Backsplashes

Backsplashes are a great way to increase the power and style of your kitchen; they finish off the design and help protect your walls from stains and splashes. They can also reflect light to increase the size of your space! Below are a few choices available to you.

Glass

Having glass as a backsplash creates a contemporary and amazing feature of any kitchen, using strip lights below your wall units creates a lovely light wash which will illuminate work workspace and lighten the room.

There are countless numbers of styles including back painted, sandblasted and you are also able to get your own designs printed, which allows you to personalise your kitchen!

When looking for a glass backsplash, remember that with the nature of use, special tempered glass may be required due to the heat generated by your hob! Also if you have a large run you may a joint, usually anything over 3m in my experience so think carefully about where best to position this.

When measuring up for glass as well, also allow 1.5 - 3mm gap either side so that any variances in the wall and any possible expansion will not interfere with the fit. Silicone sealant will cover this gap.

Also check the adhesive you’re using, some may eat through the backing after time and you wouldn’t want this!

Tiles

Tiles have been used since the beginning of time and the varieties and sizes out there are practically unlimited! You are able to create all kinds of designs and they work well on flat vertical walls.

The come in a number of types, but the main types are ceramic, porcelain and glass. They are durable and resistant to stains and splashes.

There are a couple of areas to keep in mind, even though tiles are relatively easy to clean, the tiles and grout needs to be kept in good condition, any scratches or cracks can lead to moisture penetrating behind the tiles pulling them off the wall. However this is rare and well maintained tiles will last for years!

Stainless Steel

Stainless Steel has been used primarily behind the hob due to its heat resistance, along with tiles or glass. But you can have it all around the kitchen; it’s tough, durable, won't rust, corrode, or decay and is easy to clean.

Although it is easy to clean, it is very susceptible to fingerprints, scratches and dents! In my experience Stainless Steel looks good at two stages of its life, when it’s shinny new and after years of abuse and full of scratches.

When sourcing your backsplash, make sure the backing it is mounted onto is very strong and this will reduce the potential damage.