Backsplash installation cost: what pros charge in 2026
Short answer: Homewyse puts a professionally installed tile backsplash at about $28 to $50 per square foot (May 2026), before tax and any contractor markup. A typical 30-square-foot kitchen backsplash lands around $850 to $1,500 at that rate. Mosaic, glass and natural stone cost more.
National figures from the sources listed at the bottom. Local prices vary; use them as a starting point.
What it costs
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Installed, per sq ft (Homewyse) | $28.31–$49.78 |
| 30 sq ft kitchen backsplash | About $850–$1,500 (calculated) |
| Not included | Tax, permits, outlet extenders, contractor markup |
Handyman or licensed pro?
Backsplash tile is handyman work. Outlets in the backsplash need box extenders; replacing or moving them is electrical work. Rules vary by state; see handyman license requirements by state.
How to quote it
- Measure the wall area and subtract windows.
- Quote tile, setting materials and labor separately; small mosaics take longer per foot.
- Add outlet box extenders and caulk at the counter joint.
More prices in the handyman price list.
Sources
Questions
How much does a tile backsplash cost to install?
About $28 to $50 per square foot installed, according to Homewyse, or roughly $850 to $1,500 for a typical 30-square-foot kitchen backsplash.
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