Contents
- Why comparing prices matters
- Costs by type of backsplash
- How the price is built up
- DW Original vs Solid vs Glass
- Compared with the alternatives
- Hidden costs
- Smart ways to save
- Frequently asked questions
- Work out your price
Why comparing prices is essential with a kitchen backsplash
You have decided: the kitchen is getting a new backsplash. But what does that actually cost? Whether you go for tiles, glass, aluminium or something else, prices vary enormously. From €40 for a simple plastic panel to more than €2,000 for a made to measure glass wall including fitting.
The problem? Most price information online is vague or out of date. Tradespeople charge labour that is mentioned nowhere. Material costs are presented without context. And hidden costs such as grouting, preparing the surface and disposing of the old material are missing entirely.
In this article we give you a complete and honest overview of all kitchen backsplash costs in 2026. With concrete worked examples, a comparison across every popular material and money saving tips that can save you hundreds of euros. Based on the thousands of backsplashes we have produced at Designerwand and on current market rates charged by tradespeople.
Want to know your price right away?
At designerwand.nl you enter the measurements of your kitchen and see the exact price straight away. No quote needed, no waiting.
What does a kitchen backsplash cost? An overview by material
Below is a complete overview of kitchen backsplash costs by material type. The prices are based on an average kitchen backsplash of 2.5 m² (300 cm wide, 60 cm high). Including both material costs and estimated labour where it applies.
| Type of backsplash | Material cost | Labour cost | Total (2.5 m²) | Do it yourself? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic / HPL | €40 – €150 | €0 – €100 | €40 – €250 | Yes |
| DW Original (aluminium composite) | €100 – €350 | €0 (do it yourself) | €100 – €350 | Yes, 30-60 min |
| Solid (solid aluminium) | €150 – €500 | €0 (do it yourself) | €150 – €500 | Yes, 30-60 min |
| Tiles (including laying) | €75 – €250 | €150 – €450 | €225 – €700 | No, a tradesperson |
| Stainless steel | €200 – €600 | €100 – €300 | €300 – €900 | Sometimes |
| Glass (tempered glass, Designerwand) | €200 – €650 | €0 (do it yourself) | €200 – €650 | Yes, with help |
| Glass wall (specialist) | €300 – €800 | €200 – €500 | €500 – €1,300 | No, a specialist |
| Natural stone | €400 – €1,200 | €250 – €600 | €650 – €1,800 | No, a tradesperson |
Prices as at April 2026
The prices above are based on current market rates and figures from tradespeople via the Dutch platforms Werkspot and Homedeal. Prices for Designerwand products are current webshop prices.
What stands out immediately: the total cost tells a different story from the material cost alone. Tiles are cheap as a material, but the labour makes the whole picture considerably more expensive. The same logic applies to a glass backsplash from a specialist: the material is comparable, but the fitting drives the price up.
How the price of a kitchen backsplash is built up
To make a fair comparison, it helps to understand what the backsplash price is made of. The total always comes down to a combination of four factors.
1. Material cost
The material is the basis of the price. Plastic is the cheapest, natural stone the dearest. At Designerwand you choose from three materials, each offering a different balance of price and quality. The material cost is calculated from the surface area (width x height).
2. Dimensions (size)
The price per metre differs per material, but the principle is the same everywhere: the larger the area, the higher the price. A standard backsplash is 60 cm high. The width runs from 100 cm (a small worktop) to 400 cm or more (a large kitchen with an island).
3. Cut-outs and made to measure work
Sockets, pipework and corner solutions call for accurate made to measure work. With tiles that means extra hours for the tiler. At Designerwand you specify the cut-outs in the online calculator and they are cut by machine. Cost: a small surcharge per cut-out.
4. Fitting and labour
This is the biggest unknown in the budget. A tiler charges €35 to €55 an hour and needs 4 to 8 hours. A glass specialist charges €200 to €500 for fitting. With a Designerwand backsplash you fit the panel yourself in 30 to 60 minutes. Fitting cost: €0.
“With traditional solutions the fitting is often half the total price. That is precisely where you can save the most.”
DW Original vs Solid vs Glass: which material suits your budget?
At Designerwand you choose from three materials. Each has its own strengths and price bracket. Below we compare them with concrete worked examples for an average kitchen.
DW Original
Aluminium composite
from €100
Made to measure, design included
- Lightweight (2.5 kg/m²)
- 500+ designs available
- Upload your own photo
- Fit it yourself
- Suitable for induction and electric
Most popular choice
Solid
Solid aluminium
from €150
Made to measure, design included
- Heat resistant (fine with a gas hob)
- Solid, premium feel
- 500+ designs available
- Upload your own photo
- Fit it yourself
Glass
Tempered glass
from €200
Made to measure, design included
- Tempered safety glass
- Heat resistant (fine with a gas hob)
- The ultimate premium look
- 500+ designs available
- Easy to clean
Worked example: a standard kitchen (300 x 60 cm)
An average kitchen has a backsplash of around 300 cm wide and 60 cm high (1.8 m²). Below we work out the cost per material for that size, with two socket cut-outs.
