Backsplash installation costs range from $480 to $1,500, with an average price of $1,000 depending on the materials used and the backsplash size.
The average backsplash installation cost is $1,000, with prices ranging from $480 to $1,500, based on 35 square feet of backsplash. You could pay as much as $4,500 for a high-end material like a marble backsplash or as little as $300 for more affordable materials like brick. Most backsplash projects cost $15 to $40 per square foot.
A bright white subway tile or a stamped tin backsplash can brighten your kitchen and punch up the wow factor. Here are all the cost factors to include in your budget for a new backsplash.
| Square Feet | Average Cost | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| 15 | $420 | $225–$600 |
| 20 | $560 | $280–$800 |
| 25 | $700 | $350–$1,000 |
| 30 | $840 | $420–$1,400 |
| 40 | $1,120 | $560–$1,600 |
| 50 | $1,400 | $700–$2,000 |
Backsplash installation costs an average of $15 to $40 per square foot. You can expect to pay more for a pro to cut tiles around your kitchen's outlets, switches, windows, and other odd shapes. Where your project falls in the range depends mainly on the cost of materials.
In addition, if you want to install a complex design or pattern, like herringbone, a pro will likely charge around $20 per hour for labor instead of $5 per hour for simpler patterns and materials. Of course, the larger your backsplash, the more effect that additional labor cost will have on your total.
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The material you choose will also affect your backsplash installation cost. Different materials have varying costs per square foot, ranging from $10 for tin or brick to $150 for marble. The material can also affect labor costs, as cutting marble takes more time and precision than tin or wooden beadboard.
| Backsplash Material | Average Price per Square Foot (Including Labor) |
|---|---|
| Beadboard | $18–$26 |
| Brick | $10–$40 |
| Ceramic | $12–$32 |
| Glass | $18–$42 |
| Granite | $20–$46 |
| Marble | $30–$150 |
| Natural stone | $20–$68 |
| Porcelain | $14–$28 |
| Slate | $18–$42 |
| Stainless steel | $25–$75 |
| Tin | $10–$30 |
| Travertine | $16–$25 |
Beadboard is cost-effective at $2 to $10 per square foot and isn’t much more to install, averaging a total cost between $18 and $26 per square foot. Beadboard has strips of wood applied to a sturdy backing, creating a rustic, cozy feel. Beadboard is dynamic because you can paint it to match your kitchen cabinets or opt for a completely fresh and clean look.
Including installation, a brick backsplash can cost between $10 and $40 per square foot. It can add an industrial touch and warm feel to your kitchen.
Ceramic is more affordable than most other materials at $2 per square foot, but it requires professional installation. Considering both installation and materials, a ceramic backsplash comes out to $12 to $32 per square foot. For a durable backsplash that fits well into tight or awkward corners, ceramic will do the trick.
The average cost for glass backsplash installation is $30 per square foot, including labor, but pricing can range from $18 to $42 per square foot. Glass tiles offer many opportunities for versatility and customization compared to other backsplash materials.
Installing a granite backsplash will cost between $5 and $14 per square foot for materials, with a total project cost between $20 and $46 per square foot. Granite tiles are a durable and stylish backsplash choice, much like granite countertops. Granite is easy to clean and maintain and provides a smooth finish.
The cost to install a marble backsplash is anywhere from $20 to $130 per square foot for materials, plus an additional $10 to $20 per square foot for labor, bringing the total to between $30 and $150 per square foot. Marble offers a timeless, luxe look to any kitchen.
Natural stone backsplash tiles run from $7 to $45 per square foot. With labor, expect your total backsplash installation cost to sit between $20 and $68 per square foot. Each natural stone tile has a unique pattern, adding a touch of warmth and elegance to your kitchen.
Porcelain is durable like ceramic but is more expensive, ranging from $3 to $6 per square foot for materials. Adding labor brings the total installation cost to $14 to $28 per square foot.
Materials for a slate backsplash cost $6 to $20 per square foot, and the total (with labor) ranges between $18 and $42 per square foot. A slate backsplash adds an understated elegance to your kitchen. While you might think of slate tiles as having a gray hue, this option also comes in shades of brown, blue, red, green, charcoal, and black.
