INTERIOR FINISHES
How Much Does a Kitchen Backsplash Cost?
Estimate kitchen backsplash material and installation cost per square foot — with the free calculator.
A backsplash protects the wall behind your counters and gives the kitchen its biggest visual punch per dollar. The price depends on tile, size and layout. This guide covers the cost per square foot and a calculator.
THE SHORT ANSWER
The short answer
Kitchen backsplash runs $10–$40 per sq ft installed. Ceramic and subway tile are budget; glass mosaic and natural stone cost more. A typical 30 sq ft backsplash costs $300–$1,200.
Tile options and prices
Ceramic and porcelain run $3-$10 per sq ft and are durable. Subway tile is timeless at $3-$8. Glass mosaic costs $10-$25 but adds a premium look. Natural stone runs $15-$40. Labor adds $10-$25 per sq ft.
- Ceramic/porcelain: $3–$10 per sq ft
- Subway tile: $3–$8 per sq ft
- Glass mosaic: $10–$25 per sq ft
- Natural stone: $15–$40 per sq ft
- Installation: $10–$25 per sq ft
What drives labor cost
Cutting around outlets, windows and corners takes time. Small-format tile and mosaics are slower to install. Simple subway layouts are the cheapest. Removing old tile or drywall adds $1-$3 per sq ft.
Materials add up
Thinset, grout, backer board and sealant are usually separate line items. Premium grout and edge trim (bullnose) add cost. Ask for an all-in quote — materials alone can be 30-40% of the project.
Try the calculator with your kitchen
Enter the backsplash area, tile price per sq ft and installation per sq ft to see the total.