Written by
Tamatha Hazen
Edited by
Kristen Cramer
Fact-checked by
Tom Grupa
Backsplash installation cost
Backsplash installation costs $10 to $50 per square foot or $500 to $1,700 on average, including materials and labor. Kitchen backsplash labor costs $5 to $20 per square foot, depending on the material, size, pattern, and surface prep. Tile backsplash material prices are $1 to $65 per square foot.
| Type | Cost per square foot installed | Total installation cost (20 – 40 SF) |
|---|---|---|
| Ceramic tile | $6 – $28 | $120 – $1,100 |
| Porcelain tile | $7 – $30 | $140 – $1,200 |
| Subway tile | $7 – $35 | $140 – $1,400 |
| Slate | $7 – $27 | $140 – $1,100 |
| Natural stone tile | $8 – $35 | $160 – $1,400 |
| Travertine tile | $8 – $29 | $160 – $1,200 |
| Glass tile | $10 – $45 | $200 – $1,800 |
| Marble tile | $10 – $45 | $200 – $1,800 |
| Granite tile | $10 – $34 | $200 – $1,400 |
| Stainless Steel | $20 – $85 | $400 – $2,800 |
| Metal/Tin | $15 – $50 | $400 – $2,000 |
| Stone veneer | $10 – $45 | $200 – $1,800 |
| Thin-brick veneer | $8 – $18 | $160 – $720 |
| Thermoplastic Panels | $12 – $38 | $240– $1,500 |
| Beadboard | $5 – $9 | $100 – $360 |
| Wallpaper | $2 – $9 | $40 – $360 |
| Peel-and-stick tile (DIY) | $4 – $30 | $80 – $1,200 |
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Average cost of kitchen backsplash
The following table provides the average cost of a 20 to 40 square foot kitchen backsplash.
| National Average Cost | $1,100 |
| Minimum Cost | $120 |
| Maximum Cost | $7,500 |
| Average Range | $500 to $1,700 |
*Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
The backsplash fills the gap between the cabinets and countertop, protecting the kitchen walls from splashes and stains.
Backsplashes come in various materials, colors, and patterns to add a stylish accent to the wall space.
Cost to install a tile backsplash
Tile backsplash installation costs $10 to $50 per square foot, depending on material and labor costs. Removing an old backsplash adds $2 to $5 per square foot.
| Factor | Cost per square foot |
|---|---|
| Remove old backsplash* | $2 – $5 |
| Installation labor | $5 – $20 |
| Tile backsplash materials | $5 – $30 |
| Total cost to install | $10 – $50 |
*Optional
Amount of tile – A small backsplash with a single row of tiles uses fewer materials than the entire wall from counter to ceiling.
Materials and delivery costs – Tile backsplash materials cost $5 to $30 per square foot, plus shipping. Shipping to a commercial address with access to a forklift and dock saves money on delivery costs.
Labor – Tile installation costs $8 to $20 per square foot for labor, with minimum charges for small areas. Some tile installers charge hourly rates of $60 to $100, including time to prep the surface, install and grout the tile, seal or caulk as needed, and clean the area.
Installation complexity – Large tiles and simple patterns are easier and cheaper to install. Small tiles and complex patterns increase labor costs.
Removing old tiling – Removal and disposal of an existing backsplash cost $2 to $5 per square foot. Repairing drywall and priming the surface have additional labor costs.
Setting materials – Mastic and grout cost $1 to $2 per square foot.
Surface prep – Kitchen backsplashes are considered dry areas that do not require waterproof underlayment or backer board. Tiles, adhesive mats, and wallpaper adhere directly to the drywall and require a flat, even surface for installation.
Mortar vs. peel-and-stick – Mortar is a mix of lime, cement, water, and sand used in wet areas or to adhere heavy stone tiles. Mortar installation increases labor and materials costs. Peel-and-stick mats have an adhesive back that sticks directly to the wall and are ideal for DIY installation.
Electrical updates – Hiring an electrician costs $50 to $130 per hour to relocate or install new electrical outlets in the backsplash area.
Labor cost to install backsplash
The labor cost to install a backsplash is $30 to $100 per hour or $5 to $20 per square foot, depending on the material and tile pattern. Small tiles and intricate designs cost more to install than larger, prefabricated panels.
