A splashback is an important part of any kitchen design. If you haven’t heard the term before, it’s the material that covers the walls above your kitchen worktops, protecting the walls from splashes.
Generally, splashbacks come in two designs: short extensions of your kitchen counter (usually about four inches high) or a full-wall of tiles.
Both designs offer their own pros and cons, and it can be tough to choose which one to go for in your kitchen. To make life a little easier for you, we’ve put together a quick guide that should help you decide.
Short splashback pros and cons
Pros
Creates a cosy atmosphere
Short splashbacks make walls look smaller. This helps to create a cosy effect in your kitchen, making it a comfortable space to relax and spend time.
Cost
With a lot less material required, and taking less time to install, this sort of splashback is usually a more cost-effective option than a full wall feature.
Simple, complimentary design
With a simple, straight-line design, this type of splashback can compliment a vast range of different kitchen design styles and when crafted from the same material as your kitchen worktops, can help create a sleek, uniformed look and feel to your kitchen.
Sustainability
Using less material also reduces the environmental cost of your kitchen.
Cons
Not the best for protecting your wall
Whilst a smaller splashback can help create a cosy look and feel to your kitchen, it may not be high enough to prevent splashes on your wall when someone tall is working in your kitchen.
Susceptible to wall staining
It’s important to ensure that a bead of grout is installed along the top edge of your 4-inch splashback. Otherwise soapy water, sauce or oils could seep into the wall behind.
Careful colour matching
As with any aspect of kitchen design, it’s important to consider colour matching. And that remains the same as your splashback. Poor colour matching can result in your splashback clashing with the surrounding surfaces and cabinets.
Can make spaces feel smaller
Whilst it can help create a cosy atmosphere in bigger kitchens, it can often make small kitchens feel even smaller and so this is something to be wary of if you are working with a small kitchen.
Can appear outdated
The smaller 4-inch splashback is more of a traditional choice. This can make it feel outdated compared to larger full-wall splashbacks, which are more common in contemporary kitchen designs.
Full-wall splashback pros and cons
Pros
Ties your kitchen together
A full-wall splashback is a great way to tie your worktops into your cabinets. The effect can be a clean, cohesive look to your kitchen. Great for people who want something a little more modern.
Variety
Where short splashbacks generally use the same material as the worktops, full-wall splashbacks are typically tiled. This offers an opportunity to add some creative flair to your kitchen.
Protect your walls
If you’re anything like us, cooking can cause quite a mess! Sometimes, such a mess that short splashbacks aren’t quite enough. This is where full-wall splashbacks can really shine — protecting your walls from top to bottom.
Cons
Higher cost
It depends on the material you use, but generally more material equals a higher cost. There’s also the extra cost of labour, as a full-wall will take longer to put up than a short backsplash.
More modern look
Full-wall splashbacks are quite distinctive and give your kitchen a more modern look. If that’s not what you’re after, then they probably aren’t for you.
Environmentally less friendly
As with the higher cost, more material also means more environmental cost. So if you want to cut your carbon footprint, maybe go with a shorter splashback.
Find out more
Still, have questions and want to talk to an expert about your kitchen splashbacks? Give us a call today.
Alternatively, we are also experts in all things related to quartz countertops, granite worktops, marble worktops, and bathroom worktops. Just give our expert team a call!