Stainless steel is easy to clean and maintain, but it is a more expensive option at $15 to $65 per square foot. After professional installation, expect a stainless steel backsplash to cost between $25 and $75 per square foot.
A tin backsplash is easy to clean and less expensive than most other materials, at $10 to $30 per square foot, including installation. The modern farmhouse trend is here to stay, and with it comes more affordable but still aesthetically pleasing design options like tin backsplashes.
Don’t forget to consider which type of backsplash material and texture will be easiest to clean. The simplest materials to clean are tile, glass, stainless steel, and ceramic.
You can expect to pay between $3 and $9 per square foot for travertine tiles, which is surprisingly affordable. With installation, pricing ranges from $16 to $25 per square foot. Travertine tiles come from limestone—they’re durable and beautiful and add a luxurious feel to your kitchen.
The backsplash material you choose for your project will often be the most significant cost factor, but you also need to budget between $5 and $20 per square foot for backsplash installation labor. The cost per square foot will be lower if you have a simple, rectangular section to cover with few outlets, windows, and cabinets to cut around. It also helps to choose a material that’s easier to cut and less likely to break during cutting, as this will reduce the time it takes your pro to get the job done.
Most contractors charge by the square foot based on your backsplash complexity and the material you want, but some might charge by the hour. If that’s the case, expect to pay between $50 and $100 per hour for the labor alone.
Hiring a local backsplash installation company can be expensive, but it’s your best option for this project for two key reasons. First, you’ll get a professional appearance in one of your home's more frequented rooms. Second, a pro can help you decide which material best suits your budget, lifestyle, and decor.
| Labor Rate | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Per square foot | $5–$20 |
| Hourly | $50–$100 |
There are other minor cost factors you might need to consider to get the most accurate price possible for your backsplash project.
If you prefer a mosaic look or another complex tile layout, contractors may charge closer to $100 per hour or up to $500 per day to install the backsplash. For example, herringbone patterns are more challenging to install, as they’re V-shaped and installed at a 45-degree angle. They require multiple cuts per tile, which takes longer for the installation.
Your backsplash pro will also account for how many obstructions they need to cut around on the wall. For example, if you have multiple outlets or switches, towel bars, cabinets, or windows that cut into the backsplash, it will take your professional longer to make precise cuts, driving up the installation cost.
You have three options for the material your professional installs on your backsplash: individual tiles, precut slabs, and tile sheets. Individual tiles take the longest to install because your pro will have to set each tile. However, they allow for total customization, so your backsplash ideas and imagination are the only limitations.
Slabs, like marble or granite, are precut to cover your entire backsplash. Manufacturing requires precise measurements and cutting to size in a factory before delivery, so the material cost is higher than that of tile. However, the installation will reduce labor costs since the entire backsplash goes up in a single piece. Still, the higher material cost means you’ll spend more overall.
Tile sheets are prearranged tiles on mesh backing that allow your pro to install an entire square foot at a time, even if there are many individual tiles within that space. This cuts down on labor costs, especially if you’re working with small tiles. Once your pro grouts over the finished product, it looks identical to a standard installation. The only downside is that you’re limited to the available designs and patterns, so there’s no customization.
Backsplash installation costs can vary based on where you’re doing the work. Replacing your backsplash will be a bit more expensive in the kitchen because the countertops are longer than those in bathrooms, so you’ll have more square footage to cover.
Bathroom backsplashes require cement backer board due to the higher risk of water and humidity getting behind the tiles. Backer board is more expensive than drywall, so bathrooms can be more expensive per square foot. Overall, replacing a kitchen backsplash usually costs more than replacing one in a bathroom.
It’s hard to operate the blender, coffee maker, and stand mixer without outlets. But when completing a DIY project like installing a backsplash, all those handy electrical outlets can become hazards that pros need to spend extra time working around and cutting tiles to accommodate. If you have a lot of outlets in the kitchen, you might be quoted a higher labor cost.
