How to Measure for Kitchen Backsplash Tiles
You have probably run into a dilemma during your kitchen remodeling project. You want to estimate the material cost, but you’re not sure how to figure out how much tile is required for the backsplash. Backsplashes use tiles that are smaller than a square foot, as opposed to flooring, which is measured in square feet or square yards. You must first determine the backsplash area to figure out how many tiles you’ll need for the job, and this article will guide you on how to do just that.
Where To Install Backsplash Tiles
Backsplashes are a large stretch of material that typically spans the entire length of a countertop and fills the spaces on a kitchen or bathroom wall between cabinets and the countertop.
Today’s tile backsplashes, when done right, may add a unique touch to one of the most used rooms in the house by adding distinctive textures, color schemes, and design patterns.
They should ideally be put at the same time as the countertop, but they can at any time be a DIY or professional project.
Importance of Kitchen Backsplash Tiles
A kitchen backsplash tile is a crucial but easily forgotten component of a kitchen remodel. Most people have no idea where to begin or of the best material for one. Backsplash tile should complement the countertop, match the floors and cabinets, and serve as the room’s center point.
It all depends on personal preference and openness to trying new things when choosing a backsplash tile for a kitchen. Tile backsplashes can quickly improve your home decor, for instance, you can use them to complement your country-style farmhouse kitchen with natural stone tiles under the oven hood.
When looking for the perfect backsplash tile for your home, there are a few factors to keep in mind.
What to Consider When Choosing Backsplash Tile
- Color Scheme
Choosing your color scheme should be one of your first decisions. You’ll need to make a choice on whether you want a colorful backsplash or to keep things simple.
ProTip Takeaway: A bright backsplash tile makes a strong first impression while a neutral backsplash can give your room just as much personality.
- Background Height
Homeowners frequently ignore a design element involving backsplash height. It is entirely up to you where the backsplash ends, however, cabinetry is sometimes a deciding factor. If you simply want a little area of tile, just extend your backsplash to the first shelf of an open shelving design.
- Material
It is important to determine which type of tile will go best with your overall design. Your choice of material should take into account both your personal preferences and the overall design aesthetic you’re aiming for.
- Budget
One of the most crucial factors to take into account when selecting backsplash tile and putting your design ideas into practice is your budget. You should incline toward normal field size tiles if money is tight.
Best Material for Kitchen Backsplash Tile
- Ceramic Tile / Porcelain
Ceramic tile, also known as porcelain tile, is the most common and extensively used alternative for a kitchen backsplash. This is because it is the most affordable and durable option available. They normally come in complementary sizes to the bigger floor field tiles.
There are lots of options for these types of tiles to transform your kitchen from traditional to modern. With so many variations and countless styles, you’re bound to find a tile that gives your kitchen a special look.
Ceramic tile is a popular backsplash option that averages around $25 per square foot to install.
ProTip Takeaway: Choose this tile for your kitchen backsplash if you want a bulletproof tile that requires very little maintenance and lasts forever.
- Natural Stone
Natural stone tile is perfect for your kitchen because it is ageless and never goes out of style. However, these tiles discolor quite easily since they are porous and considerably softer than porcelain or ceramic tiles.
Natural stone backsplash tiles must be well sealed before regular usage because of this. Using a superior penetrating stone sealer ensures the tiles are protected from everyday kitchen products.
Natural stone backsplash tiles and mosaics will cost significantly more than other materials. The cost to install a natural stone backsplash is anywhere from $10 to $95 per square foot. It will also cost an additional $10 to $20 per square foot for labor.
- Glass Tile
Glass backsplash tiles have quickly gained popularity because they are incredibly easy to clean and come in various sizes and colors. There are also mesh-mounted mosaics that can really make a backsplash pop.
Glass tile is you if you seek out something a little different from what porcelain or ceramic tile has to offer. If you want to have a significant impact and highlight the backsplash area, choose this tile. The average cost of glass backsplash tile installation is $30 per square foot.
