Professional advice from:
Conrad Hendrick of LWK Kitchens
Charlie Borthwick of Cue & Co of London
Andrew Macintosh of Andrew Macintosh Kitchens
Robin Auld of Topps Tiles
Siobhan Casey of Casey & Fox
Diane Berry of Diane Berry Kitchens
Graham Barnard of Matrix Kitchens
bulthaup by Kitchen Architecture
Stainless steel
Work an industrial vibe with a stainless steel splashback, which comes in sheets of flat steel that can be fixed directly to the wall with either glue or screws.
‘You should only ever clean it using warm water and an e-cloth,’ advises Conrad Hendrick of LWK Kitchens. ‘Over time, the chemicals in common cleaning agents can create a build-up on the steel’s surface. This will make watermarks and fingerprints show much more prominently, leaving your stainless steel not quite so stainless.’
Pros Stainless steel is not only affordable, it’s known for its heat-resistant and hard-wearing properties. It’s also easy to clean.
Cons Although easy to clean, stainless steel can be difficult to keep looking pristine. It is not scratch-resistant – although minor scratches enhance the look over time – and can dent.
Check out 12 breakfast bars with coffee shop appeal
Work an industrial vibe with a stainless steel splashback, which comes in sheets of flat steel that can be fixed directly to the wall with either glue or screws.
‘You should only ever clean it using warm water and an e-cloth,’ advises Conrad Hendrick of LWK Kitchens. ‘Over time, the chemicals in common cleaning agents can create a build-up on the steel’s surface. This will make watermarks and fingerprints show much more prominently, leaving your stainless steel not quite so stainless.’
Pros Stainless steel is not only affordable, it’s known for its heat-resistant and hard-wearing properties. It’s also easy to clean.
Cons Although easy to clean, stainless steel can be difficult to keep looking pristine. It is not scratch-resistant – although minor scratches enhance the look over time – and can dent.
Check out 12 breakfast bars with coffee shop appeal
Black and Milk | Interior Design | London
Porcelain and ceramic tiles
Tiled splashbacks are a popular choice as they offer versatility, practicality and style. Thanks to advances in printing technology, ceramic and porcelain tiles can be produced to resemble natural wood and stone, but with none of the associated performance challenges. The tiles are scratch-, heat- and water-resistant, and should be reasonably cheap and easy to install. And while they are durable, should a tile become chipped or damaged, you simply need to remove it and lay another.
Pros While tiles are easier to clean than most other materials, and therefore lend themselves perfectly to splashbacks, this is not the only reason they are ideal for the job. ‘With such a range of shapes, sizes, colours and patterns now available, tiles give you the freedom to put your own creative stamp on your room without compromising on practicality,’ says Robin Auld of Topps Tiles.
Cons The sheer volume of styles and finishes can be overwhelming. ‘Consider exactly how the space will be used to ensure your choice works with your lifestyle,’ advises Robin. ‘While pristine white tiles and matching grout may look perfect in a modern, low-use kitchen, they are not the most practical choice for a busy family space.’ Darker coloured grouts are definitely worth investigating.
Tiled splashbacks are a popular choice as they offer versatility, practicality and style. Thanks to advances in printing technology, ceramic and porcelain tiles can be produced to resemble natural wood and stone, but with none of the associated performance challenges. The tiles are scratch-, heat- and water-resistant, and should be reasonably cheap and easy to install. And while they are durable, should a tile become chipped or damaged, you simply need to remove it and lay another.
Pros While tiles are easier to clean than most other materials, and therefore lend themselves perfectly to splashbacks, this is not the only reason they are ideal for the job. ‘With such a range of shapes, sizes, colours and patterns now available, tiles give you the freedom to put your own creative stamp on your room without compromising on practicality,’ says Robin Auld of Topps Tiles.
Cons The sheer volume of styles and finishes can be overwhelming. ‘Consider exactly how the space will be used to ensure your choice works with your lifestyle,’ advises Robin. ‘While pristine white tiles and matching grout may look perfect in a modern, low-use kitchen, they are not the most practical choice for a busy family space.’ Darker coloured grouts are definitely worth investigating.
Casey & Fox
Glass
For those wanting a sleek, streamlined look to their kitchen, glass is a popular choice because it can be fitted in large, seamless panels. ‘You should always ask for tempered glass, which is harder than ordinary glass and will be far less likely to scratch,’ advises Siobhan Casey of Casey & Fox. ‘Also, ask for polished edges so there’s less chance of scratching the surrounding furniture on installation.’
