How to Select the Best Splashback

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Splashbacks protect your walls and adds a stylish character in your kitchen area. You can incorporate texture and pattern in your chosen splashback, as well as colour to intensify the look. Now the question is what material best suit for your space?

Its purpose before was merely practical. A tile-covered area behind the sink and hob to keep kitchen walls from dirt stains were its only function. Nowadays, the availability of all types of resources means your splashback can now make more of a statement.

To help you settle on which material would be perfect for you, check out these ideas that could best complete the look of your kitchen area.

Stainless steels

A stainless steel splashback gives off an industrial vibe. It comes in sheets of flat steel that can be placed directly to the wall using either screws or glue. Stainless steel is reasonably priced and is known for its hard-wearing properties and heat-resistance. It’s also very simple to clean.

However, after a long period of time using common cleaning materials, the fingerprints and watermarks tends to be much more noticeable, making your stainless steel not relatively stainless anymore. It’s quite tricky to preserve its pristine look for it isn’t resistant to scratches.

Ceramic and Porcelain tiles

The popular choice these days are tiled splashbacks as they offer practicality, flexibility, and style. Due to certain progress in printing technology, ceramic and porcelain tiles can now be fashioned to bear resemblance to natural stone and wood. The tiles are heat, scratch, and water resistant as well as practically cheap and very effortless to set up.

Glass

For those people who desire to have glossy, modernized look to their kitchen, glass is a popular choice because it can be built in large panels. In addition, opt for a tempered glass for it is tougher and durable than the regular one. Ask for polished and refined edges as well, so there’s fewer chance of scratching the adjacent furniture upon installation.

What makes a glass splashback stand out is that you can personalize it by attaching a photograph on the back of the glass, or maybe a bespoke piece of screen-printed artwork to further improve the interior details. But be sure not to attempt doing this yourself without the knowledge and experience of a professional for it could be an expensive mistake.

Engineered limestone

Commonly known as ‘quartz composite’. This specific splashback is made up of crushed & compressed quartz combined with resin. These high-quality stones are scratch and heat resistant as well as tremendously sturdy. It’s effortlessly cleaned with soapy water and comes in a wide variety of colours to suit all preference. It’s supplied in large panels as well.

Setting up an engineered stone splashback requires to be carried out by a specialist; it is definitely not a DIY job.

Granite

Granite is still a favorite choice for splashbacks. It works well in traditional and modern settings. One of the important considerations that will establish the appearance of this splashback is whether you opt for polished or honed granite. Polished and refined granite is quite preferred for the traditional kitchens. Then again, honed granite has a solid matt finish that is more textured, yet minimalist, which makes it the perfect choice for a modernized kitchen.

If you plan to choose refined or honed granite, perform test samples with oil and water as certain difference of the stone can show wet marks longer.

Polished and Refined plaster

Many reasons are linked into choosing a polished plaster splashback. Not only can it be obtained in almost approximately any colour, but also because it can vary from smoothly refined plaster into rough and jagged ones. In addition, it’s simple to maintain and needs minimal care once already installed; merely wipe and clean it down.

While polished plaster is practically durable, unintended chips cannot be repaired. So be sure to be extra careful when setting up this splashback.

Composite

Solid surface (or composite) materials are generally made from a combination of two-thirds natural mineral and one-third resin. These are available in a wide range of colours as well as design flexibility that can be easily molded into curves and angles. This factor makes them simple to wipe clean and is also hygienic, because there are no joints where dirt can accumulate. However, this type of splashbacks is not heat resistant, so you can’t mount it behind a gas hob.

Laminate

Laminate comes in numerous colours and finishes designed to look like authentic stone or wood; which is ideal if your budget is limited and natural stone isn’t acquirable. Although they don’t present the same level of luxury, texture innovation and high quality print design makes it look like you got the real thing.

Important thing to consider is that laminates shouldn’t be used near a gas hob because of the open flames. It is recommended to have at least 10cm gap between a laminate splashback and all other hobs.

Mirrored glass

A mirrored glass splashback goes well with all styles of kitchen, for it adds a modern touch to a more traditional looking kitchen space. It bounces light around the room, making the area feel bright and creates the illusion of a larger space. Utilize a tempered or toughened glass for a stronger and more durable support.

The mirrored glass panels are available up to 3m in length, making it possible to create a flawless look. Be certain not to use this type of splashback behind a gas hob because if it is continually exposed to an open flame, visible cracks on the glass may develop over time.

Marble

Nothing can be compared with the exquisiteness of a marble splashback. It is non-arguable that marble can truly turn any simple and even small kitchen space into a luxurious one. Nevertheless, it is more prone to staining and scratching than any other materials which makes it more expensive and high maintenance. It needs resealing from time to time to keep stains from absorbing and scratches from being permanently present.

Consider these factors in choosing the splashback that would best suit your kitchen space. Be imaginative and explore the endless possibilities.

Chat to our kitchen experts

Hopefully you’ve now got an idea of the different types of splashback materials, however if you need an expert’s opinion, get in touch – we’re happy to help.

Simply call us on 01707 650565 or fill in our online contact form.