How much tile do I need for a 30 square foot backsplash?
A 30 square foot backsplash is 30 square feet, so buy 33 square feet of tile to allow 10 percent for cuts. In 12 × 24 in tile that is 17 tiles, about 3 boxes; in 12 × 12 it is 33 tiles. Setting it takes 1 bag of thinset and about 5 lb of grout.
Tile for a 30 square foot backsplash by tile size
| Tile | Tiles to buy (10% waste) | Boxes (15.5 sq ft) | Thinset, 50 lb bags | Grout |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 × 12 in | 33 | 3 | 1 | 6 lb |
| 12 × 24 in | 17 | 3 | 1 | 5 lb |
| 24 × 24 in | 9 | 3 | 1 | 3 lb |
| 6 × 24 in plank | 33 | 3 | 1 | 7 lb |
| 3 × 6 in subway | 249 | 3 | 1 | 17 lb |
A 30 square foot backsplash is 30 square feet; with 10 percent waste you need 33 square feet of tile. Grout assumes 1/8 in joints; thinset coverage depends on the trowel size the tile needs.
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Thinset, grout, and supplies for 30 square feet
- Thinset: 1 bag of 50 lb modified thinset for 12 × 24 tile with a 1/4 × 3/8 in notch trowel. Large-format tile over 15 in needs a 1/2 in notch and back-buttering, which is why the 24 × 24 count is higher.
- Grout: about 5 lb for 1/8 in joints with 12 × 24 tile; a 10 lb box is enough. Use unsanded grout for joints under 1/8 in.
- Surface prep: clean, deglossed drywall is fine behind a kitchen backsplash; use cement board only in a shower.
- Spacers: one bag of 1/8 in spacers covers this job. Sealer: 1 pint for the grout lines.
- Tools: a wet saw rental ($50 to $75 a day) for porcelain; a snap cutter handles ceramic.
What tiling a 30 square foot backsplash costs
Tile runs $1 to $5 per square foot for ceramic and porcelain at home centers and $8 to $20 for stone and designer tile, so 33 square feet is about $33 to $165 for standard tile. Thinset, grout, and spacers add $30 to $60. Professional installation typically runs $240 to $450 for 30 square feet, more for small tile, patterns, or intricate layouts. For a backsplash, many tile shops quote a flat $300 to $600 for a kitchen this size.
Common questions
How many 12x12 tiles for a 30 square foot backsplash?
33 tiles with 10 percent waste, since each 12 × 12 tile covers just under a square foot with its grout joint. In 12 × 24 tile it is 17, and in 3 × 6 subway tile 249.
How many boxes of tile for 30 square feet?
3 boxes at 15.5 square feet per box to get 33 square feet with waste. Box coverage varies from 10 to 16 square feet, so check the label and round up.
How much thinset and grout for 30 square feet of tile?
1 bag of 50 lb thinset for 12 × 24 tile, or 1 for 24 × 24, and 5 lb of grout with 1/8 in joints. Subway tile needs about 17 lb of grout because of all the extra joints.