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How to Budget for a Kitchen Backsplash

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How to Budget for a Kitchen Backsplash

Tackle a $1,500 kitchen backsplash this winter without taking a huge hit to your checking account.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $1,500 before anything else
Across the 0% window $83.33/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $1,500 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

A new kitchen backsplash changes the whole look of your space in about two days. It wipes down easily, stops grease stains on drywall, and gives the kitchen a finished feel. Winter is usually the best time to do it, since trade contractors slow down and tile suppliers clear out stock.

A standard tile job runs around $1,500 for labor and materials. If you shop the sales and split up the bill over time, you can handle the cost without blowing up your monthly budget.

A 0% rate is a strict deadline, not free money. If you still carry a balance after those 18 months end, the standard interest rate kicks in on whatever is left, making the remaining bill much more expensive.

The steps

  1. 01

    Time your tile purchase

    Contractors and stores drop prices after the holiday rush. Shop the winter home improvement sales to catch discounts on subway tile or natural stone. Booking labor in January or February also gives you more leverage on scheduling.

  2. 02

    Get multiple quotes

    Do not hire the first tile installer you talk to. Get written estimates from at least three contractors. Make sure each quote details tile removal, wall prep, grout, and cleanup so you are comparing equal offers.

  3. 03

    Use zero-percent financing

    Instead of paying $1,500 upfront, use a 0% APR card to give yourself breathing room. The Citi Simplicity® Credit Card gives you 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. Put $83.33 aside each month, and you will clear the balance before any interest kicks in.

  4. 04

    Buy the materials yourself

    Contractors often mark up materials if they supply them. Order the tile, grout, and trim pieces directly from a home store. Just ask your installer for the exact square footage and add ten percent for cuts.

  5. 05

    Set up automatic payments

    Set up automatic payments for that $83.33 monthly target right away. That keeps you from forgetting a due date while your focus is on the renovation. You want the job finished and paid off well before the promo ends.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

How long does installing a backsplash take?

Most standard backsplash jobs take two days. Day one is for wall prep and setting the tile, while day two covers grouting, sealing, and cleanup.

Is $1,500 typical for a kitchen backsplash?

Yes, $1,500 is a normal average in the US for professional labor and mid-range tile. Complex patterns like herringbone or expensive marble will push that price higher.

Can I install a tile backsplash myself to save money?

You can, but it requires a wet saw, precise cuts, and careful wall prep. If you make a mistake with mortar or layout, fixing it often costs more than hiring a pro from the start.

How much extra tile should I order?

Always add 10 to 15 percent to your total square footage. That covers broken tiles, awkward corner cuts, and gives you a few extra pieces for future repairs.