A kitchen is the heart of the home, so it’s important to ensure it’s both a practical and a pleasing place to spend time. Due to how often it’s frequented, it’s often the first place people decide to renovate when making home improvements.
In this blog, we’ll answer the most common questions we get asked about kitchen splashbacks: from installation and durability, to cleanliness and the pros and cons of the most popular material choices to equip you with everything you need to know.
1. What is a kitchen splashback?
A kitchen splashback protects the space above a sink or hob from grease, oil, water damage or other liquid or food residue. It also provides protection to kitchen walls from elements such as heat and condensation, thanks to its heat-resistant qualities.
They can be made from a variety of different materials, including toughened glass, smooth stone (such as quartz or granite), tiles, and even more.
In addition to being practical, kitchen splashbacks can enhance the overall aesthetic of a kitchen and can be fitted under cabinets, giving your kitchen a sleek and streamlined appearance.
For example, at Forsyth, painted glass splashbacks are extremely popular amongst our customers, and we offer a wide range of colours to match any interior.
2. How to install a kitchen splashback
Typically, when purchasing a kitchen splashback, a company can provide a ‘template and fit’ service where they take measurements on site, produce the panels and then return to fit them in place.
For example, at Forsyth, we offer a full on-site template and fit service across most of Scotland’s Central Belt.
Alternatively, it’s straightforward to measure the dimensions required and even fit it yourself.
Take a look at this handy video we created, which walks you through, step-by-step, how to measure and fit a glass kitchen splashback.
It’s also a useful watch if you have an installer coming out as it allows you to understand the process better.
3. Are kitchen splashbacks easy to clean?
The short answer is yes!
Kitchen splashbacks are easy to clean; however, some materials are easier to maintain than others, as you’ll learn below.
Little and often is the advice we’d give; by cleaning regularly, you avoid the buildup of grease or food splatters, which can become tougher to remove once dry.
Day to day, gently wipe clean the splashback with a damp sponge and a mild cleaning product like soapy water, vinegar or glass cleaner.
Glass or acrylic splashbacks are by far the least maintenance, with other materials requiring slightly more effort over time.
Be sure to avoid abrasive pads, which can scratch the surface of the splashback.
A handy tip when cleaning your splashback for the first time is to test a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure that the product works as intended.
4. How hygienic are kitchen splashbacks?
Thanks to how easy they are to clean (see above), kitchen splashbacks make for a hygienic choice. Glass or stone is simple to wipe down ensuring it is clean and sparkling for years to come.
Traditional choices, such as tiled splashbacks, result in more elbow grease to keep them spick and span. This is largely thanks to the grouting between tiles, as a porous substance, it easily absorbs moisture, grease and food particles, making it a breeding ground for bacteria, mould and mildew – not something you want near you when preparing food!
This grime and grease can become embedded if left, leading to staining and therefore reducing the overall attractiveness of your kitchen.
5. What are the different types of kitchen splashbacks?
Earlier in this blog, we touched on the various types of kitchen splashbacks on the market.
Here, we will focus on three of the most popular options and examine their pros and cons so you can make the choice that is best for you.
Glass splashbacks
Glass splashbacks are made from toughened glass, making them durable, and both water and heat-resistant.
Pros of glass splashbacks
- Made from toughened glass, meaning it is durable and can withstand heat and moisture.
At Forsyth, our splashbacks are toughened to the British and European Standard 12150 Class 1(c)1, which is five times stronger than non-toughened (float) glass - There are lots of design and colour options to choose from, allowing you to perfectly match your home decor. We even offer colour-matching solutions for major paint brands such as Farrow & Ball and Dulux
- Due to the reflective nature of glass, it bounces light, making a kitchen appear brighter and bigger
- Quick and simple installation
- Easy to clean and resistant to staining
Cons of glass splashbacks
- Due to the reflective nature of glass, splashes and fingerprints will be more obvious when the light hits it
- It can look streaky if not buffed after cleaning
- Potential for scratches, so avoid using abrasive cloths to clean the surface
Tile splashbacks
Tiles and grouting create a tile splashback behind a cooker or kitchen.
Pros of tile splashbacks
- If an area becomes damaged, it’s easy to remove a few of the tiles and replace them with new ones rather than having to redo the whole splashback
- Durable and moisture-resistant
- Tiles range widely, from modern and sleek to traditional and rustic, giving plenty of options to match the style of your kitchen
Cons of tile splashbacks
- The porous nature of grouting in between each tile and the potential to harbour bacteria
- Increased manual labour costs for tiling, which can be time-intensive to fit
- Grout decays over time, meaning you must be ready to regrout in the future
Stone Splashbacks
Stone splashbacks are typically made from granite, marble, quartz or even slate.
Again, this not only protects the wall behind a cooker or sink from water, food splashes, condensation and heat, but adds an attractive focal point for your kitchen.
Pros of stone splashbacks
- Offers a luxurious aesthetic, particularly when materials such as granite, marble or quartz are used
- Durable and heat-resistant
- Easy to clean
- Can be matched to the same material as your counter-top (eg a granite worktop), providing a continuous design
Cons of stone splashbacks
- Expensive – these materials are costly, and the manual labour involved in fitting them is also time-consuming and expensive
- Some stones will need regular sealing to avoid staining – for example, marble has low resistance to staining due to being a more porous stone
- Sensitive to chemicals such as ammonia or bleach. Soap and water are great when it comes to keeping stone splashbacks clean
6. How much do kitchen splashbacks cost?
As you can see from above, kitchen splashbacks vary greatly in terms of the different materials you can use.
Accordingly, prices will vary depending on a number of factors, including the material you go for and the surface area you are looking to cover.
At Forsyth Glazing, prices for glass kitchen splashbacks start from as little as £75, with costs rising depending on the material, size and complexity of the installation. You can find out more about our process here.
Conclusion
You’re now well-equipped on your journey to creating your dream kitchen, complete with the perfect splashback.
If you have any questions or queries about getting a bespoke glass splashback cut to size and how this is installed, please don’t hesitate to contact our team, who will be more than happy to assist you with your request.
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