiles from recycled materials costs a fraction of buying retail tile.
- Buy online-only deals: Online retailers pass significant savings from lower overhead costs directly to consumers through web-only sales and coupon codes.
Additional Materials Needed
While tile is the star, additional essential products are required to complete a backsplash install. Be sure to budget for the following supplies:
Mortar and Adhesives
Mortar adheres the tile to the wall surface. Choose unsanded for walls or sanded for floors. Adhesives such as mastic or thinset provide extra stick.
Grout
Grout fills the seams between tiles. It comes in different colors to complement or contrast your tiles.
Sealant
Sealing grout and natural stone tiles protects them from moisture damage and stains.
Tile Cutters and Accessories
Specialized tools like cutters and spacers help achieve clean cuts and uniform spacing for a professional install.
Trim Pieces
Trim pieces such as bullnose edges, chair rail, and mosaics help finish the installation for polished edges.
Where to Buy Backsplash Tile Near Me: Key Takeaways
The ideal backsplash tile brings your personal style to life while staying within budget. Follow these tips when embarking on your backsplash tile search:
- Big box retailers offer affordability, selection, and convenience. Visit for trendy, budget-friendly finds.
- Tile specialty stores provide higher-end, unique tiles and customization options perfect for statement designs.
- Online shopping expands your options exponentially. Just account for shipping and order tiles with time to spare.
- Salvaged and recycled tile delivers unparalleled vintage character at a fraction of the cost. Get creative!
- Carefully calculate additional costs for grout, sealant, mortar, and tools required to complete your install.
With proper planning and a clear budget, you’re sure to find beautiful, quality backsplash tile from retailers near you to elevate your space. Happy tile hunting!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find cheap backsplash tile near me?
Big box home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s offer the most affordable priced tile starting around $2 per square foot. Check sales and clearance sections for the best deals.
What is the most cost-effective backsplash tile?
Standard 3×6 or 4×4 glazed ceramic tiles provide an attractive backsplash at the lowest cost, around $5 per square foot. Subway tile and faux stone sheets are other budget-friendly options.
How much does it cost to install a tile backsplash?
The total cost for a DIY tile backsplash install averages $600-1000, including materials and tools. Hiring a pro raises costs to $2000-4000+, depending on the tile choice and project scope.
Where can I find unique backsplash tile?
Tile specialty showrooms have a wider selection of unique shapes, colors, and materials than big box stores. Online retailers also offer thousands of specialty tiles that ship directly to your home.
What kind of tile is best for backsplashes?
Glass, ceramic, and porcelain tiles are popular choices. Glass and porcelain provide durability and easy cleaning. Ceramic tiles offer the most affordable option. Choose the material, size, and design best suiting your style, space, and budget.
Conclusion
Installing a backsplash with trendy, beautiful tile can completely transform the look of your kitchen or bath. With proper planning and research, finding affordable, quality backsplash tile from convenient local stores near you is simple. Use the guidance in this article to tap into tile resources in your area and confidently tackle your exciting backsplash upgrade project.