Keep in mind, that a backsplash is usually alot more ornate than any other installation. Additionally, it's what you want to attract attention to, in most cases, so everything has to be perfect, or it's not good enough. Add to that the contorted positions the installer usually ahs to get into to get up close and see what he's doing, and you have an idea of why they're so expensive. Although I'll go as low as about 15.00 per square foot for a bare bones tile covering, most of the custom backsplashes I do are closer to betwen 25-35.00 a foot for the labor. mommy2taylor-- That just might be enough. You might draw out what you want before you ask for quotes, as well as getting prices on the material you want to use. For something like what you have pictured there, you could figure about 650.00 for the labor, based on 17 linear feet of backsplash. That would mean you have about 350 for the materials, and that's very doable. I just did one about the exact same size (25 square feet), and the materials came to about 370.00:

It needs to be FLAT and primed. Otherwise the moisture in the mastic or thinset will damage the drywall and suck the moisture out if it when you apply it. Not good for either material.

didn't have time to read all the answers. I have no backsplash and have never regretted it...been over 6 yrs. It is painted with BM matte...which has ceramic in it. It is as beautiful now as it was when first painted. I love the fact that I can showcase other things ...art etc in my kitchen and no competition. Also if I ever want to change it is as quick as a paint brush...expense is minimal..paint only ! All in all I think it is serene as you point out . Here is one pick. Since I have a lot of high heat cooking in my kitchen..built in deep fat fryer as well as gas cook top I can definitely speak to the longevity of paint only. c ( more at this album )

I'm not sure how I came across this post, I think it was displayed on the right side and I clicked on it being intrigued by the tile making. I was at one time interested in working with papercrete and hypertufa. But after enlisting my brother, who wasn't as enthusiastic, and my niece, who poured cement down my laundry room sink, which original to the house had lasted 70 years, and ruining three blenders, my interest waned. True to form, if I come upon difficulty in a project, I think of it as a sign for me not to continue. And really, after all these years of trying various crafts that result in crap, I should know better. I also should have known better than to ask my brother, who always says it can't be done to any of my unique design ideas. And I should have known better than to ask my niece, who once stayed up all night before having to drive to LA for an art show, cutting mat after mat after measuring once, twice, sometimes ten times, but always coming out with the wrong size. I think we both have math dyslexia. I should video us trying anything crafty to see where we go wrong. I think both of us having ADHD might have something to do with it. Sorry for the backstory and run on sentences. So, I just wanted to see if you continued with your venture. And to say sorry for whatever tragedy occurred to cause you to have to move to Florida. Not that there is anything wrong with Florida, but it isn't Panama. Which is one of my favorite places in the western hemisphere. I hope no one is upset that I brought up a seven year old post.