Cost to remove a backsplash
Tile installers charge $2 to $5 per square foot to remove and dispose of an existing backsplash. Older homes and tiles with strong adhesives result in higher labor costs as laborers must work slowly to avoid damaging the walls.
Backsplash prices
Kitchen backsplash prices are $1 to $50 per square foot for materials alone. When selecting a backsplash material, consider the style of the home, ease of installation, necessary maintenance, and how well the material protects the walls against splashes.
| Material | Price per square foot* |
|---|---|
| Ceramic | $1 – $8 |
| Porcelain | $2 – $10 |
| Slate tile | $2 – $7 |
| Marble tile | $5 – $25 |
| Granite tile | $5 – $14 |
| Glass tile | $5 – $25 |
| Natural stone tiles | $3 – $15 |
| Travertine tile | $3 – $9 |
| Metal / tin | $10 – $30 |
| Stainless Steel | $15 – $65 |
| Peel-and-stick tiles | $4 – $30 |
| Wallpaper | $0.35 – $1.65 |
| Beadboard | $0.50 – $3.00 |
*Not including installation.
Glass tile backsplash cost
A glass tile backsplash costs $10 to $45 per square foot installed or $5 to $25 per square foot for materials alone. Glass is durable, stain-resistant, and doesn't absorb water, making it ideal for a kitchen backsplash. Glass tiles come in multiple colors and sizes, with custom colors available.
Subway tile backsplash cost
A subway tile backsplash costs $7 to $35 per square foot installed or $2 to $15 per square foot for materials. Classic subway tiles are 3"x6" glossy white ceramic and gained popularity in early 1900s New York City subway stations. Modern interpretations include other sizes, colors, and patterns.
Ceramic tile backsplash prices
The average cost to install a ceramic tile backsplash is $6 to $28 per square foot with labor or $1 to $8 per square foot for materials alone. Ceramic tiles are cost-efficient, durable, and easy to clean. The tiles come in various finishes, colors, sizes, and patterns to suit any style.
Slab backsplash cost
A slab backsplash costs $35 to $200 per square foot installed. The continuous natural stone slab covers the wall between the countertop and cabinets and is easy to clean with no grout lines.
| Finish | Cost per square foot installed | Details |
| Granite slab | $40 – $70 |
|
| Marble slab | $35 – $50 |
|
| Quartz slab | $70 – $200 |
|
Granite, marble, and quartz are common countertop materials that result in a seamless, high-end look when installed as a matching backsplash.
Granite slabs cost $50 to $200 per square foot installed.
Marble slabs cost $40 to $100 per square foot installed.
Quartz slabs cost $80 to $150 per square foot installed.
To save on materials, look for bargain-priced slab remnants for backsplashes.
Natural stone backsplash cost
A natural stone tile backsplash costs $7 to $45 per square foot installed or $2 to $25 per square foot for materials alone. Natural stone tile is quarried from the earth and then sized and shaped into tiles. Each stone piece is unique in its color, shade, and finish.
| Material | Cost per square foot installed | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Marble | $10 – $45 |
|
| Granite | $10 – $34 |
|
| Travertine | $8 – $29 |
|
| Slate | $7 – $27 |
|
Other backsplash material prices
Ceramic tile is the most popular backsplash material. Still, other materials are available to protect the wall from splatter and add a visual design element to the kitchen.
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Porcelain – Compressed clay porcelain tiles cost $2 to $10 per square foot for materials alone. Porcelain is more expensive and lasts longer than ceramic tiles but has fewer color options.
Stainless steel – Lightweight stainless steel panels and tiles cost $15 to $65 per square foot and offer easy installation, low maintenance, and a modern style.
Metal/tin – Pressed metal tiles cost $10 to $30 per square foot. The highly textured tiles are thin, light, and easily damaged during installation. Metal tiles are easy to clean with soap and water but may corrode over time.
Stick-on backsplash – Adhesive tiles, also known as peel and stick, cost $4 to $30 per square foot. Stick-on tiles are easy to DIY install.
Thin brick veneer – Made from real clay or faux brick, thin brick veneer costs $4 to $13 per square foot.
