The average cost of backsplash installation ranges from $600 to $1300. The type of material used is the major defining factor in the cost factor. This guide provides information on various types of kitchen backsplash materials and their average cost.
Cost of Backsplash Installation per Square Foot?
The cost of installing a backsplash per square foot typically ranges from $15 to $40, depending on the materials used and the complexity of the installation. Higher-end materials like marble or intricate patterns can lead to higher costs.
Types of Backsplash Materials and Their Costs
- Marble: Known for its luxurious appearance, marble backsplashes range from $20 to $130 per square foot due to the varying quality and rarity of marble types.
- Brick: Brick backsplashes, costing $10 to $40 per square foot, provide a rustic and charming aesthetic, lending warmth and texture to kitchens.
- Stainless Steel: Ranging from $15 to $65 per square foot, stainless steel backsplashes are durable, hygienic, and bring a contemporary, professional feel to kitchens.
- Porcelain: Priced between $3 and $6 per square foot, porcelain backsplashes mimic natural stone or wood textures and offer durability and water resistance.
- Travertine: Priced between $3 and $9 per square foot, travertine backsplashes have a warm, rustic appearance that adds a touch of Old World charm to kitchens.
- Granite: With a cost of $5 to $14 per square foot, granite tiles offer the elegance of natural stone with exceptional durability and resistance to heat and moisture.
- Tin: With a cost of $10 to $30 per square foot, tin backsplashes offer a unique, metallic sheen that adds an industrial or vintage vibe to your space.
- Glass: Glass backsplashes, at $30 per square foot, create a sleek and modern look while being easy to clean and offering a reflective quality that can brighten up a space.
- Ceramic: At a cost of $2 per square foot, ceramic tiles are a budget-friendly option available in a wide range of colors and patterns to suit various styles.
- Slate: Slate backsplashes, costing $6 to $20 per square foot, display unique variations in color and texture, providing an earthy and rugged charm.
- Natural Stone: Natural stone backsplashes, ranging from $7 to $45 per square foot, encompass a wide range of materials like marble, travertine, and limestone, each bringing their own distinct beauty and characteristics.
- Beadboard: Costing $2 to $10 per square foot, beadboard backsplashes provide a cottage-inspired, textured look that works well in traditional or farmhouse-style kitchens.
Cost of Custom-Designed Backsplash
If you opt for intricate designs like mosaic layouts, contractors might charge around $100 per hour or even up to $500 per day for the backsplash installation. For instance, installing Herringbone tiles can be more complex due to their V-shaped form and installation at a 45-degree angle.
Incorporating diverse tile sizes and shapes can also raise the overall cost. This mixing and matching can involve:
- Using subway tiles of varying sizes and colors.
- Incorporating both square and triangle-shaped tiles.
- Blending geometric patterns, such as combining hexagons and diamond-shaped tiles.
- Creating ombre-style designs where tiles transition from darker shades at the top to lighter ones.
- Constructing a honeycomb pattern by intermixing hexagon tiles of various sizes.
Other Factors Impacting Cost of Backsplash Installation
Size and Shape
The dimensions and layout of your kitchen space will influence the quantity of materials needed and the time required for installation. Larger areas entail more materials and extended labor. The average cost of labor is per hour is $40 to $60.
Backsplash Removal
Prior to installing the new backsplash, installers will need to remove any pre-existing backsplash. Hence, it’s advisable to allocate an additional amount for labor expenses if your project necessitates backsplash removal. Anticipate a base cost of at least $3 and $6 per square foot for old backsplash removal, with variations based on the material, thickness, and design.
Tile vs Slab
The expenses linked to materials for tile and stone backsplashes exhibit substantial disparities. While tile materials are cost-effective on a per square foot basis, stone backsplashes eliminate additional expenses like grout.
Slab backsplashes are quicker to install, although handling the solid stone slab often necessitates more than one person. Given the imperative nature of precise measurements with a solitary slab, entrusting this task to a professional is advisable.
Additional Materials
Supplementary materials such as grout, adhesive, and caulk might be necessary. If you’re handling the installation yourself, you might also need to acquire extra tools.
DIY Backsplash Installation vs Hiring a Professional
With the right tools and expertise, you can undertake this weekend project on your own. The expenses will likely fall within the range of $100 to $500, contingent on your tile selection. Premium marble will entail a significantly higher cost compared to a budget-friendly ceramic tile.
Alternatively, enlisting a nearby tile installer may lead to labor charges ranging from $10 to $30 per square foot, on top of the tile expenses. As previously mentioned, the typical cost for backsplash installation averages around $1,000.
