Tile Backsplash: What It Is & Why It Matters

Project Completed by Traverse Renovations LLC

A backsplash is the vertical surface behind a kitchen countertop, stove, sink, or vanity area that protects the wall from splashes, moisture, stains, and wear. While its functional role is important, it also offers aesthetic value — the backsplash often becomes a focal point in kitchens and bathrooms.

Why a tile backsplash is good to have:

• Protection: It shields drywall or plaster from water, grease, splatters, and cleaning chemicals.

• Easy to clean: Glazed tiles resist stains and wipe down more easily than painted walls.

• Durability: Tiles, if installed correctly on a good substrate with quality grout, can last for decades.

• Design & style: Backsplashes allow homeowners to add texture, color, patterns, or accent elements without redoing entire walls.

• Value add: In many remodeling projects, a quality tile backsplash makes your kitchen or bath look more finished and upscale, which helps “sellability.”

  
  

Average Cost in the Lehigh Valley (and the U.S. Benchmarks)

Costs vary a lot depending on tile type, wall prep, complexity, and labor. Below are general benchmarks and how they might translate locally.

U.S. / National Benchmarks

• According to Angi, backsplash installation averages $15 to $40 per square foot (materials + labor) for normal conditions. Angi

• MK Remodeling reports average installed cost of about $31 per sq ft, with a typical range of $25–$36 depending on materials and layout complexity. MK Remodeling & Design

• HomeWyse gives a higher range ($28.16 to $49.35/ft²) for more basic tile work under ideal conditions. Homewyse

• The Spruce estimates that overall tile installation (walls, floors, other features) averages around $27 per sq ft, ranging from $9 to $46 depending on task type and complexity. The Spruce

Given those national benchmarks, you can expect kitchen backsplashes in the Lehigh Valley to land somewhere in the $20–$40/ft² range for standard tile + labor, with premiums for high-end materials or complex patterns

Local Considerations for Lehigh Valley

Because you’re in the Lehigh Valley (PA), you’ll want to factor in:

• Local labor rates (which may be a bit lower or higher depending on the town)

• Material delivery / supplier markups

• Wall condition, demolition or removal of any old backsplash

• Complexity (cutouts around outlets, plumbing, windows)

• Overhead, license, permits, and margin

So a “standard” 20 sq ft backsplash could cost (very roughly) $400 to $800 installed (again, depending on materials and complexity).

Most Common Tile Types People Use for Backsplashes

Here are popular tile choices, with pros/considerations:

Satori Pearl White Ceramic Subway

$0.89

• Lowe's + others

Daltile LuxeCraft Ceramic Picket Mosaic $6.48

• The Home Depot + others

Satori Hudson Glossy Porcelain Mosaic $5.99

• Lowe's + others American Olean Glass Linear Mosaic $12.98

• Lowe's + others Satori Brilliant White Picket Porcelain $7.98

• Lowe's Garden Center + others Aspect Peel & Stick Stone Backsplash $14.99

• Home Depot + others MSI Fluted Porcelain Subway $39.00

• Home Depot Elida Crackled Linear Porcelain Mosaic $14.98

• Lowe's + others Here are a few highlights / examples:

• Satori Pearl White Ceramic Subway — classic subway tile, goes with many styles, relatively affordable.

• Daltile LuxeCraft Ceramic Picket Mosaic — mosaic picket style for more texture and visual interest.

• Satori Hudson Glossy Porcelain Mosaic — glazed porcelain mosaic tiles that resist moisture well.

• American Olean Glass Linear Mosaic — glass tile option for more sparkle or accent features.

• Satori Brilliant White Picket Porcelain — porcelain picket tiles, durable and moisture-resistant.

• Aspect Peel & Stick Stone Backsplash — peel-and-stick stone veneer for easier install (less labor).

• MSI Fluted Porcelain Subway — textured or fluted subway tile for extra depth and character.

• Elida Crackled Linear Porcelain Mosaic — linear crackle-pattern tile for unique visual effect.

  
  

Here’s why many homeowners pick certain tiles for backsplashes:

• Ease of installation / availability: Subway tiles and standard mosaics are widely available, which helps keep cost down.

• Durability & water resistance: Ceramic and porcelain glazed tiles resist moisture and stains better than many materials.

• Style flexibility: Classic tile shapes (subway, mosaic, hex, linear) can adapt to many design styles.

• Low maintenance: They’re easier to clean, more stain-resistant, and less likely to discolor than painted walls.

• Accents & focal points: Using mosaics or glass accent bands allows a designer touch without doing the entire wall in a premium tile.

  
  

Tips to Keep in Mind (and Hidden Costs)

• Trim & edge pieces: Bullnose tiles, edge caps, or metal trims are often extra.

• Grout & sealant: Premium grout (e.g. epoxy grout) or sealing might add cost.

• Wall prep: If drywall is damaged or uneven, repairs, backer board, or leveling may be needed.

• Outlet / cutouts & crossings: Cutting around electrical boxes, windows, or fixtures increases labor.

• Tile waste & overage: Usually 10–15% extra is ordered to account for cuts, breaks, pattern matching.

• Retail vs contractor pricing: Homeowners may see marked-up costs; contractors can often source tiles at better rates.