Tile backsplash installation costs$610 - $1,582
National average fixed price
- Most common low price:$610
- Most common high price:$1,582
How much does backsplash installation cost?
By Thumbtack Staff
Last updated Mon, Aug 04
The national average cost of backsplash installation ranges from around $610-$1,582, and most people pay around $983, according to Thumbtack data. Backsplash pricing depends on several factors, however. And it's important to understand these cost factors when planning your project.
Backsplash installation cost
| National average cost | $983 |
|---|---|
| Low-end average cost | $610 |
| High-end average cost | $1,582 |
Read this guide to learn how to estimate the cost of installing a tile backsplash in your kitchen or bathroom — and how to find the best pro for the job.
Table of Contents
Backsplash prices by material
The material you choose will likely have the biggest impact on how much you pay. There's a wide variety of choices, from tile and glass to stainless steel and peel-and-stick wallpaper.
| Material | Cost per square foot | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ceramic tile | $2-$8 per square foot | Low cost, easy to clean, moisture-resistant | Simpler design options |
| Porcelain tile | $3-$10 per square foot | Low cost, easy to clean, moisture-resistant | Limited in colors |
| Glass tile | $3-$15 per square foot | Reflects light, which makes a kitchen or bathroom appear brighter | More susceptible to damage |
| Natural stone tile | $5-$15 per square foot | Creates an organic, earthy look | More expensive, harder to clean |
| Stainless steel or metal | $15-$25 per square foot | Stain-resistant, not easily damaged | More expensive, could clash with other kitchen metals |
| Beadboard | $0.50-$1 per square foot | Low cost, easy to install | Difficult to clean the grooves |
| Wallpaper | $0.35-$1.50 per square foot | Low cost, variety of styles | Easily stained or damaged |
| Peel-and-stick tile | $4-$30 per square foot | Easy to install, no need for tools like spacers, comes in a variety of patterns, colors and shapes | Can damage drywall upon removal |
Note: Estimated costs are based on prices from home improvement stores and publications.
Keep in mind that although costs will be greater for high-end materials like travertine stone, choosing a higher-quality material might save you money down the line.
How backsplash pricing works
These are the main factors that will affect the final cost of installing a tile backsplash in your home:
Material
Because there are many different types of material you can use, the price range varies. For example, polished marble will cost you significantly more than a basic ceramic tile. However, even ceramic tile can vary considerably in price, depending on the tile itself. Stainless steel, metal, natural stone and marble all fall under high-end, costly materials. Mid-range options include glass, mosaic and peel-and-stick vinyl. The least expensive materials include beadboard, ceramic tile, porcelain tile and wallpaper.
Size of the project
If you’re planning a simple revamp in your small guest bathroom, then the square footage of your project will be fairly small. A kitchen backsplash will likely be more expensive because it requires more materials and longer hours.
The complexity of the project
Installing peel-and-stick vinyl is a much simpler process than creating a custom-designed backsplash, which can significantly increase the labor costs of the project.
The removal of an old backsplash
If you already have a backsplash, you’ll need to factor in the labor cost of removing the old tile before installing the new materials. Removing old tiling may also damage the wall, which would then need repairing.
How to save money
The key to saving money is in the materials. If you want to upgrade your kitchen or bathroom without spending a lot, choose low-cost materials like ceramic tile, wallpaper or beadboard.
If you want the look of an expensive backsplash without the cost, another money-saving option is getting peel-and-stick tile sheets. While the price of the materials is mid-range, it’s a speedy and easy install that will cut down on the cost of labor.
To save money on labor costs, get at least two or three free quotes from professionals near you. This will help ensure you’re getting the best price for your project.
Is it worth the cost to install a backsplash?
If you don't want to invest a ton of money in fully remodeling your kitchen or bathroom, but your want to give your either room a facelift, a backsplash is a fantastic option. Not only is it an excellent focal point, but it also serves a useful purpose. Backsplashes prevent dents, scratches and water damage to your walls. This is a huge benefit, as water damage can lead to moisture buildup and mold, which can be unsafe and very costly to repair.
A backsplash can also minimize stains and make kitchen cleanup easier (scrubbing away splashed spaghetti sauce is much easier on tile than it is on paint). Backsplashes also come in a variety of materials and styles, which means it can match any home design and budget.
How to hire a professional
Here are a few steps every homeowner should take before hiring a professional to install backsplash:
Step 1: Check licenses and credentials. Before you hire anyone to do work on your home, research what type of licensing and insurance they have. For a backsplash installation, look for someone with a tile contractor’s license or a general contractor license.
Step 2: Read the reviews. Find out what other customers had to say about their completed projects. Were the prices fair? Was the work done correctly and on time? Was the contractor or installer professional and respectful? Pay attention to the good reviews — and the bad ones.
Step 3: Look at photos of past work. Oftentimes, you can find photos of the tile contractor’s past work either on their website or in customers’ reviews. Look at these photos so you can judge the professional’s quality of work and craftsmanship for yourself.
Step 4: Ask the right questions. Ask potential contractors about their experience installing a backsplash. Find out the estimated timeframe and what hours they can work. And ask if you need to provide the materials or if they will purchase them for you (and make sure you get the costs in writing).
Step 5: Do your research. Before you hire a professional, you need to know what you want them to do — which means you need to do your homework. Measure the surface you wish to tile to provide a rough estimate of the square footage.
Browse online or in stores to find backsplash ideas, and decide what type of material — ceramic, glass, etc. — you want to use.For more tips on hiring a pro, visit Thumbtack's Smart Hiring guide.
FAQs
Here are a few commonly asked questions about installing a backsplash.
Do you put backsplash behind a stove?
Yes, you can put backsplash behind a stove, but be mindful of the material you choose. For example, any wood-based material like beadboard or paneling requires clearance from the gas burner. Check your local fire codes and ask a pro for help.
Can I install a backsplash over a painted wall?
You can install backsplash over painted drywall using a pre-mixed adhesive called mastic. It’s also recommended that you hand sand the wall to ensure the tile sticks to the wall.
How do you prep a wall for a backsplash?
If you’re installing directly onto the wall, you will first need to make any necessary repairs. For example, patch up any holes or cracks and remove any loose paint, wallpaper or old tiles. If you’re using a peel-and-stick vinyl adhesive, clean the wall thoroughly. Any dirt or grease might impede the bond and cause tiles to fall off.
Do I need a backer board for a kitchen backsplash?
While a backer board is ideal, you can install the backsplash directly onto the wall as long as you seal the seam between the counter and the backsplash. Backer boards are highly recommended, however, when you’re installing a backsplash in an area where there’s moisture.
What special tools do I need to install backsplash?
Whether you’re using ceramic or stone tiles, the tools and techniques are similar for any tile installation. In addition to the individual tiles, you may need the following:
a cement backer board
mastic
a trowel
rubber float
grout
caulk
spacers
bull-nose or edge tiles
Etc.
If you don't have the necessary tools, consider hiring a pro who does.Get free estimates from top-rated tile professionals.
Can I install a backsplash myself?
It depends on your skills and the complexity of the backsplash. There are dozens of how-tos on the internet that can walk you through installation and give you helpful tips, such as finding the center mark, the importance of starting with the bottom row, and even how to cut tiles. However, if you don't have the proper tools and supplies — spacers, caulk, grout, trowel, etc. — it will be very difficult to complete a backsplash installation project by yourself.
The bottom line: installing a backsplash is (at the very least) an intermediate home improvement project. If you don’t have a lot of experience with tiling, you might want to leave it to the professionals.
How do we know these prices?
5m
Customers this year
300k+
Pros this year
20k
Projects a day
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