DW Original, 300 x 60 cm, 2 cut-outs
- Base panel 300 x 60 cm: €165
- Design (for instance Carrara marble): included
- 2x socket cut-out: €15
- Adhesive: €12
- Fitting (yourself, 30-45 min): €0
- Total: €192
Solid (solid aluminium), 300 x 60 cm, 2 cut-outs
- Base panel 300 x 60 cm: €265
- Design (for instance anthracite concrete): included
- 2x socket cut-out: €15
- Adhesive: €12
- Fitting (yourself, 30-45 min): €0
- Total: €292
Glass (tempered glass), 300 x 60 cm, 2 cut-outs
- Base panel 300 x 60 cm: €395
- Design (for instance walnut boards): included
- 2x socket cut-out: €20
- Adhesive: €12
- Fitting (yourself, 45-60 min): €0
- Total: €427
A free simulation, but samples are paid for
Unsure about the material or the design? Make use of the free simulation service: upload a photograph of your kitchen and receive a realistic visualisation. Would you rather feel the material for real? Then order a sample for a small charge.
Backsplash vs tiles vs IKEA vs a glass specialist
How does a made to measure backsplash compare with the most chosen alternatives? We compare four scenarios for the same kitchen (a 300 x 60 cm backsplash).
| Criterion | Designerwand Solid | Tiles plus a tradesperson | IKEA wall panel | Glass wall specialist |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total price | €280 – €350 | €400 – €800 | €100 – €200 | €700 – €1,500 |
| Made to measure | Yes, to the millimetre | Yes (cutting needed) | No, standard sizes | Yes |
| Design choice | 500+ designs plus your own photo | Limited to the tiles | 2-5 colours | RAL colours, limited |
| Fitting | Yourself, 30-60 min | Tradesperson, 4-8 hours | Yourself, 1-2 hours | Specialist, 2-4 hours |
| Upkeep | Damp cloth | Cleaning the grout | Damp cloth | Glass cleaner |
| Heat resistant | Yes (fine with gas) | Yes | Limited | Yes |
| Lifespan | 20+ years | 15-25 years | 5-10 years | 20+ years |
| Lead time | 5-10 working days | 1-3 weeks (waiting) | Take it home today | 2-4 weeks |
A made to measure backsplash wins on:
- Value for money
- The number of design options
- Ease of fitting
- No labour costs
- Fast delivery
Consider the alternatives if:
- You have the smallest budget (IKEA)
- You want a 100% glass look (a specialist)
- You want the texture of a real tile pattern (real tiles)
The conclusion is clear: for most kitchens a made to measure backsplash offers the best combination of price, design and convenience. Only on a very small budget (under €100) or with a specific preference for real tile texture do the alternatives make more sense.
6 hidden costs nobody warns you about
The price on the label is rarely the real price. These are the costs most people only discover when it is too late.
1. Removing old tiles
€200 – €500
Removing old tiles is a dusty, time consuming job. A tradesperson charges €200 to €500 depending on the area and how firmly the tiles are stuck. With a Designerwand backsplash you can skip this: fit the panel straight over the existing tiles.
2. Grout and tile adhesive
€35 – €70
Besides the tiles themselves you need grout (€15-€30), tile adhesive (€20-€40) and silicone. Small amounts that add up, particularly when the tiler charges these as materials on top of the hourly rate.
3. Preparing the surface
€50 – €200
Is the wall not flat? Then it has to be skimmed or sanded first. With tiles a perfectly flat surface is essential. A backsplash is more forgiving here: small irregularities are taken up by the adhesive.
4. Replacing grout (upkeep)
€150 – €350 every 5-10 years
Tile grout discolours, cracks and goes mouldy. Every 5 to 10 years it has to be renewed. These are recurring costs you never have with a seamless backsplash panel.
5. Dealing with mould
€50 – €250
Moisture behind tiles and in grout leads to mould, particularly around the worktop and the tap. Removing and preventing mould costs money and time. Seamless backsplashes avoid the problem entirely.
6. Disposal and tip charges
€50 – €150
Building waste cannot go out with the household rubbish. Disposing of old tiles, plaster and packaging costs €50 to €150 at the recycling centre or through a skip.
Total hidden costs with tiles
- Removing old tiles: €200 – €500
- Grout plus tile adhesive: €35 – €70
- Preparing the surface: €50 – €200
- Disposal and tip charges: €50 – €150
- Extra costs on top of tiles and the tradesperson: €335 – €920
With a Designerwand backsplash you pay only for the panel itself plus, if needed, a tube of adhesive (€10-€15). No hidden costs, no surprises afterwards.
7 smart ways to save on your kitchen backsplash
These tips save you hundreds of euros on the cost of your kitchen backsplash, without giving up on quality.
Tip 01
Fit it yourself
The biggest saving of all. A tradesperson costs €150 to €500 for fitting. Designerwand backsplashes you fit yourself with adhesive or double sided tape. No drill, no screws, no experience needed.
Saving: €150 – €500
Tip 02
Go straight over existing tiles
Removing old tiles costs €200 to €500. Skip that step by fitting a backsplash straight over the existing tiles. It saves money, time and mess.
