Your kitchen splashback is amongst the most important aspects of a kitchen renovation. Not only does it lend a particular style and look to your overall kitchen design; it is extremely functional protecting your walls.

What is a Kitchen Splashback?

A splashback is installed on the wall above and behind the sink, cooktop, or benchtop workspace. It protects the wall behind it from moisture, grease, oil, food splatters, and other mess that occurs in the kitchen when you’re preparing food or washing up.

Your splashback also provides a feature to your kitchen. Simply installing a new splashback can revive a tired kitchen, and revamp the entire look of the room.

Splashbacks were traditionally made of tile, but today the options are endless with a vast array of splashback materials available. Among the most popular options are tiles, glass, reconstituted stone and aluminium composite panels. Obviously, apart from quality and look one of the most important things would be the cost of the material for your splashback.

From traditional tiles to high gloss Zenolite panels the options are wide and you need to consider the kitchen in its entirety before you make your choice.

What You Need to Remember When Choosing a Kitchen Splashback

Budget

Stone and glass are quite expensive. Acrylic materials and tiles, on the contrary, will cost less. At the same time, you will need to allow extra time and budget for tiling and cut-outs for power points and the like.

Aesthetics

• Timber, stainless steel and glass complement any kind of benchtop. Stone splashbacks work best with stone benchtops.
• Glass is a popular choice in modern kitchens. Available in an array of colours, it’s shiny and easy to clean. If your budget allows, you will like this option. But please keep in mind that it is glass and it will not tolerate inaccurate usage.
• Tiles can add interest, but be very careful with colour or pattern, as the end result may appear dated.
• Stone is one of the expensive options and requires resealing periodically. It does, however, offer a beautiful and unique look to a sophisticated kitchen.
• Stainless steel is modern, hard-wearing, and looks amazing in the right kitchen. In terms of design though it can be too demanding. You do not want uncoordinated look in your kitchen, so think twice.

Fitting

Please make sure you ask about fire safety and the fitting requirement for the splashback you choose. If installing behind a cooktop, you will be looking at different minimum distances from the burner to the splashback to make sure it will not warp, or heat, or even melt. Installation time can also become an issue. Do you have a spare week to do tiling? Or even 2-3 weeks to have glass splashback installed?

Maintenance

Most splashbacks can be wiped down very easily. Some, however, do require proper care and specialist cleaning products. Ask the installer about care and maintenance document, so that you know well in advance how you are going to clean your splashback. If you choose tiles, make sure you remember to clean the grout, too. Grout gets a lot of dirt in, and it can build up and become a real problem for the looks of your kitchen.

Warranty

Before making the final decision on the material you are going to use for your splashback ask about the warranty.

While the function of a kitchen splashback is quite basic, the right choice of the material for it will enhance your kitchen’s appearance immeasurably and make a real statement. Choose well!

Disclaimer

The ideas, views and opinions expressed by the authors in this blog do not necessarily reflect the position of HVG Decorative Building Products. All data and information provided in this blog is for general reference and inspiration only and cannot be used as an official guide to any interior building jobs. The company will not hold liability for any errors or omissions in this information or any losses or damages arising from its display or use.