Buyer's Guide To Kitchen Splashbacks

Definition:

A kitchen splashback is an extension of the worktop, where walls are protected from cooking splashes and spills. This usually comes in the form of a tiling but the latest looks include a range of other materials such as glass, steel and corian.

Why Splashback?

Splashbacks have an important practical purpose in the kitchen. They are traditionally installed behind the sink and hob and often around the whole of the worktop area, too. Designed to cope with a daily assault of water, hot oil and any number of cooking casualties that come their way, they can also be used to create an eye-catching design feature.

Above: Orange (Hot Paprika) colour-backed glass, from around £320 per sq m, including templating and fitting, CreoGlass Design(opens in a new window) 

Glass Splashbacks

Glass is an ideal material for a kitchen splashback. It's easy to maintain - all it needs is a quick wipe and polish - and always looks immaculate. Unlike tiles, there are no joins to harbour dirt and bacteria - just a clean, unbroken line. This makes it the perfect choice for modern kitchens as well as adding a contemporary twist to a more traditional scheme. Make sure it's 6mm toughened glass and for a touch of drama, choose a colour-backed version in raspberry, orange or lilac. Expect to pay from £317 per square metre.

Above: Raspberry colour-backed glass, from around £470 per sq m, including templating and fitting, CreoGlass Design(opens in a new window) 

Custom Made Design

Custom-made designs will enable you to tailor the look to suit your setting. However, these splashbacks can be among the most expensive. You can go for a cheaper alternative - putting wallpaper behind a sheet of glass, for example, but get a professional to do the work to ensure a high quality finish.

On top: A bespoke design "Themes Rivers" by Courtney Harper made by CreoGlass Design Ltd stencilled splashback.
(opens in a new window). Prices from £900. 

Stainless Steal Splashbacks

An essential ingredient for any professional kitchen, steel has become extremely popular in domestic kitchens too, due to its hardwearing, non-absorbent qualities. It's an ideal material for worksurfaces, sinks and splashbacks as it's resistant to high temperatures, hygienic and easy to clean. Simply wipe over with an E-cloth and water for a chemical-free way of getting the shine back. Steel does scratch easily however, but this simply adds to its charm. Prices start from £200 per linear m.

Above: Brushed aluminium splashback, from around £40 per linear m,Bushboard(opens in a new window) 

Corian Splashbacks

A solid surface material, Corian(opens in a new window) is the best-known brand for composite kitchen worktops, sinks and splashbacks. It suits both modern and traditional schemes, is extremely versatile and can be fabricated into virtually any shape or design. This makes it ideal for seamlessly integrating splashbacks,worktops, hob bars for heat protection, sinks, spill-proof waterfall edges and even cabinet doors and drawer fronts. Sleek, hygienic and non-porous, it comes in over 100 colours and costs from £300 per linear m.

Quartz Composite Splashbacks

A composite material made of 93% quartz. Available in a palette of 30 colours, there's everything from fresh glossy whites to dramatic darks and a range of sparkling shades that catch and reflect the light. Recent additions include an award-winning collection of matt urban colours called Concrete Block. Long-lasting and strong, Zodiaq doesn't require sealing or any treatments and costs from around £300 per linear m.

Silestone Splashback

A relative newcomer to the domestic market is Silestone by Cosentino. Also made from 93% quartz, it's the only quartz surface to contain Microban anti-bacterial protection. It's also highly scratch and stain resistant, comes in over 50 colours with many in a polished or leather matt finish and costs from £400 per sq m.

Wood Splashbacks

A striking horizontal wood veneer such as zebrano, iroko or walnut will give the splashback a rich, organic look. Team with a large stainless steel sink and glossy granite worktop to reflect the recent trend for mixing materials in the kitchen. You will need to take the time to care for any wood surfaces however, with a regular treatment of Danish oil to repel water and oil splashes but the effects will be stunning. Prices will vary greatly depending on the wood chosen but as a guide, be prepared for anything from £200 upwards per linear m.