Saving: €200 – €500
Tip 03
Choose DW Original on the tightest budget
DW Original offers the same 500+ designs as Solid and Glass, but at the lowest price. Perfect when heat resistance for a gas hob is not needed.
Saving: €50 – €200 against Solid or Glass
Tip 04
Measure accurately
Do not order larger than you need. Measure the width and height to the millimetre. That way you do not pay for material you will not use. At Designerwand you give exact measurements.
Saving: up to €50
Tip 05
Use the free simulation service
Avoid a bad buy by requesting a free simulation first. You see the design in your own kitchen before you order. No risk, no returns.
Saving: avoids a bad buy
Tip 06
Only combine what you need
Do you have a gas hob? Then heat resistance is only needed behind the hob. Consider DW Original for most of the run and Solid or Glass only behind the cooking zone.
Saving: up to €100
Tip 07
Compare the total price, not the price per m²
Tiles look cheap per m², but labour, grout and upkeep make the whole picture considerably dearer. Always work through the full cost.
Saving: a realistic picture
Need more inspiration?
Have a look at our kitchen backsplash ideas page for inspiration. Or read the complete guide to backsplashes for everything about materials, designs and fitting.
Frequently asked questions about kitchen backsplash costs
What does a made to measure kitchen backsplash cost?
A made to measure kitchen backsplash at Designerwand costs from €100 for DW Original (aluminium composite), from €150 for Solid (solid aluminium) and from €200 for Glass (tempered glass). The exact price depends on the dimensions, the design and any cut-outs. Use the online calculator for an instant price.
What does a glass kitchen backsplash cost?
A glass backsplash price varies a great deal. At a glass specialist you pay €500 to €1,500 for a standard kitchen including fitting. At Designerwand a glass backsplash (Glass) starts from €200 made to measure, including a UV print from 500+ designs. You fit it yourself and so save on labour.
How much does a backsplash cost per square metre?
The price per square metre differs per material. DW Original (aluminium composite) costs around €80 to €120/m², Solid (solid aluminium) around €100 to €160/m², and Glass (tempered glass) around €150 to €250/m². By way of comparison: tiles cost €30 to €100/m² excluding labour of €35 to €55 an hour.
Is a backsplash cheaper than tiles?
Comparing total costs: yes, usually. Tiles themselves are cheap (€30 to €100/m²), but add labour (€150 to €450), grout and adhesive (€35 to €70), possibly tile removal (€200 to €500) and upkeep. A Designerwand backsplash is an all-in price and you fit it yourself in 30 to 60 minutes.
What does it cost to have tiles laid as a backsplash?
Having tiles laid as a kitchen backsplash costs on average €400 to €1,200 including material and labour. Labour runs between €35 and €55 an hour, and a tiler needs 4 to 8 hours for an average kitchen. On top of that come material costs: tiles (€30 to €100/m²), grout and tile adhesive (€35 to €70).
Can I fit a backsplash over existing tiles?
Yes, and that is one of the big advantages. A Designerwand backsplash goes straight over existing tiles with adhesive or double sided tape. That saves the cost and mess of removing old tiles (around €200 to €500 for a tradesperson). Read the full fitting guide for more.
Which backsplash material is the cheapest?
DW Original (aluminium composite) is the cheapest material for a made to measure backsplash, with prices from €100. It is lightweight, easy to fit and available in 500+ designs. Do you have a gas hob? Then choose Solid (from €150) for extra heat resistance.
What does fitting a kitchen backsplash cost?
Fitting by a handyman costs €75 to €200 (1 to 2 hours of work). A glass specialist charges €200 to €500. At Designerwand the backsplashes are designed for self fitting in 30 to 60 minutes. All you need is adhesive (€10-€15) and a spirit level.
How do I work out what my kitchen backsplash will cost?
Measure the width and height of your backsplash area in centimetres. Go to the backsplash collection, choose a design and a material, and enter the measurements in the online calculator. You see the exact price straight away, including cut-outs for sockets. No quote needed, no waiting.
Are there hidden costs with a kitchen backsplash?
With tiles there are plenty of hidden costs: grout (€15 to €30), tile adhesive (€20 to €40), labour (€150 to €450), possibly removing old tiles (€200 to €500) and disposal charges (€50 to €150). With a Designerwand backsplash the online price is the whole price. All you need is adhesive (around €10 to €15). Read more on our FAQ page.
Work out the price of your kitchen backsplash right away
Choose from 500+ designs, enter your measurements and see what it costs straight away. Made to measure in the Netherlands, delivered in 5-10 working days.
View all backsplashes Request a free simulation
Further reading on kitchen backsplashes
Guide
Kitchen Backsplash: The Complete Guide [2026]
Everything about materials, designs and fitting. From marble to concrete, from aluminium to tempered glass.
Inspiration
Kitchen Backsplash Ideas
Discover the most popular designs and styles for your kitchen. From clean minimalist to warm rustic.
Fitting
Fitting a Kitchen Backsplash
A step by step guide to fitting your backsplash. Done in 30 to 60 minutes.
