How Much Does It Cost to Install a Tile Backsplash?

Installing a new backsplash can add new life to the look of your room. However, before you run out and buy the first cool-looking tile you see, take some time to plan out your project and run the numbers. You'll need to know how much to budget for backsplash materials, prep work and labor.

It’s important to understand all of the costs associated with installing a new backsplash, including material prices and the cost of professional installation. On average, you should plan to spend between $600 to $1,000 for a new kitchen or bathroom backsplash. Your total cost will depend on several factors, including the material you select, the project's size and scope, and the skill level required for installation. More complex patterns or high-end materials will cost you more than using discounted materials and installing a simple design. If the installation process is complex or the installer runs into complications, your total cost will also increase.

Labor cost to install tile backsplash

Expect a professional tile contractor to charge a minimum labor fee, even if your project is small. Most tilers charge by the square foot or an average hourly labor rate between $20 to $94 per hour. The national average cost for labor to install tile is between $40 and $60 per hour, but this may vary depending on your location, the installation difficulty, and the contractor’s skill level.

Before you hire a professional to install your new backsplash, ask for references from family and friends or go online to read customer reviews. You should get at least three free estimates to compare the cost before you decide. Be sure to inform the tiler if you need an old backsplash removed and what type of walls you have. You may need to pay more (approximately $3 to $6 per square foot) if your current backsplash needs to be removed and disposed of first.

Other factors that impact how much to install a backsplash can also increase the cost of labor. The labor cost to install subway tile backsplash will usually be less than a more complicated design. It may cost more to tile hard-to-reach areas or to install tiles with a complicated pattern requiring more strategic tile cutting and positioning. Tiling around windows, corners, and electrical outlets may increase your total labor cost.

Cost for tile backsplash installation per square foot

Backsplash installation costs an average $31.25 per square foot, costing between $25 to $37.50 per square foot, with the exact cost depending on the type of the tiles.

Cost of backsplash tiles by type

There’s plenty of options when choosing tile materials for your backsplash. Tile is usually priced at a cost per square foot, so keep that in mind when making your selection.

Ceramic backsplash cost

Ceramic tile is one of the most popular choices for backsplashes and costs between $10-$15 per square foot. This material is durable, easy to cut, and low maintenance, so it’s great for both kitchens and bathrooms.

Mosaic backsplash cost

Mosaic tiles are smaller than most other tile types and usually come in a sheet with pre-spaced designs already arranged. This tile ranges from as little as $3 to as much as $20 per square foot depending on the material, which includes glass, metal, stone, porcelain, and pebbles.

Porcelain backsplash cost

Porcelain costs more than ceramic at around $15 per square foot or more on average. This beautiful backsplash material is highly durable and adds a visually pleasing aesthetic to your home.

Slate backsplash cost

Slate is a natural stone that costs between $10-$20 per square foot. This water-resistant material lends an organic element to your kitchen, but it’s also porous and can be brittle, which may lead to cracks over time. Slate is also more difficult to cut due to its fragile nature. Sealing your slate tile backsplash is important to prevent stains and marks.

Natural stone backsplash cost

The cost for tile backsplash made of natural stone ranges in price depending on the material. You can find natural stone tile for $10 to up to $50 per square foot. Engineered stone tile is more expensive and starts at $20 per square foot up to $50 per square foot or more.

Granite and marble backsplash cost

Granite and marble tile bring a sophisticated, high-end look to backsplashes. These natural stone tiles vary widely in price depending on the size, shape, and quality and can range from $7 to $300 per square foot. Granite or marble slab costs more than smaller, individual tiles.

Glass backsplash cost

Glass backsplash tiles add a colorful, modern look to bathrooms and kitchens. Glass tile costs between $7 and $30 per square foot and comes in a wide range of colors, shapes, and pre-assembled patterns. This tile is a great way to add a pop of color or a contemporary element to bathroom walls and in the kitchen behind the oven or sink.

