Ceramic Tile Backsplash Installation Costs

The backsplash in any kitchen or bathroom is designed to protect and preserve the wallboard or other building material from constant exposure to water and cleansers. Over time, it has become a decorative element, and the cost for a ceramic tile backsplash installation is something that many are eager to discover.

The cost of this sort of project varies widely by region and by the complexity of the project, though it averages around $400 to $600 for a 16 square foot area, it can range far higher based on a long list of factors.

For one thing, the tile chosen is likely to have a significant impact on total cost, and it is possible to find plain unglazed tile along with premium artisan tiles that cost a great deal individually. Also, many homeowners opt for intricate patterns or for trims and decorative pieces that boost the time and skill needed to do a proper installation. The good news is that material costs are limited to the tiles, mortar, and any extras (trims and decorative items), and the rest of the cost is labor.

Other considerations and costs

• It is possible to purchase tiles from the manufacturer or distributor and reduce the costs you might have paid if you bought tiles through the contractor or installer.
• Behind any ceramic tile installation, it is necessary to have proper drywall or tile wallboard. This may need to be installed before the work of the tile installation is done. The average cost for this is at least $150 in materials and labor but exceed that if the carpenter has to work around plumbing, outlets, and appliances.
• Removal of existing backsplash tiles or materials is also going to affect the final cost and will average anywhere from $200 to $400.
• When a homeowner opts for unglazed tiles, they will also have to have their installer apply a few coats of protective sealant, which costs around $100, or more.
• Ceramic tiles are easy to work with, but your installer may still need to do a lot of cutting, and this should be kept in mind when choosing the pattern you desire in the kitchen or bathroom.

DIY considerations

• It is entirely possible to do DIY ceramic tile installation, but if it is the first time you are attempting such a project, it may not be the wisest choice. There is a lot of skill required to set tile properly and a lot of room for mistakes.
• A DIY effort means renting a cutting tool and figuring out how to place the tiles properly. It may not be a fast or practical method, and it is usually best to leave such vital projects to pros.

References

• Craftsman Estimator Costbook, complete series year 2019.
• Latest prices found on Home Depot and other vendor Web sites.
• Literature review of DIY Web sites.