February 25, 2020
Whether you’re renovating, building or installing a new kitchen splashback, trying to decide on what splashback material will best suit your kitchen can be exhausting. With so many choices of materials available on the market, kitchen splashbacks have somewhat become the centrepiece or standout feature of the kitchen with its ability to be versatile and diverse.
Here is a quick guide on the feature tile styles available and how their strengths may benefit you.
1. What is a kitchen splashback?
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Functionality
A kitchen splashback is the material placed on the wall either above the sink, stovetop, or other countertop space in the kitchen and protects the wall from splashes of oil, grease, sauce and other messes which occur when cooking or preparing food.
Aesthetics
Splashbacks are equally a decorative element as they are functional. They provide the missing artistic element most kitchens are missing and complete the overall visual aesthetics of a kitchen. Achieve a wide range of styles and themes based on the material chosen. Glass splashbacks create a sophisticated and modern finish. Timber for a more traditional and genuine effect. Tiles and mosaic splashbacks can be turned into feature walls.
Read on to find out how each material can be used to achieve a certain style, as well as how much kitchen splashbacks cost.
2. Glass Splashbacks
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Glass kitchen splashbacks are not only highly functional and easy to clean, they are also currently first place for one of the most stylish splashbacks available on the market. They provide a superior finish, adding a beautiful and sophisticated element to the space. Glass splashbacks also come in a wide range of quality of glass as well as colours, prints and glazing.
However, glass is one of the most expensive splashback options on the market and the more cut outs required, for powerpoints, cupboards etc, the more expensive it will cost.
A. Toughened Glass
Toughened glass splashbacks are the go-to choice amongst Aussie homeowners for the fact that they are extremely easy to clean and have an endless range of colours and prints to choose from. Made from highly durable safety glass, toughened glass splashbacks will not shatter like standard glass, making it perfect behind stovetops.
Glass Kitchen Splashback Cost:
- Solid colour $330 to $400 per square metre, including install. Expect to add $40 per cut out.
- Digital print $750 to $1000 per square metre, including install. Expect to add $40 per cut out.
B. Mirrored Glass
If you have a small kitchen, nothing opens up the space like a mirrored glass kitchen splashback. Don’t think about the bathroom mirror, but more of a smokey tint so you won’t have to worry about every smudge, oil splash or grease becoming an eyesore. Mirrored splashbacks open up the space by bouncing light and reflections around the room, and come in a silver or bronze tint. Made from toughened safety glass, they are also an excellent choice behind cooktops.
Mirrored Glass Kitchen Splashback Cost:
$450 per square metre, including install. Expect to add $40 per cut out.
3. Tiles Splashbacks
Tiles are one of the most common types of materials used for kitchen splashbacks for their versatility and bountiful range of materials, colours and patterns. Homeowners are able to completely customise their tiled kitchen splashback to complement existing interior design or create a unique feature design.
Tile Splashback Cost:
The cost of tiled kitchen splashbacks varies depending on the material of the tiles, colour, pattern, size, grout and adhesive used.
Between $35 to $250 per square metre depending on type of tile
Around $400 to install in an average size kitchen
A. Ceramic Tiles
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Ceramic tiles are manufactured using a red or white clay biscuit, with a decorative glaze applied to the surface, and then baked in a kiln to fuse the glaze to the body. The tiles are extremely durable and easy to clean making them an ideal choice for bathroom walls and kitchen splashbacks.
Two styles of ceramic tiles commonly used can include Arabesque and Patterned Encaustic. The former utilises a simplified damask pattern adding softness and curves to the classic white tile look. Encaustic tiles combine two or more colours of clay before being put in the kiln to produce a multitude of patterns with either a matte or glazed finish.
These tiles are excellent in achieving that pretty Mediterranean design for splashbacks, or other tile applications.
B. Mosaic Tiles
Asa popular choice, mosaics utilise a wide variety of materials including glass, stone, marble, porcelain, and even pebbles which are adhered onto a mesh to produce a one of a kind pattern.
The mesh allows you to easily place the materials directly onto the wall to ensure that a consistent pattern is achieved. Depending on the design, large or small, mosaics can be slotted into any room to add character and detail. Its endless grout joints and grippy nature also make it an ideal choice for bathrooms, toilets and patios.
C. Porcelain Tiles
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Porcelain tiles such as Penny tiles are produced using finer clays than ceramics, and are fired in the kiln at higher temperatures to make them incredibly hard and dense. With the lowest water absorption rate of 0.5%, porcelain tiles are basically waterproof, and can be placed on every wall or floor in your home or commercial space. Porcelain tiles come in two different forms:
- Glazed tiles – A layer of glaze is applied to the surface of the tile before being inserted into the kiln. Combining function and design, its resistance to water, stains and wear and tear, make it the perfect candidate for a kitchen splashback, bathroom wall or anywhere in the home.
