Are you shopping around for the price to tile a ceramic backsplash? Typically the cost will be $12 to $44 per square foot, including materials and labor.

Cost to tile a ceramic backsplash varies according to:

1. Tile quality (there is a huge range of ceramic tiles on the market, of varying quality and design)
2. Complexity of backsplash layout (eg, straight-set vs. offset or diagonal, inlays, etc.)
3. How level your counter or vanity top is
4. Desired height and width 

Cost Breakdown

The cost to tile a backsplash will usually include the following:

• Materials -- Materials include ceramic tiles, thinset, grout, and caulk for the area where the backsplash meets the countertop.
• Labor -- Labor cost usually includes both setting the tile and grouting the backsplash. The project is more complex than tiling a floor because it involves vertical installation in a cramped space and the alignment must be right on, since it will be so visible. Your tile contractor may also have to move any electrical outlets outward to accommodate the increased wall thickness.

Get the Most for Your Money

Install a tile backsplash in both your kitchen and your bathroom for more than just good looks and resale value. The backsplash will also protect your walls against moisture that "splashes back" from the sink.

A tiled backsplash will not go through the same heavy wear and tear as a tile floor. It's also a much smaller space. So feel free to save money by installing ceramic tile here that is not top of the line or by opting to buy discontinued tile at a discount.

Allow at least 24 hours for the thinset to dry before you use the sink in front of your brand new backsplash. If the installation is in your kitchen, that means you'll have to nuke a meal or two ... or eat out!