How much does a backsplash cost?

A professional kitchen backsplash runs about $800 to $2,500 installed for a typical 30 sq ft area, depending on the tile. DIY material is roughly $200 to $700, which is most of the savings since the area is small.

Can I tile a backsplash myself?

Yes, a backsplash is one of the most beginner-friendly tile projects: small area, no traffic, and mesh-backed or subway tile that goes up quickly with mastic, spacers, and grout. It is a great first tile job.

Thinset or mastic for a backsplash?

Pre-mixed mastic is convenient and fine for dry wall areas like a kitchen backsplash. Use thinset for larger or heavier tile and any area that gets wet. For a standard backsplash, mastic is the easy choice.

How much tile do I need for a backsplash?

Measure the area, then add about 10 to 15 percent for cuts and waste, and a few extra for repairs. Confirm all boxes share the same lot number so the color matches across the project.

Is peel-and-stick backsplash any good?

Peel-and-stick tile is a quick, affordable, renter-friendly refresh for a dry backsplash with no mortar or grout. It works well in dry areas but is not for showers or constantly wet surfaces, where real tile is required.

PROJECT GUIDE · UPDATED JUNE 2026

Backsplash Tile Cost & Project Guide

Everything for your Backsplash Tile in one place: cost by state, DIY vs. hire, the tools and materials, and a local pro if you want one.

NATIONAL AVERAGE · UPDATED JUNE 2026

HIRE A PRO

$800–$2,500

DIY COST

$200–$700

Typical project: About 30 sq ft of kitchen backsplash tile

Skill levelBeginner-friendlyAnyone can take this on. The Blueprint walks you through it, step by step.

Get the Backsplash Tile Blueprint →

Exact cost by zip →Tools & materials →Find a pro →

Source: 3+ benchmark aggregations (RSMeans, Angi, Fixr, HomeGuide) plus Submitted Quotes data

Plan your Backsplash Tile

A quick checklist to get from idea to done. Want it as a printable PDF? Grab the full free version, emailed to you.

1Set a realistic budget using the cost range above.
2Check whether your project needs a permit in your state.
3Decide DIY or hire (see the breakdown below).
4Make your materials and tools list.
5If hiring, get three quotes and compare them like-for-like.
6Plan the timeline and order materials with a 10 percent buffer.

Get the full free Backsplash Tile checklist, emailed as a PDF →

Tools and materials for a Backsplash Tile

What you will actually buy. We flag what to rent versus own so you do not overspend on a one-time tool.

Materials

Wall tile · about 30 sq ft plus extra
Thinset or tile mastic · 1 unit
Grout and sealer · 1 set
Spacers, trim, and caulk · 1 set

Tools

Tile cutter or wet saw · rent or buy
Notched trowel and grout float · rent or buy
Level and mixing paddle · you likely own

See all the tools and materials worth buying →

Pro tips for your Backsplash Tile

The mistakes that cost DIYers the most, and how to stay ahead of them.

Too much adhesive in the joints

Grouting before the thinset cures

Crooked starting line

Skipping the caulk at the countertop seam

Should you DIY or hire for Backsplash Tile?

It depends on three things: your skill level, your time, and your tolerance for the riskiest parts of the project.

When DIY makes sense

→You have a free weekend and basic hand tools already on hand
→The project is straightforward with no structural or permit complexity
→You want to save 40–60% versus hiring a contractor
→Mistakes are low-cost and easily corrected
→You enjoy hands-on projects and want to build the skill

When to hire

→Your time is worth more than the labor savings
→You want a warranty-backed installation
→The project is part of a larger renovation with tight sequencing
→You discover unexpected issues (rot, mold, structural damage) mid-project

DifficultyEasy

Most homeowners with basic tool skills can complete this in a weekend.

Not planning to DIY? Find a local Backsplash Tile pro →

What drives the cost of Backsplash Tile

Materials

The single biggest material variable is your product choice. Subway tile and Mosaic or mesh-backed sheets sit at opposite ends of the price spectrum, a decision that can shift your materials budget by 40–60%. Key line items include wall tile, thinset or tile mastic, grout and sealer, each priced per unit and sensitive to regional supply-chain conditions. Bulk purchasing and timing your order outside peak season (spring and early summer) can reduce material costs by 10–15%.

Labor

BLS occupational wage data shows interior-trade crews earn $28–$52/hour depending on metro area, and most backsplash tile jobs require a two- to three-person crew for at least one full day. Labor typically accounts for 40–60% of the total project cost. Project complexity, custom details, tight access, or non-standard configurations, adds crew time and can push labor costs well above the national average.

Site conditions

Slope, soil type, and existing-structure condition are the three site factors contractors price most aggressively. Demolition or removal of old materials adds dumpster and disposal fees that rarely appear in online estimates. Local code requirements, permit fees, required inspections, and jurisdiction-specific material standards, can add $200–$1,500 to any project before a single tool is lifted.

Rather hire it out?

Find a vetted Backsplash Tile pro near you. We never sell your info and never take kickbacks.

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Backsplash Tile cost in your state

Backsplash Tile cost varies a lot by state. Open your state for locally calibrated hire and DIY numbers.

Backsplash Tile cost in Michigan →Backsplash Tile cost in California →Backsplash Tile cost in Texas →Backsplash Tile cost in Florida →Backsplash Tile cost in New York →Backsplash Tile cost in Pennsylvania →Backsplash Tile cost in Ohio →Backsplash Tile cost in Georgia →

See all home improvement costs by state →