The beauty of a glass splashback is that you can choose anything from a bespoke piece of artwork screen-printed and mounted on the back of the glass, to a digital image or a painted finish. ‘I would always recommend that a professional takes care of the painting,’ advises Siobhan. ‘It could be a costly mistake to attempt this yourself without the experience and knowledge of a professional.’
Pros Strong and durable, glass splashbacks are also easy to clean and install, being either screwed or glued to the wall. While they used to be expensive, the good news is that prices have decreased dramatically in recent years.
Cons Make sure you choose a colour you and your family are happy with. ‘While changing this after installation is not impossible,’ says Siobhan, ‘it’s not an easy job.’
For those wanting a sleek, streamlined look to their kitchen, glass is a popular choice because it can be fitted in large, seamless panels. ‘You should always ask for tempered glass, which is harder than ordinary glass and will be far less likely to scratch,’ advises Siobhan Casey of Casey & Fox. ‘Also, ask for polished edges so there’s less chance of scratching the surrounding furniture on installation.’
The beauty of a glass splashback is that you can choose anything from a bespoke piece of artwork screen-printed and mounted on the back of the glass, to a digital image or a painted finish. ‘I would always recommend that a professional takes care of the painting,’ advises Siobhan. ‘It could be a costly mistake to attempt this yourself without the experience and knowledge of a professional.’
Pros Strong and durable, glass splashbacks are also easy to clean and install, being either screwed or glued to the wall. While they used to be expensive, the good news is that prices have decreased dramatically in recent years.
Cons Make sure you choose a colour you and your family are happy with. ‘While changing this after installation is not impossible,’ says Siobhan, ‘it’s not an easy job.’
Hart-Woods
Engineered stone
Also referred to as quartz composite, an engineered stone splashback is made of crushed quartz mixed with resin. ‘Look out for leading brands, such as Silestone and Caesarstone, that make their engineered stone using the lowest percentage of resin,’ advises Andrew Macintosh of Andrew Macintosh Kitchens. These high-performing engineered stones are heat and scratch resistant as well as extremely tough.
To keep costs under control, Andrew suggests teaming an engineered stone splashback with matching worktops. ‘If you do this, the templating and fitting charges are much lower than using a different material and supplier,’ he explains.
Pros Engineered stone is durable, scratch-resistant and non-porous, meaning it won’t stain. It’s easily cleaned with warm, soapy water and comes in a wide range of different colours to suit all tastes. It’s supplied in large panels resulting in fewer or no joins on a larger wall run.
Cons Installation of an engineered stone splashback must be carried out by a specialist. ‘It is certainly not a DIY job,’ stresses Andrew.
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Also referred to as quartz composite, an engineered stone splashback is made of crushed quartz mixed with resin. ‘Look out for leading brands, such as Silestone and Caesarstone, that make their engineered stone using the lowest percentage of resin,’ advises Andrew Macintosh of Andrew Macintosh Kitchens. These high-performing engineered stones are heat and scratch resistant as well as extremely tough.
To keep costs under control, Andrew suggests teaming an engineered stone splashback with matching worktops. ‘If you do this, the templating and fitting charges are much lower than using a different material and supplier,’ he explains.
Pros Engineered stone is durable, scratch-resistant and non-porous, meaning it won’t stain. It’s easily cleaned with warm, soapy water and comes in a wide range of different colours to suit all tastes. It’s supplied in large panels resulting in fewer or no joins on a larger wall run.
Cons Installation of an engineered stone splashback must be carried out by a specialist. ‘It is certainly not a DIY job,’ stresses Andrew.
Discover how to lift your space with decorative lighting
Neil Norton Design
Granite
Granite is still a favourite for splashbacks, working equally well in traditional and contemporary settings. What’s more, no two slabs of natural stone will ever look exactly the same, so you are guaranteed a unique look.
‘One of the main factors that will determine the appearance of your granite splashback is whether you opt for a honed or polished granite,’ advises Conrad Hendrick. ‘Shiny polished granite is popular for traditional and country-style kitchens. Alternatively, honed granite has a matt finish that’s much more textured, yet understated, so the ideal choice for a contemporary kitchen.’
If choosing a honed granite, do test samples with water and oil as certain variations of the stone can show up wet marks for longer.
