Kitchen Backsplash & Paint Refresh: calculators, shopping list & budget
A new backsplash and fresh paint change a kitchen for a fraction of a full remodel. The area is small, but outlets, windows and cabinet edges create a lot of cuts.
Measure each wall section, run the tile and paint calculators, and price everything in the template.
Kitchen Backsplash & Paint Refresh budget & shopping list template
- • Printable PDF checklist with quantities, estimated prices and an "Actual" column
- • Editable Excel or Google Sheets budget that calculates totals automatically, including contingency and remaining funds
- • Step-by-step plan and notes page
Which calculators do I need for this project?
Step 1
Tile Calculator
Estimate tiles, boxes and total square footage with waste factored in.
Step 2
Grout & Thinset Calculator
Estimate bags of grout and thinset for a tile job.
Step 3
Paint Calculator
Estimate gallons of paint for any room — doors and windows subtracted.
Step 4
Crown Molding Calculator
Estimate crown molding linear feet for any room.
How much does it cost?
30 sq ft subway-tile backsplash plus walls and ceiling painted. Estimated total: $442, or $486 with a 10% contingency.
| Item | Qty | Est. cost |
|---|---|---|
| Subway tile | 35 sq ft | $140 |
| Premixed thinset / mastic | 1 pail | $30 |
| Sanded grout, 10 lb | 1 bag | $18 |
| Edge trim (Schluter), 8 ft | 2 each | $44 |
| Kitchen & bath paint, gallon | 2 gal | $90 |
| Primer, gallon | 1 gal | $25 |
| Painter's tape, rollers & brushes | 1 kit | $35 |
| Tile cutter | 1 each | $40 |
| Caulk & outlet extenders | 1 lot | $20 |
Want this as a printable checklist and a self-totaling spreadsheet? Get the template.
What are the steps?
- Remove outlet covers and clean walls.
- Dry-lay tile and find the center line.
- Set tile from the counter up with spacers.
- Grout, wipe and seal.
- Prime and paint walls and ceiling.
- Caulk the counter joint and reinstall covers.
Material guides for this project
How much tile do I need for a backsplash?
Most kitchens have 25-35 sq ft of backsplash; add 10% for cuts around outlets and windows.
Can I tile over drywall?
Yes, a backsplash can go directly on sound, painted drywall with mastic or thinset.
How much paint does a kitchen need?
Usually 1-2 gallons for two coats, because cabinets cover much of the wall area.
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