Professional backsplash removal costs between $3 and $6 per square foot, including disposal. Depending on the condition of the drywall or backer board underneath the old tile, you may need to replace that, which works to keep moisture out entirely. However, if you remove the backsplash yourself, you’ll need a chisel and a hammer. And you’ll need to patch the drywall and ensure the surface is smooth and dry before installing a new tile backsplash.
Installing a kitchen backsplash is doable for a seasoned DIYer if you opt for simple materials, like tile or tin, and your kitchen layout is straightforward. It’s also a great way to save on kitchen remodeling costs.
DIY-friendly peel-and-stick backsplash options start at $4 per square foot, with higher-quality tiles or more complex designs reaching $30 per square foot. This option will not be as durable or long-lasting as traditional backsplash tiles or slabs, and the materials will likely be lower quality.
Peel-and-stick tile can be a good short-term solution for a pop of color in other places in your home, but avoid using it in your bathrooms. The high mositure level can create issues with the tile sticking and looking its best for a long period of time.
However, installing a backsplash can become dangerous and far more challenging when working around outlets or other obstacles. Removing an existing backsplash also requires more care to avoid damage to your kitchen walls, cabinets, and countertops. For most homeowners, a call to a local kitchen remodeling company or a backsplash specialist is the best idea.
But if you decide to tackle a backsplash yourself over the weekend, you can expect to pay between $100 and $500, depending on the type of tile you choose. If you hire a tile installer near you, expect to pay between $10 and $20 per square foot for labor in addition to the cost of the tiles.
Installing a backsplash can add instant elegance and charm to your kitchen, but it comes at a cost. Luckily, there are ways to save on your kitchen backsplash installation project, including the following:
Pick up the tiles yourself instead of paying shipping fees
Check home improvement stores for sales
Choose bargain-priced slabs instead of individual tiles
Opt for prearranged tile sheets over tiles or slabs
Choose larger tiles that are less time-intensive to install
Learn how to install a peel-and-stick backsplash yourself
Choose a cost-effective backsplash material like tin
Only retile a focal point in your kitchen, such as above the stove, instead of the entire kitchen
Install a kitchen backsplash at the same time as another kitchen project—such as countertop installation—to save on labor and trip fees
In some cases, installing a backsplash will increase your home value, but it depends on a few factors. First, if you’re replacing an existing backsplash that’s in decent shape with a new one to suit your tastes, you might not be adding any value, especially if the new backsplash isn’t generally desirable. Second, the backsplash material you choose and its longevity can determine your return on investment.
Certain renovations, like a total kitchen remodel, increase home value hands down. However, a backsplash is a feature that appeals to some and not to others. If you’re selling your house, a new backsplash may raise the value indirectly if it’s a desirable design choice for a particular buyer, while it might have the opposite effect on others.
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If you hire a pro, they can install your backsplash in two days. If you choose to DIY, the project time can take longer, especially if you remove your current backsplash first and cut all the tile yourself. If you tackle this project, you can expect it to take three to four days.
You can tile over an existing backsplash, but it isn’t the best option. You’re creating a barrier between the old and new backsplash, which can be an ideal place for mold to grow. It’s also more difficult to adhere new material to an existing backsplash because it’s likely not a perfectly flat surface. In almost all cases, you should remove any existing backsplash material, flatten and clean the wall, and then install the new backsplash.
Figure out how much tile you need by measuring the backsplash area. Measure the height and length of the installation area in feet and multiply to get the square footage. Don’t make adjustments for outlets or small cutouts, but you can subtract the square footage for windows or other large obstructions and subtract them from the total.
Once you have the total square footage, purchase your backsplash materials. To account for waste, get 10% more than your calculation.
There are no hard rules on where to put a backsplash and where to avoid one, but some rules of thumb can help elevate your design. For example, don’t extend your backsplash beyond the end of the upper cabinets, even if the countertop below continues, to create a crisp, vertical line. Don’t install a backsplash behind your fridge, even if the wall is partially visible. You could cover the outline of the fridge for the best appearance, but going all the way down the wall isn’t worth it.