- Unglazed tiles – Are composed entirely out of natural clay so that the colour runs all the way through the tile to produce a natural and earthy aesthetic quality. It’s scratch resistant and durable properties make it an ideal choice for high foot traffic areas but, unfortunately, are quite susceptible to stains if left unsealed. Once sealed, polished or waxed, unglazed tiles can be quite stunning and used to create kitchen splashbacks.
D. Subway Tiles
Bringing a classic and vintage look to the kitchen, subway tiles are excellent in both residential and commercial spaces. With each tile being manufactured and sold individually in a wide range of colours, there are infinite design options.
Create the perfect kitchen splashback using larger tiles to form intricate patterns such as basket-weave, listello and Versailles;or smaller tiles to create a herringbone pattern. There are also peel and stick options available.
4. Natural Stone Splashbacks
Natural stone including marble, slate, quartz and travertine work great as kitchen splashbacks with its easy to clean and timeless designs. Natural stone is extremely versatile and can be used almost everywhere in the home as tiles, tabletops, and even incorporated into mosaics for extra character.
However, its timeless beauty and hardness comes at a hefty price, requires regular sealing, and is more difficult to install in comparison to ceramic or porcelain tiles. Lucky for us, you can now purchase digitally printed tiles that accurately replicate the aesthetics of natural stone without breaking the bank or your back.
Natural Stone Splashback Cost:
- Prices start from $520 per square metre for standard range of engineered stone
- Can go as high as $2,200 per square metre for marble
5. Acrylic Splashbacks
Acrylic splashbacks are a cost-effective alternative to glass splashbacks while providing the illusion of glass. It’s very easy to install and can be done DIY, however, acrylic cannot be installed directly behind stove tops without additional protection.
This can either be a stainless steel or toughened glass plate and needs to be at least the same width as cooktop and extend at least 200mm above stove top burners to adhere to Australian Safety Standards.
Acrylic Splashback Cost:
4mm thick acrylic splashback material $150 to $247 per square metre
6. Stainless Steel Splashbacks
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Generally found in commercial kitchens, stainless steel splashbacks are highly durable, extremely hygienic and very easy to clean. Sheets of stainless steel can be cut to size and installed DIY without the need for any special power tools, and is safe to use directly behind stove tops.
You also have the option of using other splashback materials on either side of the stainless steel if you wish to only have it stainless steel behind the cooktop.
Stainless Steel Splashback Cost:
$270 per square metre
Have a look at the tiles we currently have in store. If you cannot find what you want, drop us an email or call us.
We constantly add products to our catalogue and might have what you are after in our boutiques.
7. Kitchen Splashback Inspirations
How to pair your splashback with a white kitchen?
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There are plenty of options to explore with a blank canvas that a white kitchen is. However, there are elements you’ll need to consider when choosing a splashback for a white kitchen such as cabinets, appliances, tapware, flooring as well as colours and materials of adjoining rooms.
- Large tiles with contrasting grout lines (opt for epoxy grout behind stove tops as they are stain resistant and easier to clean)
- Glossy brown granite stone
- Patterned tiles that are bold and create a statement such as mosaics
- Add a little drama with coloured toughened glass, textured glass — very easy to clean
How to pair your splashback with a black kitchen?
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Similarly to white kitchens, the same elements will need to be considered when choosing the colour and material of your splashback. Now we understand kitchens aren’t generally entirely black, rather it’s certain elements that are of a dark colour, such as appliances, cabinets, benchtops, tapware and flooring.
It’s best to consider how to pair your kitchen splashback with these elements.
- How it pairs with the benchtop, decide which one will be your centre feature. Darker material splashbacks pair well with darker benchtops.
- How it pairs with dark appliances — neutral natural stone, glass
- How it pairs with black cabinets — glass, tiles with contrasting grout lines
- How it pairs with your flooring
How to pair your splashback with a brown/ beige kitchen?
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As mentioned above, the same elements will need to be considered when choosing the colour, material and pattern of your splashback.
It’s best to consider how to pair your kitchen splashback with these elements.
- How it pairs with the benchtop — timber benchtops and cabinets work well with timber splashbacks for a chic and modern look. Natural stone benchtops compliment brickwork splashbacks as well as natural stone.
- How it pairs with appliances — stainless steel splashbacks combined with mirrored glass create a modern and sophisticated look that’s easy to clean.
- How it pairs with black cabinets — timber splashbacks are genuine, create a contemporary look.
- How it pairs with your flooring — glass and timber splashbacks work well with timber flooring