As the focal point of many homes, even the most cost-conscious homeowner may decide to remodel or add a few stylish touches to their kitchen. One way to spruce it up is by installing a new backsplash.

Tile is the most popular choice

The most popular, budget-conscious material for a kitchen backsplash is 2-4 inch ceramic or porcelain tile, which can be purchased online or at any home improvement store if you stick with something relatively simple.

Ceramic tile is extremely versatile and the most economical choice. Prices can vary dramatically from style to style, though, so before you get your heart set on one particular type, make sure you shop around and check out the price tag. Kitchen tiles can range from a buck a tile to more than $20, depending on whether they are hand made or machine-pressed. The clay, firing, and glaze all factor into the cost too.

One way to get extra bang for the buck is to select a simple, inexpensive tile for the field and trim, then use a distinctive mosaic or glass tile for a liner. Setting tile diagonally also adds an extra coolness factor, but is a more challenging cut which can be problematic if you are doing it yourself.

Applying the tile to just the counter area where you are likely to splash can also save a bundle instead of installing the backsplash throughout the kitchen.

More than ordinary tile

Aside from ceramic tile, here are a few typical materials and styles used in modern kitchen backsplashes:

• Mosaic Tile—Recently, mosaic tile patterns have been one of the most popular choices for backsplashes. Mosaics can be made out of glass or various types of clay. You can install them yourself or have it professionally done. They can run from $12+ per square foot depending your source. If your counter to cabinet distance is 18–20 inches and the length you want to cover is about 12 feet then your backsplash will be around 20 square feet. So, the project can end up at about $300 on the low end when you add in the cost of adhesive, tools, grout, and sealer. Of course, with more exotic tile the cost can be much more.
• Fused Glass and Ceramic Tile Murals—Glass or tile murals can add amazing style to your kitchen, but they are very pricey. A mural tile backsplash will cost about $50-$80 per square foot on the low end, and about $180 or more per square foot on the high end, so watch out for these if you're on a tight budget.
• Glass Tiles—Typically glass tiles range from $27 per square foot for standard colors at Lowe's, Menard's, or Home Deport and $50+ for more artistic colors. Custom-made patterns can cost much more. This particular backsplash is one of the most practical because it is the easiest to clean, doesn't stain, and few other materials offer such variety.