Pros Granite is easy to clean, very hard-wearing and is available in a range of different colours.
Cons Among the more costly splashback options, granite is porous, so needs sealing to prevent staining.
Granite is still a favourite for splashbacks, working equally well in traditional and contemporary settings. What’s more, no two slabs of natural stone will ever look exactly the same, so you are guaranteed a unique look.
‘One of the main factors that will determine the appearance of your granite splashback is whether you opt for a honed or polished granite,’ advises Conrad Hendrick. ‘Shiny polished granite is popular for traditional and country-style kitchens. Alternatively, honed granite has a matt finish that’s much more textured, yet understated, so the ideal choice for a contemporary kitchen.’
If choosing a honed granite, do test samples with water and oil as certain variations of the stone can show up wet marks for longer.
Pros Granite is easy to clean, very hard-wearing and is available in a range of different colours.
Cons Among the more costly splashback options, granite is porous, so needs sealing to prevent staining.
Cue & Co of London
Polished plaster
There are many reasons to choose a polished plaster splashback, not least because it can be specified in almost any colour. ‘Texturally, it can range from highly polished and smooth to rough and weathered,’ says Charlie Borthwick of Cue & Co of London. ‘It also doesn’t have to be one flat colour; veining can be introduced to add depth and interest.’
Pros It’s easy to maintain and needs minimal care once installed – simply wipe it down.
Cons Although polished plaster is fairly hard-wearing, accidental chips cannot be repaired. ‘If this is a concern, use your worktop material to create an upstand – a small skirting around the edge of the worktop – to help protect the plaster,’ suggests Charlie.
Read expert advice on choosing the perfect worktop
There are many reasons to choose a polished plaster splashback, not least because it can be specified in almost any colour. ‘Texturally, it can range from highly polished and smooth to rough and weathered,’ says Charlie Borthwick of Cue & Co of London. ‘It also doesn’t have to be one flat colour; veining can be introduced to add depth and interest.’
Pros It’s easy to maintain and needs minimal care once installed – simply wipe it down.
Cons Although polished plaster is fairly hard-wearing, accidental chips cannot be repaired. ‘If this is a concern, use your worktop material to create an upstand – a small skirting around the edge of the worktop – to help protect the plaster,’ suggests Charlie.
Read expert advice on choosing the perfect worktop
AND Architects
Composite
Composite (or solid surface) materials, such as Corian and Hi-Macs, are usually made from a blend of one-third resin and two-thirds natural mineral. Available in a diverse colour range, they also offer extraordinary design flexibility and can be seamlessly moulded into angles and curves, so there’s no join between your worktop and splashback. This makes them easy to keep clean and hygienic, because there are no joins where dirt can gather.
Pros Composites are non porous, easy to care for, hygienic and durable. Joints are inconspicuous, providing a seamless surface.
Cons Composite materials such as Corian can scratch, but very often these can be sanded out. ‘Corian is not heat resistant, so you can’t install it behind a gas hob,’ says Conrad Hendrick.
Composite (or solid surface) materials, such as Corian and Hi-Macs, are usually made from a blend of one-third resin and two-thirds natural mineral. Available in a diverse colour range, they also offer extraordinary design flexibility and can be seamlessly moulded into angles and curves, so there’s no join between your worktop and splashback. This makes them easy to keep clean and hygienic, because there are no joins where dirt can gather.
Pros Composites are non porous, easy to care for, hygienic and durable. Joints are inconspicuous, providing a seamless surface.
Cons Composite materials such as Corian can scratch, but very often these can be sanded out. ‘Corian is not heat resistant, so you can’t install it behind a gas hob,’ says Conrad Hendrick.
LWK Kitchens London
Laminate
If your budget won’t stretch to a natural stone splashback, laminate is not only affordable, it comes in numerous colours and finishes designed to look like real wood or stone. Although laminates don’t offer the same sense of luxury, high-definition print and texture innovation means they are looking and feeling increasingly realistic.
Pros Easy to keep clean and water-resistant, laminate is a hard-wearing and affordable choice for your kitchen splashback. ‘Match it to other finishes in your kitchen so it becomes part of the whole colour scheme rather than just a statement feature,’ suggests Diane Berry of Diane Berry Kitchens.
