Protect your kitchen walls and make a style statement with a smart splashback. A splashback runs along the wall behind the sink and hob, protecting the wall from splashes. You need a flat, hard-wearing, easy-to-clean surface that can’t be permeated by grease or water.
Start planning: although the splashback only covers a small area, the material you choose will have a big impact on the look of your kitchen. You can go for a matt or glossy finish, match it to your worktop or even wallpaper the space in your favourite print and protect it with a toughened glass or acrylic panel.
Before you buy, try a sample of your chosen material against the units and worktop you want to use to make sure they’re all working together.
Decide on the size: a splashback needs to be at least 20cm high to guard against splashes, but you can extend it up to meet the wall units and run it along the whole length of your worktop for a seamless finish. If you want an even more streamlined look, fit an upstand as well (a short panel in the same material as your worktop).
Your options – Stainless steel: often seen behind range cookers, this material works well across the whole kitchen, especially if you have matching worktops. It’s hygienic and light reflecting, but it’s prone to scratching and will need frequent cleaning to remove fingermarks. Fit the panels by screwing them to the wall.
Glass: tough and easy to clean, glass is a great material that will reflect light. There’s a huge choice, from clear or soft blue glass to very bright colours. Panels are glued to the wall, but this is a job for a professional.
Composite: made of resin and stone, a composite worktop can be moulded into any shape, so your splashback can be seamlessly joined to it. Composite materials are hygienic, tough and come in a wide range of colours, but the splashback will need to be professionally installed.
Stone: a beautiful natural material. Stone absorbs stains and is especially vulnerable to grease, fruit juice and wine, so it will need regular resealing – ask your supplier which product to use. It’s heavy, and installation is best left to the experts.
Tiles: a popular choice for splashbacks, tiles are easy to lay, durable and available in many colours and styles. Ensure you choose the right grouting – you can find coloured grouts to complement your tile colour, or grout with antibacterial qualities, which should look clean for longer.
Source: www.idealhomemagazine.co.uk