Stone veneer panels – Manufactured and natural stone veneer panels cost $4 to $21 per square foot. Faux-stone panels cost $8 to $19 per square foot.
Kitchen backsplash cost
Installing a kitchen backsplash costs $500 to $1,700 on average, depending on the size, tile material, and design pattern. Tile installers charge higher labor rates to lay complex patterns.
Some popular backsplash design patterns include:
Subway – Also known as running bond, this common brick pattern aligns the starting edge of each tile with the center of the tile below it.
Straight-set – Basic grid of stacked tiles creates a simple, clean look.
Herringbone – Pattern of V-shaped rows of 45° angled tiles.
Penny – Pattern for small round or hexagonal tiles common in historic homes.
Diagonal – Also called the Diamond pattern, the pattern uses square tiles laid at a 45° angle.
Mosaic/step – Mosaic tiles cost $8 to $43 per square foot installed. The small colored pieces of different materials are set on a mesh-mounted sheet for easy installation.
Cut-corner – Also called the clipped corner, lays four 18" x 18" tiles in a traditional grid pattern. Then, the inside corner where the tiles meet is cut away, and a smaller accent tile is inserted.
Contrasting patterns – Alternating high-contrast colors to create a bold pattern.
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Bathroom backsplash cost
The average cost to tile a bathroom wall is $800 to $1,700, depending on the tile material and wall size. Tile installers charge $7 to $25 per square foot for labor, which includes protecting drywall with a waterproof barrier and precisely cutting tiles around the bathroom fixtures.
Backsplash installation FAQs
How long does it take to install a backsplash?
A kitchen backsplash takes 2 to 4 days to install. Laying tile takes 1 to 3 hours, with more time required to cut around multiple electrical outlets or lay complex patterns. Additionally, the drying time for mortar and grout is 12 to 24 hours for each material.
How long does peel-and-stick backsplash last?
Peel-and-stick backsplash tiles typically last 3 to 5 years when exposed to daily steam and frequent cleaning. High-quality adhesive mats last up to 10 years in areas free of heat and water.
How much backsplash tile do I need?
To calculate the amount of backsplash tile needed, measure and multiply the width and height of the backsplash area in inches. Divide by 144 to get the total square footage. Then, round up, adding 15% extra to allow for oddly cut pieces.
Width (in inches) x Height (in inches) ÷ 144 = Square feet of material + 15% (for overage)
Can you tile over an existing tile backsplash?
You can tile over an existing backsplash if the surface is clean, level, and securely bonded to the wall. Use an adhesive suitable for tile-on-tile applications. Remove old tiles when installing large, heavy tiles to avoid exceeding the recommended weight limit of the plaster substrate.
Can I install my own backsplash?
Installing a DIY backsplash is easy when using peel-and-stick tiles. Mortar installations require more skill but can be handled DIY with the right tools and materials.
How much do Lowe's and Home Depot charge to install a backsplash?
Home Depot charges $800 to install a 25-square-foot backsplash, including tile and setting materials. Keep in mind that Lowes and Home Depot do not employ tile installers. Instead, they subcontract the work, often to the lowest bidder.
Finding and hiring a backsplash installer
When hiring backsplash installers near you, be sure to:
Look for an experienced tile installer with a photo gallery of completed projects.
Look for licensed tile installers who are members of the National Tile Contractors Association.
Select a tile setter who is a CTEF Certified Tile Installer (CTI).
Select only licensed, bonded, and insured
companies that have been in business for more than five years.
Browse their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Get at least three estimates with equivalent tile and materials to compare.
Avoid selecting the lowest quote as quality may suffer.
Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before the work begins.
Negotiate a small deposit in advance and schedule a payment plan that includes final payment upon completion.
Questions to ask
What experience do you have?
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
Are you a member of the National Tile Contractors Association or other professional organizations?
Are you a CTEF Certified Tile Installer?
Do you charge an hourly or flat-rate fee?
Will you order the tile that I select? If not, how much tile should I order?
How long will the installation take?
Will the installation require a permit, and if so, will you obtain it?
Do you guarantee your work, and for how long?
May I have a copy of your insurance policy for my records?
Will you provide a list of references with contact information?