Natural terracotta ceramic backsplash cost

Natural terracotta ceramic tile can be glazed in different colors, and you can use it to create beautiful patterns on your backsplash. This durable, versatile tile is stain-resistant with a smooth surface and ranges from as little as $1 to around $15 per square foot.

Mirror backsplash cost

Mirror tiles typically cost $8-$15 per square foot. The reflective surface adds an ultra-modern element to the kitchen or bathroom while bringing a bright, contemporary touch to your home

Stainless steel backsplash cost

Stainless steel comes in individual tiles or one single piece, costing $30-$50 per square foot on average. This unique backsplash material brings a modern touch to trendy kitchens and is a wonderful complement to stainless steel appliances. This backsplash material is easy to clean, but it needs to be maintained to keep its bright, smooth, and shiny appearance.

Installing slab backsplash cost

Before you install a backsplash, you may need to have the old one removed. So, you'll want to budget the cost of removal. The tiler will carefully take the old tiles off. Because the tiles are affixed to the wall, your wall may be damaged in the process, so factor in the cost of repairing the wall behind.

Your tile installer will charge less for removing the old backsplash than for installing the new backsplash. He may charge $3 to $6 per square foot removal, so add $200 to $600 to the cost of the project, depending on the size of your backsplash area. Be prepared to add additional funds for debris disposal.

Slab backsplash cost

A slab backsplash is a continuous slab of material instead of smaller, individual tiles. The absence of grout lines gives them a sleek, modern look. Some homeowners choose to match their slab backsplash with the kitchen countertops or bathroom vanity top to create a cohesive look, while others may prefer to use something that contrasts with a different color or texture.

Slab backsplashes are easier for you to install DIY since it’s just one piece. Here are some examples of slab materials and their costs.

Beadboard slab backsplash cost

Beadboard slabs (or panels) are affordable at around $1 per square foot. This material is made from durable PVC or a medium-density fiberboard and comes in large sections to give your kitchen or bathroom a traditional, vintage-inspired look.

Stainless steel slab backsplash cost

Stainless steel costs approximately $40 to $90 per square foot when purchased as a sheet. This smooth, shiny material is easy to clean and brings an updated, modern vibe to kitchens and bathrooms.

Vinyl slab backsplash cost

Vinyl comes in a roll and costs $30 to $50 per roll. This material comes in a wide range of colors and styles, but it’s not recommended for installation near a stove since it’s not a heat-resistant material.

Thermoplastic backsplash panels cost

Thermoplastic panels cost $7 to $15 per square foot. This durable material is easy to clean and comes in various colors and patterns. This option is great for DIY installation since you can cut it to size with just a pair of scissors.

Kitchen vs. bathroom backsplash installation cost

The cost to install backsplash tile in a kitchen vs. a bathroom varies depending on the type of tile you choose, the application method, and the size that you need to cover. Installing a new backsplash is a significant part of the cost of performing a complete kitchen remodel. On average, it costs between $300 and $1,000 for a new 16-square-foot kitchen backsplash. You could save money by choosing a peel-and-stick option, especially if you’re looking for a renter-friendly way to update your kitchen on a budget.

It might surprise you to learn that most homeowners spend more on the cost to install a backsplash in the bathroom than they do in the kitchen. On average, a typical bathroom backsplash can cost between $600 and $1,350. However, this costs much less than it would to retile the entire bathroom. Prepare to pay more if you’re planning to retile an existing backsplash, which typically costs an extra $3 to $6 per square foot if the contractor needs to remove the old backsplash first. Tack on another $100 to $150 for the disposal of the remaining debris.

DIY Backsplash installation?

How much is a backsplash installation if you do it yourself? Remember that labor can cost anywhere from $10 to $30 per square foot, so DIY may help you save money. Basic tile like ceramic or a peel-and-stick option is much easier to install on your own. If you decide to update your backsplash yourself, don’t forget to include the cost of other materials like grout, tile adhesive, and sealant when applicable.

Remember that certain types of tiles are more difficult to install than others. If you’ve never installed tile before or if you’re planning to use heavy stone slabs or custom-cut tiles, then it’s recommended to hire a professional tile contractor to perform the installation.