Choosing the right kitchen or laundry splashback is an important part of a new build or renovation. Not only is the splashback a key part of the aesthetics due to being eye level, but choosing the wrong material can cause frustration and problems later on. This guide explains our most popular splashback materials so that you can make the best choice for your home:
1 | Tiles
Tiles are an incredibly popular choice for splashbacks due to the huge variety of options available for size, shape, colour and finish. I love to choose tiles for kitchens to add more texture, but tiles can works for every type of kitchen and style! Due to splashbacks generally being between 600 and 700mm high, the most common types of tiles for this area are mosaics and subways, as you get more repeats of the tile pattern. However, this does mean you might have a lot more grout, which is can be more difficult to clean. For some inspiration on how to lay subway tiles, you can click the link below and read our blog post about this.
2 | Stone
Another very popular option is a natural or reconstituted stone splashback. You can carry your benchtop stone up onto the splashback for a really seamless look, or you can choose a contrasting colour. This works well if you have plain benchtops but want more interest in your splashback with a patterned stone. Stone splashbacks are easy to clean and, depending on the pattern and colour selected, also work well for any type of kitchen and style. You can also do a combination of stone and tiles, by having a 150-250mm stone strip at the bottom of the splashback and continuing with tiles above. One thing to keep in mind with reconstituted stone, is that it cannot be installed within 200mm of an open flame. This means you may need to adjust your joinery layout and bench depth to suit if you have a gas cooktop.
3 | Porcelain panels
Porcelain is quickly becoming a favourite for both benchtops and splashbacks due to their fantastic properties. Porcelain is incredibly strong, durable, non-porous and is scratch, heat and moisture resistant, which makes it perfect for a kitchen. Porcelain panels come in a huge range of colours and patterns such as marble, other natural stones, concrete, terrazzo and even timber. Similar to stone, you can have a really seamless look by using the same porcelain for benchtop and splashback, or you can combine it with another colour or material.
4 | Coloured or mirror glass
Glass splashbacks are a fantastic choice for more modern, minimal and industrial style interiors. Coloured glass splashbacks come in any paint colour, giving you a huge range of options to choose from. One thing I recommend if you are choosing a light colour, is to ensure that you can have low iron glass. Low iron glass is a lot clearer, so you won't get the green/blue tinge of normal glass coming through and affecting your chosen colour. Mirror splashbacks also have a few options available, such as grey, dark grey/smoked, or bronze. Coloured glass and mirror splashbacks are both very easy to clean, however, they can show more scratches than the other splashback options.
5 | Window
Window splashbacks can be a great option if your kitchen is facing your backyard. Not only is glass easy to clean, but you get the added benefit of natural light and a lovely view during the day. Window splashbacks can fit between your benchtop and overhead cupboards, or you can remove the overheads for a larger window. This also gives you the option of turning your kitchen splashback into a servery window to outside, if it works for your site and needs. Window splashbacks don't usually cover the whole width of your splashback area, so you will likely also need a second splashback type as well.
I hope this guide has been helpful! If you want to find out more about selecting the right finishes for your project, get in contact with us below:
Have a wonderful week!
Nina xx
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