Based on 264 real quotes from businesses in United States.
$350
TYPICALÂ
$1800
Yelp calculates estimated costs by gathering and analyzing real quotes provided to consumers by businesses on Yelp. Actual costs may vary.
Key takeaways
The price of installing a new tile backsplash depends on the material you choose, how long the job takes, and other variables
Labor costs may be higher with irregularly shaped or patterned tiles
You can save money by removing old tiles yourself
Adding tile to your bathroom or kitchen backsplash—that is, the panel behind your sink or stove—is a simple way to add beauty and style to your home. It’s a low-maintenance home improvement project that protects the wall from water or grease splatters.
While some homeowners may be tempted to install the tile themselves, DIYers often find that it’s difficult to do this properly. Achieving a beautiful-looking result requires time, patience, and specialized skills. Professional tile installers have the tools and experience needed to install tiles evenly and attractively, work with irregularly shaped areas and tiles, and create a tile surface that won’t break or crack over time.Â
When you look for a tile installer, make sure they’re properly licensed, certified, and insured. Check their references, online reviews, and portfolio of similar jobs. Other positive signs include membership in the National Tile Contractors Association or training by the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation.
Whether you’re just putting in new tile or planning a full bathroom or kitchen remodel, this cost guide will help you determine the price.
Learn more: How to install bathroom tiles (or hire a pro).
The national average cost to purchase and install 16 square feet of backsplash tile is about $1,000, or approximately $62 per square foot. Specific prices depend on tile size, type, and quality.Â
Most professional backsplash tile installers charge by the size of the area to be covered. Those labor costs, which will be figured into the total price, average about $10 per square foot, or $160 for each 16-square-foot area.Â
Other contractors bill according to their time, at an average cost of $40–60 per hour. Because it’s labor-intensive work, even small jobs can take at least 2 days.Â
You’ll pay about $25–60 per square foot (sq. ft), or $400–960 per 16 square feet, for the tile material itself. Here are the prices for specific kinds of tile:Â
Ceramic tile: $20–25 per square foot, or $320–400 for 16 square feet.
High-end materials such as natural stone tile, porcelain tile, or glass tile: $30–60 per square foot, or $650–960 for 16 square feet.
Mosaic tile, with an elegant patterned design that can be made from ceramic, porcelain, glass, or travertine: $60–85 per square foot, or $960–1,360 for 16 square feet.
Your tile backsplash installation bill may also include the cost of various hardware items, such as fabrication and polishing materials, underlayment, adhesives, cement backer board, spacers, grout, and surface sealants. Total material cost: $80–100+.
The following elements can add to the time and difficulty of the job, which will increase the price.Â
Designs requiring multiple cuts. Not only do these take longer to install, but complex patterns may also lead to more wasted tile. For example, choosing an angular pattern, such as a herringbone chevron, will require about 20% more material.
Electrical outlets, fixtures, and other obstacles. Cutting tiles and working neatly around these elements adds time and expense.
Trim or other ornamental elements. Adding a contrasting trim around the borders of the backsplash, or inserting colored or patterned tiles inside a block of solid-color tiles, can increase the total backsplash prices by up to 20%.
Adding protective sealant. Unglazed and glazed ceramic tiles are nearly identical in price, but glazed tiles don’t require the addition of a protective sealant (with an average added cost of about $1 per square foot).
Dealing with old materials. Removing old tile from a large backsplash can cost $150–325 for 50 square feet, or $3–6 per square foot; disposing of it can cost $50–150. If the drywall behind the backsplash has been ruined and needs to be removed and replaced, you may need to spend an extra $150 for 50 square feet.Â
There are several possible ways to reduce your costs for a kitchen or bathroom backsplash without affecting the quality of the job.Â
Remove and dispose of your old backsplash yourself. If you have the time and skills, this can reduce the installer’s time and labor costs.
Consider purchasing tiles yourself. If you can find sale or overstock prices, it may cost less than having the installer provide them. Just make sure they’re the right kind and none of them are broken.
Combine different tile designs. Blending colors and designs is an effective way to install a new backsplash that fits your budget while also achieving a distinctive aesthetic. Be sure to pick tiles that are the same size and thickness.
How much does it cost to remove and replace kitchen backsplash tile?
Removal of backsplash generally costs about $3–6 per square foot. Professional installation of new tile backsplash, with labor and expenses, costs an average of $1,000 per 16 square feet, depending in part on backsplash square footage and the size and type of tile.
How much does it cost in labor to install subway tile backsplash?
Tile backsplash installation costs—including single-color ceramic tiles like the kind you’d find in a subway—can run anywhere from $2–17 per square foot, depending on the job’s size and difficulty.
How much does it cost to rip out backsplash?
The average price to have tile backsplash materials professionally removed is $3–6 per square foot, plus an added fee for disposal. You may face extra costs if the drywall behind the backsplash needs to be replaced.
Every year, millions of consumers request quotes on Yelp from top-rated local professionals. We combine these real-life project quotes with data from the millions of people who interact with businesses on Yelp today. We use our years of expertise to create handy local cost guides that you can trust. Get accurate estimates on projects in your area, from roofing to moving.
Every year, millions of consumers request quotes on Yelp from top-rated local professionals. We combine these real-life project quotes with data from the millions of people who interact with businesses on Yelp today. We use our years of expertise to create handy local cost guides that you can trust. Get accurate estimates on projects in your area, from roofing to moving.
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