Cons Laminate is not suitable for use behind a gas hob because of the open flames, and Diane also recommends a gap of at least 10cm between a laminate splashback and all other hobs. ‘You also need to make sure it’s installed well, particularly around wet areas, to stop water soaking into any joints, just as you would a laminate worktop,’ she says.
If your budget won’t stretch to a natural stone splashback, laminate is not only affordable, it comes in numerous colours and finishes designed to look like real wood or stone. Although laminates don’t offer the same sense of luxury, high-definition print and texture innovation means they are looking and feeling increasingly realistic.
Pros Easy to keep clean and water-resistant, laminate is a hard-wearing and affordable choice for your kitchen splashback. ‘Match it to other finishes in your kitchen so it becomes part of the whole colour scheme rather than just a statement feature,’ suggests Diane Berry of Diane Berry Kitchens.
Cons Laminate is not suitable for use behind a gas hob because of the open flames, and Diane also recommends a gap of at least 10cm between a laminate splashback and all other hobs. ‘You also need to make sure it’s installed well, particularly around wet areas, to stop water soaking into any joints, just as you would a laminate worktop,’ she says.
LWK Kitchens London
Mirrored glass
A mirrored glass splashback suits all styles of kitchen, often adding a contemporary twist to a more traditional look. Its reflective surface bounces light around a room, making the space feel bright and often larger than it really is. ‘If you want mirrored splashbacks in your kitchen, then general safety regulations dictate that you must have toughened or tempered glass,’ stresses Conrad Hendrick.
Pros Toughened so it’s strong and durable, mirrored glass is also easy to clean. And because panels are available up to 3m in length, it’s possible to create a seamless look.
Cons Mirrored splashbacks can’t be used behind a gas hob because continuous expansion and contraction of tempered glass created by an open flame can, over time, cause visible cracks to form behind the glass, cautions Conrad. ‘Although easy to clean, mirrored glass needs a regular polish, because marks show up easily,’ he adds.
A mirrored glass splashback suits all styles of kitchen, often adding a contemporary twist to a more traditional look. Its reflective surface bounces light around a room, making the space feel bright and often larger than it really is. ‘If you want mirrored splashbacks in your kitchen, then general safety regulations dictate that you must have toughened or tempered glass,’ stresses Conrad Hendrick.
Pros Toughened so it’s strong and durable, mirrored glass is also easy to clean. And because panels are available up to 3m in length, it’s possible to create a seamless look.
Cons Mirrored splashbacks can’t be used behind a gas hob because continuous expansion and contraction of tempered glass created by an open flame can, over time, cause visible cracks to form behind the glass, cautions Conrad. ‘Although easy to clean, mirrored glass needs a regular polish, because marks show up easily,’ he adds.
Marble
Nothing beats the natural beauty of a marble splashback, which never fails to bring a luxurious look to the kitchen. It’s important to be aware, however, that marble is porous, so it needs sealing and resealing against staining. It also scratches more easily than other materials.
Pros Graham Barnard of Matrix Kitchens describes marble as ‘naturally occurring pieces of art’, because no two slabs look exactly the same. ‘Choosing which marble to use is immense fun,’ he adds. ‘A trip to the stone yard is always an adventure for the designer and the client.’
Cons Cost can be an issue, depending on the marble you source. What’s more, marble can stain easily. ‘You have to accept marble for what it is,’ says Graham. ‘It’s beautiful, but not maintenance free. However, lots of marbles have wonderful streaks and patterns that tend to help hide any areas of staining.’
TELL US…
Do you have experience with any of these materials, and which would you recommend? Share your thoughts and photos in the Comments below.
Nothing beats the natural beauty of a marble splashback, which never fails to bring a luxurious look to the kitchen. It’s important to be aware, however, that marble is porous, so it needs sealing and resealing against staining. It also scratches more easily than other materials.
Pros Graham Barnard of Matrix Kitchens describes marble as ‘naturally occurring pieces of art’, because no two slabs look exactly the same. ‘Choosing which marble to use is immense fun,’ he adds. ‘A trip to the stone yard is always an adventure for the designer and the client.’
Cons Cost can be an issue, depending on the marble you source. What’s more, marble can stain easily. ‘You have to accept marble for what it is,’ says Graham. ‘It’s beautiful, but not maintenance free. However, lots of marbles have wonderful streaks and patterns that tend to help hide any areas of staining.’
TELL US…
Do you have experience with any of these materials, and which would you recommend? Share your thoughts and photos in the Comments below.
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