Which Type of Splashback to Use – Glass, Stone, Tile, or Acrylic?

Mirror-reflective glass kitchen splashback installed in a modern home in Auckland

Choosing the Perfect Kitchen Splashback Material

Whether you are installing a brand new kitchen splashback or simply replacing your current one, there are many materials to choose from. Deciding which material will best suit your kitchen can be a daunting task.

Tiles: A Classic Choice

Tiles are the most commonly used material for kitchen splashbacks. They are currently experiencing a resurgence in popularity due to the wide variety of colors, designs, and materials available. Tiles offer a versatile and customizable option for your splashback. The cost of tiled kitchen splashbacks can vary significantly depending on the type of tiles chosen.

Toughened Glass: Durability and Style

Toughened glass splashbacks is the go-to choice for many homeowners, and for good reason. It is easy to clean, heat-resistant, and comes in a vast array of colors and prints. It is also a safety glass that crumbles into small fragments when broken, reducing the risk of injury. While you can find pre-cut toughened glass panels at hardware stores for DIY installation, custom sizes and cuts require professional assistance.

With solid-colored toughened glass splashbacks, you can choose virtually any color to complement your kitchen design. However, it’s important to consider the type of glass used. Ordinary transparent glass splashbacks have an inherent green tint due to iron oxide content, which can affect the appearance of your chosen color. Low iron glass is recommended for achieving a high-clarity finish.

Printed Toughened Glass: Adding Personalized Style

Another option for toughened glass splashbacks is to have a custom image or pattern printed on the back of the glass. This allows for unique and personalized designs that can truly enhance your kitchen decor. Keep in mind that template dimensions and professional installation are necessary for this type of glass splashback.

Mirrored Glass: Creating a Striking Reflection

Mirrored glass splashbacks add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any kitchen. With a smoky tint and the ability to reflect and bounce light, mirrored glass splashbacks can visually open up a space. They are also heat-resistant and safe to use behind cooktops.

Acrylic: A Budget-Friendly Alternative

Acrylic splashbacks offer the appearance of glass at a more affordable price point. They come in large sheets that can be easily cut to size and installed. However, it’s important to ensure that the acrylic plate is the appropriate size and extends the required distance above the cooktop to comply with safety guidelines.

Stone: Seamless Luxury

Stone splashbacks provide a consistent and luxurious look when paired with the same stone material used for the benchtop. To ensure color consistency, it is recommended to have both the benchtop and splashback installed at the same time using stones from the same batch.

Metal: Modern and Versatile

Metal splashbacks, such as pressed metal or stainless steel, offer a modern and versatile option for your kitchen. With a variety of patterns to choose from, metal splashbacks can complement any kitchen style. Pressed metal splashbacks can be easily installed as a DIY project, while stainless steel splashbacks provide a sleek and industrial feel. Some homeowners opt for a stainless steel splashback behind the cooktop, and use other materials like acrylic or tiles for the remaining areas.

Consider your budget, style preferences, and ease of installation. Get in touch with our team to discuss your specific requirements and let us help you bring your kitchen vision to life.

Visit our showroom or contact us at info@royalglass.co.nz or 0800 769 254 to explore our range of kitchen splashback solutions.