Basic
$13 – $36 per sq ft
Glossy white 3x6 in ceramic subway tile in an offset pattern, white grout, plain cut edges caulked at the counter

Ceramic or porcelain subway tile kitchen backsplash installed in a straight or offset pattern with thinset, grout and outlet cuts, per square foot of backsplash.
Subway Tile Backsplash in Washington, District of Columbia typically costs $16 to $42 per sq ft as of 2026. Prices reflect local labor and material rates. Use our calculator below for a detailed, ZIP-code-adjusted estimate.
Prices in Washington are 5.0% higher than the national average for subway tile backsplash.
National average: $15 – $40 per sq ft
$13 – $36 per sq ft
Glossy white 3x6 in ceramic subway tile in an offset pattern, white grout, plain cut edges caulked at the counter
$16 – $42 per sq ft
3x6 in beveled ceramic subway tile, offset pattern, contrasting grout, bullnose edge trim
$20 – $52 per sq ft
3x12 in glazed porcelain subway tile in a herringbone pattern, slim metal edge trim
| Component | Category | Price Range | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | material | $7.09 – $19 | sq ft |
| Labor | labor | $5.46 – $15 | sq ft |
| Supplies & Other | supplies | $1.89 – $5.04 | sq ft |
| Equipment & Disposal | equipment | $1.26 – $3.36 | sq ft |
See how subway tile backsplash looks in each style, with photos of real projects by working designers.
Washington's row houses and Georgetown Federal buildings set a formal traditional baseline: symmetry, millwork, shutters and period detail. Renovations often keep the shell and insert a crisp contemporary kitchen or bath.
Work by Washington designers first, then the styles Washington draws from.
Maximalist kitchen
Photo: Zoe Feldman Design · Profile
Traditional bathroom
Photo: Angela Rennie Design · Profile
Traditional bathroom
Photo: Jennifer Taylor Design · Profile
Traditional bathroom
Photo: Jo Lyle & Co. · Profile
Traditional bathroom: Modern Glamour Bath
Photo: Kaelyn Schmidt Design
Traditional bathroom
Photo: Studio Catherine Rose · Profile
Traditional bathroom
Photo: Studio Palindrome · Profile
Traditional bathroom
Photo: Studio Steidley · Profile
Traditional kitchen
Photo: Cabana Home · Profile
Connect with local subway tile backsplash contractors in Washington for personalized quotes based on your specific project.