The cost of a tile kitchen tile backsplash can vary significantly based on several factors. We would like to discuss your particular needs, but if you are just window shopping right now, this article can help you get a better idea about what you can expect to pay for a new tile backsplash. For the most up-to-date guestimates, view our pricing page. When you reach out to us online or call 805-286-7460 to discuss pricing, we can get more specific about the cost of your project.
Kitchen Tile Backsplash Material Selection
One of the main factors that can influence pricing is material selection. Basic tile options in standard sizes and shapes, such as subway tiles, will cost less. Other options, such as tiles with special finishes, custom tiles, irregular sizes and shapes, and rare, exotic stone tiles can be very expensive. Of course, there are plenty of gorgeous mid-range selections available to fit a wide spectrum of budgets. Long story short, your material selection budget is all about tradeoffs. Pay now, or pay later. Let’s unpack these concepts.
When you’re shopping for tile, keep in mind that the initial cost of the material does not include the cost of care and maintenance, nor does it include the cost of replacement. Spending more on the initial cost of the tile may mean spending less as time goes on.
The cost of tile care and maintenance varies, depending on a few factors, like what type of tile you have and how aggressive your cooking and cleaning habits are. Is it likely that your backsplash will be bumped or scraped on a regular basis? How often will nearby oils and sauces get splattered?
Periodic professional stone and tile restoration services can help maintain the fresh, clean appearance of your backsplash. Our articles, Natural Stone Tile vs Ceramic Tile and Tile Selection: Why Location Matters have more relevant information, if you would like to look into material selection further.
The good news is that backsplashes tend to need less care and maintenance or replacement compared to other tile surfaces, like floors in high-traffic areas, for example. Aesthetic preferences, like wanting to try out a hot new tile backsplash trend or just wanting a change in color or style are probably the most common reasons people replace kitchen tile backsplashes.
For the most part kitchen tile backsplashes hold up pretty well and don’t get abused in a way that leads to dents and scratches. The biggest consideration is staining around the cooking area and behind the sink. I usually encourage clients to get the tile they like and not worry too much about the durability unless they know their cooking habits regularly lead to messy walls.
Adam Copher, Owner of Copher Tile & Stone
Improper installation is also a reason people have to replace a kitchen tile backsplash — usually prematurely. Read on, as this will be addressed later in this article.
Kitchen Tile Backsplash Design Preferences
Another significant factor that can influence pricing is your tile design preference and the complexity of craftsmanship required to achieve the look you want. For example, client design preferences can range from understated backsplashes that serve as functional backdrops to bold backsplashes that serve as kitchen focal points.
Ordinary layouts and designs take less time and skill to complete. If your budget it tight, but you intend to keep your backsplash for a very long time, we would suggest investing more money in higher quality tile and keep your design preferences simple and classic. This approach will provide both an elegant look and durability.
Herringbone or other more complex designs and custom designs with intricate cuts and patterns will require extra brainstorming, problem solving, and attention to detail. This will naturally drive the cost of your backsplash up due to the extra time and effort necessary to accomplish a more detailed installation process while still adhering to appropriate installation methods. This can also be true of small tiles, like penny tiles or intricate mosaic tiles. If your budget is tight, but you just can’t imagine compromising on design choices, choose lower end tile, use care, and understand it may need professional attention a little sooner than top-of-the-line tiles.
Kitchen Tile Backsplash Size and Features
For obvious reasons, the size of your kitchen and backsplash area will play a big part in your material requirements, and the more material you need, the more your backsplash will cost.
An expansive kitchen will require more tiles, and a cozy little kitchen will require less. But this isn’t always the case. For example, maybe you have a small kitchen, but very high ceilings, and you want your kitchen tile backsplash to extend from countertop to ceiling. Or maybe you have a large kitchen, but you want to leave some blank wall space between the top of the backsplash and the kitchen wall cabinets.
Kitchen features can also impact how much material you will need. If there are no windows, cabinets, shelves, or other features to contend with, it means less work for the installer and a lower cost for the installation. Anything that breaks the continuity of tile will add labor time to the project. Another consideration is edges. Will your contractor be installing trim, bullnose tiles, or creating a custom edge as part of the design? These factors will impact your backsplash pricing.
Proper Installation Can Eliminate Unnecessary Costs
Perhaps the most important consideration of all is choosing a reputable tile installation company to provide high-quality tile kitchen backsplash installation services. Less-than-reputable contractors may not charge as much as contractors who have been properly trained, adhere to industry standards and manufacturer’s instructions, and take their time to achieve a beautiful, lasting installation. Cutting corners may cut costs, but eventually (if not immediately), those ill-advised shortcuts will result in problems. What kind of problems? Unsightly ones. Costly ones.
- Unevenly laid tiles (can create difficulty with cleaning)
- Misaligned tiles
- Inconsistent gaps between tiles
- Grout discoloration
- Grout cracking
- Water damage
- Grout haze on tile surfaces
- Staining or discoloration
- Tile cracks, chips, and breaks
- Loose tiles
- Sliver cut tile edges (due to poor layout design)
- Other problems
Regardless of whether your project is low end or you’re considering sparing no expense, hiring a qualified installer can help ensure you are happy with your investment now and in the years (or decades) to come.
by Alice Dean
Copher Tile & Stone proudly stays up to date on tile installation with ongoing education with Mapei Technical Institute, Ardex Academy, the National Tile Contractors Association, Laticrete, and Schluter. Copher is a Certified Tile Installer (#1644).