- Metallic/ Stainless Steel
Metallic or stainless steel backsplash tiles include those with oil-rubbed bronze, brushed nickel, and other colors and finishes. These tiles can be solid or coated, but they need expert installation because you can install them wrongly as a DIY project.
The best way to install these tiles is to use them as an accent or insert tiles instead of covering the full space. Using them this way will help you to incorporate the colors of steel, chrome, and silver without having to worry about preventing streaks.
These tiles can be used to produce unique looks while giving your kitchen a wealth of warmth. The average cost of metallic or stainless steel backsplash tile installation is $20 per square foot.
- Hybrid (a blend of natural & synthetic)
Hybrid mosaic tile combines the best of both worlds. These hybrid mosaic backsplash tiles can combine glass and porcelain, glass and natural stone, or even a combination of all three.
These types of tiles are becoming more and more popular because they are so adaptable. Installation is fairly simple because they usually always come on a mesh. This is the backsplash tile to choose if you want something in between the simple ceramic or porcelain style and the more eye-catching glass. (Flooring America, 2021)
Measure for Your Kitchen Backsplash Tile
It can be difficult to determine how many tiles you will need for your backsplash job. It only takes a few quick calculations to determine how many tiles you’ll need for your kitchen backsplash. However, it is always advisable to contact an expert if you have a challenging backsplash project.
ProTip Takeaway: Make sure you order the right tile quantity as well as a little more to be on the safe side. There will always be a natural color fluctuation from one batch to the next, especially with handmade tile.
You will need:
- Tape measure
- Paper or notebook
- Pen or pencil
- Calculator
- Step 1
Determine the overall square footage of the backsplash in square inches. You’ll need to get your measuring tape and measure the height and width of your backsplash to determine this figure. (Four Generations One Roof, 2021)
- Step 2
Multiply the height by the width to find the total area in inches. Let’s imagine our backsplash area is 42″ (Width) x 24″ (Height) in size. You get a total of 1,008 square inches when you multiply.
- Step 3
You must next calculate the total square footage of your backsplash. This will be based on the square inches you have calculated. Divide the figure by 144 to find the number of square feet needed (this is the number of inches in a square foot).
42 x 24 is 1,008/ 144 =7 square feet.
- Step 4
As mentioned earlier, you should always order more tiles, therefore, be sure to always order at least 15% more. You should round up and order a minimum of 8 square feet of tile overall because 15% of 7 square feet is 1.05. (Fire Clay, 2020)
ProTip Takeaway: If there are several walls or sections, you can calculate each one’s area independently and then add them all up to get the total.
Cost to Install a Kitchen Backsplash Tile
|
Average cost |
$900 to $2,500 |
|
Cost per square foot |
$5 to $30 |
|
Labor costs |
$10 |
|
professional installation |
$1,000 |
|
Ceramic Tile / Porcelain |
$25 per square foot |
|
Natural Stone |
$10 to $95 per square foot |
|
Glass Tile |
$30 per square foot |
|
Metallic/ Stainless Steel |
$20 per square foot |
A typical backsplash can be made from almost any material which can result in wide price variations for the project due to the fluctuating cost of the materials.
The average cost of a new backsplash in the country ranges from $900 to $2,500, with most homeowners spending around $1,500 for a backsplash.
The material, shape, size, and state of the backsplash area all affect how much labor is required to install it. For simple materials like ceramic tile, the installation prices start at about $5 per square foot.
As for more difficult jobs like installing a slab backsplash, the cost can reach up to $30 per square foot.
Labor costs for most installations are around $10 per square foot; however, they might vary based on the material, thickness, and pattern.
The typical overall price for professional installation is around $1,000. (Angi, 2022)
Are You Ready To Replace Your Kitchen Backsplash Tiles
Do you need help measuring your kitchen backsplash tiles in Houston, TX? We are the best company with the best people for the job. Simply call us on 832 800 8889, or schedule your free consultation and one of our talented design consultants will get back to you.