Cost of DIY Backsplash Installation
This approach offers an opportunity to cut down cost of backsplash installation during your kitchen remodel. However, if your backsplash area involves numerous windows or electrical outlets, hiring a professional is recommended to avoid potential hazards, especially when working around these obstacles. Dealing with the removal of an existing backsplash also requires cautious handling to prevent damage to your kitchen walls. For simpler tasks, here’s a breakdown of what you can anticipate in terms of the cost for a DIY backsplash installation.
Tools and Materials
A notable advantage of hiring a professional is their possession of the essential tools for the job. If you opt for a DIY route, you’ll need to purchase or rent various tools and materials for the project. Expenses for items like a trowel, rubber float, cement backer board, grout, caulk, and spacers can accumulate to approximately $300 for this DIY prokect.
Additionally, you’ll need tiles, which exhibit varying costs as mentioned above. Streamline the process and avoid grout-related mess by selecting peel-and-stick backsplash tiles, designed for user-friendly DIY installation. Peel-and-stick options can begin at $4 per square foot, with more intricate designs or higher-quality tiles reaching up to $30 per square foot. While this choice might not offer the longevity and durability of traditional backsplash tiles or slabs, it offers a convenient alternative.
How to Cut Down Cost of Backsplash Installation
- Choose Affordable Materials: Opt for budget-friendly materials like ceramic or porcelain tiles instead of high-end options like marble or natural stone.
- DIY Installation: If you have the skills and tools, consider doing the installation yourself to save on labor costs.
- Simple Layout: Opt for a straightforward backsplash layout that doesn’t require complex patterns or intricate designs, which can reduce installation time and costs.
- Standard Tile Sizes: Stick to standard tile sizes to avoid additional cutting and customization expenses.
- Peel-and-Stick Tiles: Use peel-and-stick backsplash tiles that eliminate the need for grout and simplify the installation process.
- Shop Sales and Discounts: Look for sales, discounts, and clearance deals on tiles and materials to save on upfront costs.
- Reuse Existing Tiles: If applicable, consider reusing tiles from a previous backsplash or other projects to reduce material expenses.
- Hire Local Professionals: If hiring a professional, choose a local installer to potentially save on travel costs and fees.
- Get Multiple Quotes: Obtain quotes from several contractors to compare prices and choose a competitive option.
- Plan Ahead: Properly plan the layout and design before starting the project to avoid costly changes midway.
- Avoid Complex Layouts: Minimize the number of cuts and corners by selecting a backsplash layout that requires fewer tile adjustments.
- Negotiate Labor Costs: If hiring a professional, try negotiating the labor cost of backsplash installation or ask for a discount.
- Combine with Other Projects: If you’re already renovating other parts of your kitchen, consider combining the backsplash installation with those projects to potentially save on labor and setup costs.
- Use Remnants: For natural stone or other materials, inquire about using remnants or offcuts from previous projects, which can be more cost-effective.
- Limit Accent Pieces: If using decorative tiles or accents, use them sparingly rather than throughout the entire backsplash to reduce costs.
- Regular Maintenance: Invest in a durable backsplash that’s easy to maintain, reducing the need for repairs and replacements in the future.
FAQs on Cost of Backsplash Installation
Q1: How much does it cost to install backsplash per square foot?
The cost of installing a backsplash per square foot can vary depending on factors like the material chosen, complexity of the design, and labor rates in your area. On average, the cost ranges from $15 to $40 per square foot.
Q2: How much does it cost to install a 30-square-foot backsplash?
The cost to install a 30-square-foot backsplash will depend on the material and labor costs. With an average range of $15 to $40 per square foot, the total cost for a 30-square-foot backsplash could be around $450 to $1,200. It’s advisable to get quotes from local professionals for a more accurate estimate.
Q3: How much should I budget for backsplash?
The budget for a backsplash can vary widely based on factors like the type of material, the size of the area, and the complexity of the installation. On average, budgeting around 10% to 20% of your total kitchen remodeling costs for the backsplash is a common guideline.
Q4: How much should I pay for a tile backsplash?
The cost of a tile backsplash depends on the type of tile chosen, its quality, and the labor involved. On average, you might expect to pay between $15 to $40 per square foot for the tile itself, and additional labor costs for installation.
Q3: What kind of backsplash is cheapest?
Ceramic tiles are often the most budget-friendly option for backsplashes, with costs averaging around $2 per square foot. Peel-and-stick tiles can also be affordable and easy to install.
Q4: How do you estimate a backsplash?
To estimate the cost of a backsplash, calculate the area in square feet that needs to be covered. Then, consider the type of material you want to use and its cost per square foot. Add in any labor charges if you’re not planning to DIY. Keep in mind that factors like design complexity and additional materials (grout, adhesive, etc.) can impact the overall cost.