Laminate Splashbacks

If you want to create a wood, stone or granite effect but don't have the budget to buy the real thing, laminate provides the perfect alternative for a lot less. Sophisticated printing techniques mean that today's designs have an accuracy and clarity that produces a highly realistic reproduction without any of the maintenance issues or costs associated with the real deal. 

There are plenty of designs to choose from including the latest trends for metallics, exotic wood grains and natural stone with a high-gloss finish or pearlescent fleck design. It's easy to care for, hygienic and comes in at around £30 per linear m.

How to choose the right colour splashback for your kitchen.

Kitchen Glass Splashback Colours and Designs

How to choose the right colour splashback for your kitchen?

 Lets say you need a simple square or rectangle toughened piece of glass for behind your hob. This is something that anybody can order and install themselves. If you would like a "Full Height Splash-back" to protect the entire wall from oil and food splashes we offer the full professional service, but the hardest part would probably be choosing the colour or image that suits you. First thing you would need to do is decided if you would like to play safe and blend in with the rest of your kitchen or if you would like it to contrast  or  go totally bold. For safe option we recommend either the same colour as you wall or worktop.
We don't recommend plain (clear) glass if possible - even-tough it seems that is will be the easiest and cost effective option and  you will be able to re-paint the wall and ..... In fact it's difficult to clean as you have no access behind to it. This option, however is really good if you wish to preserve a natural look of an old barn brick wall in your kitchen of instance... However, if you are looking for quality contemporary design statement you might like to look at our Contemporary Mirror Stripes Design.
This is a particular splashback design from Creoglass collection that  doesn't date and even 20 years down the line, this still will be a quality kitchen glass splashback. It comprises of horizontal mirror lines running all-round, fine rainbow sparkle in the middle band field between the lines.

This design is also available in background colour of your choice. The more exciting option is contrast of course.  This would apply to those who intend on living in their homes and not planing to put it on the market in the next year or two.  Those choosing contrast often know what they want and have the gift of seeing something in their ‘minds eye’ before they have even started the project…not all us have this gift though. Lets say you have neutral colours in your kitchen, such as a off white.  Each colour has an undertone colour, this could be a slight green, blue, orange or any other colour for that matter.  Use that undertone colour and enhance it to a bolder version.  This bolder colour, lets say a nice wine red can be brought even more to life by adding a dusting of rainbow sparkle.  This will not be very obvious but in certain light will give off a shimmer which adds more beat to the melody of ‘just wine red’.
Another option is to find other accessories such as containers or appliances and branch off from those colours. If you have photos, pictures or cushions in your breakfast nook, use those colours to bring the kitchen as well as kitchenette dining areas all together as one. If you have nothing of colour in your kitchen, now is the opportunity to go out and purchase a few new items for your kitchen area and create a whole new look…without breaking the bank or disrupting your home too much.
Lets say you have purchased pink tea and coffee tins with matching kettle and toaster, you can match this with the same shade or you can go bolder with something with a tricolour spectrum like our Purple Haze. If you desire to make more of a statement about you and your passions.  Photos or prints can be replicated onto our toughened glass to a very high quality.  

The prints are very easy to incorporate into the most conservative of kitchens, it would be as easy as selecting a picture for a room, let it be landscape watercolour or classic Damask pattern. For small kitchens Toughened mirror can be used giving the illusion of a larger room.  If looking at yourself while you cook doesn't sound great we offer Mirror Splashbacks in grey, black and bronze colours.  The effect of opening up the room is still there but not in too much detail. Now lets say you would like to install a toughened glass splashback to make your home more appealing for a future buyer.  Take a look at all the colours that are in your kitchen, the counter top, the cupboards etc. and choose a colour that compliments both these surfaces.  If you have black granite work tops and white cupboards, go with black, white or a shade of grey. Whatever you choose make sure you are happy with your splashback because as we all know the kitchen is the heart of the home so make it a talking point. Email us of Call us for more details and our designers will guid you to your choice.