How Much Does Backsplash Installation Cost in 2025?

Average Backsplash Installation Cost

Backsplash Installation Cost Factors

The cost to install a backsplash depends on which material you use. Backsplash tiles, sheets, and slabs can cost anywhere from $11 per square foot to $310 per square foot, but other factors also impact the total price of your project.

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 a general estimate based on your area size.

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. Most homeowners pay between $300 and $1,000 for a 16-square-foot backsplash, but you could save on a renter-friendly, peel-and-stick option.

Homeowners spend a little more on bathroom backsplash installation costs. The typical project is between $600 and $1,350, a fraction of the cost to retile your entire bathroom. If you are retiling, expect to spend an additional $3 to $6 per square foot for your contractor to remove your old backsplash, plus an additional $100 to $150 for debris disposal.

Patterns

Elaborate patterns like mosaic or herringbone backsplashes cost more because they take longer to cut and install. The same goes for custom patterns. Some contractors could charge up to $100 per hour to install complex designs, which is about twice the typical amount for labor.

Labor

Labor typically costs between $40 and $60 per hour, which translates to an additional $10 per square foot on top of your material costs. For certain materials, labor costs will rise. For example, it can cost up to $30 per square foot to install a marble slab backsplash because of the weight of the stone. Installing an intricate mosaic could also cost more because it takes more time.

Wall Prep

Preparing a wall for backsplash typically includes filling holes and cracks, sanding the wall, and cleaning the wall. Most of this can be done yourself, but if you’d prefer to hire a professional, expect to pay your contractor an hourly rate between $40 and $60 per hour.

Removing Existing Backsplash

If you must remove existing tile backsplash, expect to pay between $2 and $5 per square foot in additional labor costs. Backsplash 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 material. 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 typically require less maintenance, while smaller tiles require more regular tile and grout cleaning.

Expect to add an average of $10 per square foot for professional installation, excluding the cost of grout, adhesives, and other materials used during installation. 

Beadboard

Beadboard is sold in both slats and panels, whether you choose hardwood or an imitation made from PVC or medium-density fiberboard. Overall, you’re looking at a total project cost of around $11.80 to $13.50 per square foot installed. Hardwood beadboard costs around $1 per square foot, while other types cost between $0.50 and $0.75 per square foot. You can’t lay down beadboard without a baseboard and caps, which cost $0.30 to $2.50 per square foot. 

Ceramic Tile

Tile installation costs vary significantly depending on the shape and pattern of your tiles. Expect to spend anywhere from $1 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. Generally, a contractor typically charges $10.50 to $11 per square foot for the project.

Vinyl Tile

In general, you can expect to spend between $12 and $20 per square foot to have a professional install vinyl tile, though there are peel-and-stick options to make installation easier. The tiles alone cost anywhere from $2 to $10 per square foot. This material is popular because it’s wallet-friendly and comes in various sizes, styles, colors, and designs (although it’s not heat-resistant and should not be used near a stove). 

Porcelain Tile

Porcelain is a popular backsplash material because it’s water-resistant and more durable than ceramic. Expect to spend between $13 and $40 per square foot on porcelain tile installation. The tiles generally cost between $3 and $30 per square foot for materials, though luxury and custom tiles can cost more. 

Slate Tile

Slate is a natural stone favored for its look, heat resistance, and overall durability. A contractor typically charges between $14 and $38 per square foot to install a slate tile backsplash. The tiles usually cost between $4 and $10 per square foot, but high-end options could cost more than $28 per square foot.

Marble or Granite Tile

The typical homeowner spends between $17 and $110 per square foot to have marble or granite tile professionally installed. This is considered a high-end backsplash material, and eye-catching varieties and luxury finishes can dramatically increase the price.  

Most homeowners spend $7 to $15 per square foot on the tiles alone, but the cost could rise as much as $100 per square foot for rare stones like Calacatta marble. Despite the higher potential cost, granite and marble stone tiles are significantly more affordable than their slab counterparts.

Plastic Panels

The plastic panels used for backsplashes are typically made from PVC. You’ll often find them in peel-and-stick sheets that make for easy installation. PVC subway tile is particularly trendy because it’s a fraction of traditional subway tile installation costs and doesn’t require grout. Expect to pay $10 to $20 per square foot for the panels and another $10 per square foot if you hire a pro to install them.

Stainless Steel 

Stainless steel comes in both tiles and sheets. It’s a popular option for outdoor and commercial kitchens because of its durability and corrosion resistance. You can expect to pay between $10 and $35 per square foot for stainless steel tile and $40 to $90 per square foot for a stainless steel sheet. Add another $10 per square foot for professional installation.

Glass Tile

Glass tile costs anywhere from $20 to $50 per square foot to install. The cost depends on the design, and there’s a huge range of colors, finishes, and styles. The more intricate, the more expensive the tile. For example, installing a stained glass mosaic will cost more than installing a standard glass tile backsplash with a traditional glossy finish. Expect to spend between $10 and $40 per square foot on the glass tiles alone.

Stone Slab

There’s a large range in price when it comes to stone slabs because there are so many types. For example, a travertine slab can cost $25 to $50 per square foot, a little less than a basic granite slab. Rare marble slabs could cost as much as $300 per square foot. This doesn’t include the labor cost, which can add as much as $30 per square foot if you’re dealing with a 200-pound slab. Stone slabs cost anywhere between $35 and $310 per square foot to install. 

Does Installing a Backsplash Increase Home Value?

Installing a backsplash may increase the value of your home, but it’s not guaranteed. Backsplash primarily adds aesthetic value, so the added home value depends on the stylistic taste of potential buyers. Adding details like backsplash often helps your home sell faster but may not necessarily increase the total sale price.

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:

• Tackle some tasks yourself: Consider removing the old backsplash or prepping the wall yourself. It’s important to proceed slowly and carefully to avoid damaging the drywall underneath, but tackling these tasks yourself can be a good way to save on labor costs.

• 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-shape 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.