Common Backsplash Tile Installation Costs in Tallahassee
Backsplash tile cost for labor and materails can vary depending on tile type, pattern and size of the backsplash.
Installing simple backsplash tile like 3×6 subway can be DIY friendly if you have the proper tools to cut and install the tile. But since most backsplash tile areas are small hiring a pro might not be as expensive as you think.
When it’s time to replace your existing kitchen backsplash or when considering the backsplash tile cost, especially in a new or remodeled kitchen, you may have some questions. Who can you trust to do the tile work? What are the average tile prices? How much can you expect to pay? We’re here to help you find the answers you need.
Backsplash tile cost can vary depending on pattern material and installation difficulty
McManus Kitchen and Bath is a full service remodeling company with an in-house design team and showroom right here in Tallahassee, FL.
We work exclusively with homeowners to help them remodel using a design-build approach that saves time, avoids confusion and creates better results.
Backsplash tile costs can vary depending on size and material they are made from
Backsplash Tile Installation: The Basics
Tile installers, also known as tile setters, manage several steps to install a kitchen backsplash, including
- cleaning the walls
- measuring and preparing the surface
- Choosing the right adhesive
- mixing, applying, and sealing the grout
- setting the tiles
- cutting the tiles with a wet saw
- cutting and installing tiles around outlets and switches
- cleaning the tiles
- reinstalling the outlet and switch covers.
Backsplash installation costs can vary based on the expereince and qualtiy of the installer. Backsplash tile installation needs to be precise.
The type of tile material, such as ceramic, porcelain or stone, can change what surface preparation is needed or what thinset is used.
You want the lines to be even and straight and you want to avoid lippage in the tile, where one edge of the tile is higher or lower than the edge of the tile next to it.
Because your backsplash is basically at eye level, if your tiles are poorly installed, it will be obvious to you and everyone who looks at it.
In the state of Florida, tile installers are not required to be licensed. You always want to look to hire someone who has insurance, for your protection as well as theirs.
You don’t need a permit to install or replace a backsplash in your Florida home, but a major kitchen remodel does require one. Your contractor can advise you on this.
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Should I Use a Handyman or a Tile Contractor?
That depends! If you have a lot of smaller jobs, repairs, or projects that you want to get done, you will probably want to hire a handyman–especially if they’re in different trade areas.
But if you need a single trade like backsplash tile installtion a trade specialist is almost always a better person to hire. You want someone who knows all the ins and outs of the project and can make adjustments when unexpected issues arise. You want someone with a lot of expertise in that given area of the home.
And you definitely need someone with a contractor’s license if you’re doing a full remodel. Handymen don’t always have those. Bottom line: hire a handyman for miscellaneous, smaller jobs and a trade contractor for larger, more complicated ones.
Backsplash Tile Cost: Labor
These prices are also specifically for remodels. Prices for new construction, apartments, and investment properties will be different.
For very small backsplashes you may wind up paying a minimum fee, usually around $650, regardless of the total square footage.
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- Mosaic Backsplash Tile Installation cost: $12-$15 per sq ft
- square of rectangular tile (up to 24″x24″) install cost: $6-$8 per sq ft
- Large backsplash tile install cost (great than 24″x24″) $15 – $20 a sq ft
- Handmade tile backsplash – $15-$20 a sq ft
Approximate Material Costs
When it comes to kitchen backsplashes, the type of tile you choose affects your material costs the most.
Ceramic and porcelain tiles are both great choices–easy to clean and come in many colors and styles. These tiles can cost anywhere from $3 to $8 a square foot.
If installing in a wet area like a shower porcelain tiles are a better choice, if you use a ceramic tile make sure the water absorbtion rate is less than 3%.
Glass tiles are beautiful and easy to care for, but cost more than some other options (in both materials and installation costs). Glass subway tiles can cost $8 – $12 a square foot.
Natural stone tiles give you a high-end, traditional look but require maintenance and are more costly. Natural stone tiles cost between $12 – $25 a square foot.
Handmade tiles, such as Zellige Tile, also cost more than manufactured tiles. Depending on the type they can start at $30 a square foot.
After you choose your tile, you can start to figure out what your material costs will likely be.
What Things Can Affect My Final Cost?
The type of tile you choose will affect your final cost. But there are other factors to consider as well.
- How big is the company you choose to do the work? Their size, popularity, and reputation will be a factor in how much they charge.
- Does your backsplash installer help you choose your tile as well? Does he order it, or do you? Does he store and deliver materials to your home, or do you have it delivered and he just comes and installs it? The level of service he offers will impact your bottom line.
- Is the job site easy to access? A house in the suburbs is easier to get equipment and materials to than, say, a condo downtown. If parking or accessibility is a problem, you’ll probably pay more.
- Is it an emergency job, an urgent one, or one you can wait on? The more of a hurry you’re in to get the job done, the more you’ll likely pay.
- Is this project a DIY gone bad? Or was it started by someone else? Fixing mistakes or finishing a job that was already started will usually cost more than starting from scratch. And if the project has existing code violations or needs to be brought up to code, you should expect the price to be higher.
Tile install in progress. A good installer wil protect your cabinets and counters
Where to Find a Trade Contractor and How to Evaluate Them
How Do I Find Someone I Can Trust?
Do you know anyone who has recently had a backsplash installed? Referrals from friends and family are a great way to start your hunt for a contractor. Just make sure you still do your due diligence and look into the person you’re considering hiring. Contractors sometimes have a great project one month and a poor one the next because of insufficient planning.
Consider contacting BIABB (Building Industry Association of the Big Bend), Tallahassee’s local builder’s association. Members of BIABB are licensed and insured and have a better chance of being reputable. Local supply houses can also usually point you in the direction of good contractors.
Google and Facebook are great resources as well. Keep in mind that smaller companies may not have a website for you to check out, so you may end up missing some good options. Ask for referrals on Facebook groups that are local to your area (Living Tallahassee is a great one).
And you can always call us. At McManus Kitchen and Bath, we only work with excellent tradespeople, and we are happy to give you a referral.
How Can I Evaluate a Backsplash Tile Installer I Want to Hire?
We have a lot of good information in this post, answering many of your questions about how to evaluate a potential contractor.
Ask for pictures of the tile they’ve installed and make sure it looks great. Request the contact information of a previous customer and see if they were satisfied. Make sure they’re willing to take the time to answer your questions and talk through the project with you. And go with your gut–do you feel comfortable having this person in your home?
Still Have Questions?
If you’re still unsure about how much to expect your kitchen backsplash project to cost, don’t feel confident about finding a good backsplash tile installer, or aren’t sure how to vet a potential contractor, give us a call. We’re here to help you with whatever you need for your remodeling project. We can assist you in designing and executing your project and are ready to answer any questions you have. We serve Betton Woods, Midtown, Summerbrook, and other Tallahassee areas. Contact us today and let us help make your home the best it can be.
