How Much Does Backsplash Installation Cost in 2025?
Installing a backsplash costs an average of $1,000
Backsplash installation costs between $480 and $1,500 on average, with most homeowners spending $1,000.
Key cost factors include area size, backsplash materials, and labor costs.
The most affordable backsplash materials are beadboard, ceramic, and vinyl. Stainless steel, glass, and stone are more costly and take longer to install.
Expect to pay $50 to $100 per hour for labor.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Backsplash installation costs between an average range of $480 to $1,500, with most homeowners spending $1,000. Your exact price depends on location, backsplash size, and material quality. Most projects cost $15 to $40 per square foot. Proper budgeting eliminates unexpected costs, and hiring a professional to install your backsplash ensures the job is done properly.
Backsplash Installation Cost Factors
The cost to install a backsplash depends on a variety of factors. Here’s a closer look at how your project total breaks down.
Area Size
A key factor in your total cost is the size of the space where you want to install a new backsplash. Although your costs vary significantly depending on the type of materials you use, you can calculate an estimate based on your area size.
| Area Size in Sq. Ft. | Average Cost Range | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 15 | $225–$600 | $420 |
| 20 | $280–$800 | $560 |
| 25 | $350–$1,000 | $700 |
| 30 | $420–$1,400 | $840 |
| 40 | $560–$1,600 | $1,120 |
| 50 | $700–$2,000 | $1,400 |
Kitchen vs. Bathroom
The price difference between installing a backsplash in a kitchen vs. a bathroom depends on the type of tile, the application, and the size of your space. For example, installing a new backsplash is a significant part of the total cost of a kitchen remodel. Homeowners spend a little more on bathroom backsplash installation costs.
Patterns
Elaborate patterns like mosaic or herringbone backsplashes cost more because they take longer to cut and install. The same goes for custom patterns. For intricate layouts, contractors may charge up to $100 per hour, roughly double the rate for straightforward installs.
Labor
Expect to pay $5 to $20 per square foot—or $50 to $100 per hour—for professional backsplash installation labor. For projects with complex designs, such as intricate mosaics, you may be charged up to $100 per hour.
Wall Prep
Preparing a wall for a backsplash includes filling holes and cracks, sanding the wall, and cleaning the wall. Homeowners who prefer to leave prep work to a pro pay between $50 and $100 per hour.
Removing Existing Backsplash
Professional backsplash removal costs between $3 and $6 per square foot (including disposal). Backsplashes in older homes may use a strong adhesive, which can increase time and labor costs.
Backsplash Installation Cost by Material
The cost of installing a backsplash depends on the type of material used. Ceramic and vinyl tile are some of the most popular and affordable options, while stone slabs or glass mosaics come at a higher cost. Although slabs have a higher cost upfront, they require less maintenance, while smaller tiles require more regular tile and grout cleaning.
Expect to add $5 to $20 per square foot for professional installation, excluding the cost of grout, adhesives, and other materials used during installation.
| Material | Average Cost per Sq. Ft. (All-In) |
|---|---|
| Beadboard | $18–$26 |
| Brick | $10–$40 |
| Ceramic tile | $12–$32 |
| Porcelain tile | $14–$28 |
| Slate tile | $18–$42 |
| Marble | $30–$150 |
| Granite | $20–$46 |
| Stainless steel | $25–$75 |
| Tin | $10–$30 |
| Travertine | $16–$25 |
Beadboard
Beadboard is sold in both slats and panels, whether you choose hardwood or an imitation made from PVC or medium-density fiberboard.
Ceramic Tile
Tile installation costs vary significantly depending on the shape and pattern of your tiles. Expect to spend anywhere from $12 to $32 per square foot for a basic ceramic tile to more than $100 per square foot for a handmade mosaic tile. Some homeowners prefer to mix and match affordable and high-end tiles for a custom look.
Porcelain Tile
Porcelain is a popular backsplash material because it’s water-resistant and more durable than ceramic.
Slate Tile
Slate is a natural stone favored for its look, heat resistance, and overall durability.
Marble
This is considered a high-end backsplash material, and eye-catching varieties and luxury finishes can dramatically increase the price.
Granite Tile
Granite is available in slabs and tiles. Granite stone tiles are significantly more affordable than their slab counterparts.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is available in both tile and sheet forms. Stainless steel is a popular option for outdoor and commercial kitchens because of its durability and corrosion resistance.
Does Installing a Backsplash Increase Home Value?
In some cases, a new backsplash can boost home value, but the return largely depends on buyer preferences and the material’s longevity. While the upgrade often helps a home show better and sell faster, it doesn’t always raise the final sale price on its own.
Budgeting for Backsplash Installation
Professional tools and expertise can help ensure your backsplash gets installed correctly, but there are several steps you can take to keep your project budget-friendly:
Handle select prep work yourself: Removing the old backsplash or prepping the wall on your own can trim labor costs, as long as you work slowly and protect the drywall underneath.
Shape matters: Square and rectangular tiles are the easiest to install, saving time and labor costs. If you’re looking for budget-friendly solutions, avoid round or custom-shaped tiles.
Shop around: Materials make up the bulk of your costs for backsplash installation, so start shopping early to find good deals. Some retailers may offer bulk discounts, which can be helpful if you’re tiling a large area.
Combine installations: Some contractors may offer a combination price for installing a backsplash at the same time as a countertop installation.
Contact multiple pros: Reach out to several backsplash installation professionals in your area to compare quotes and find the best price.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can install new tile over an existing backsplash, but pros recommend taking the old material down first. Layering tile creates a gap where moisture can collect and makes it harder for the new adhesive to bond. Removing the original backsplash gives you a flat, clean surface, prevents interference with outlets or countertop space, and helps the finished project last longer.
To prepare a painted wall for tile, fill any cracks or holes in the existing paint. Use sandpaper to create an even, slightly rough surface for ideal adhesion. Next, gently wipe the wall with a damp cloth to remove dust, grease, or debris. Finally, apply a bonding primer before attaching the tile.
Gluing a backsplash is an effective installation method when you use the correct adhesive. Use cement-based or thin-set mortar along with mastic as needed to secure ceramic tiles. This method provides a strong, durable bond and is ideal for glass and stone installations when surfaces are properly cleaned and prepared. Adhering tiles with the proper adhesive ensures a robust and long-lasting finish.
Measuring your backsplash area is essential to determine the exact amount of tile needed. Begin by measuring the height and width of the backsplash in feet, then multiply these dimensions to calculate the total square footage. Do not adjust for small outlets or minor cutouts; only subtract the space occupied by large windows or significant obstructions. Finally, add 10% extra to account for waste, ensuring you order the precise quantity required.
- Tile: Natural Stone (Granite, Marble, Slate, Quartz, etc) - Repair
- Tile, Stone, Marble - Clean, Grout, Polish and Maintain
- Tile: Ceramic and Porcelain - Repair
- Grout: Replace or Repair
- Marble Restoration & Polishing
- Stone Restoration & Polishing
- Granite Restoration & Polishing
- Tile: Ceramic and Porcelain - Install
- Tile & Grout Cleaning
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