6 Tips for Finding the Perfect Kitchen Splash Backs
It might sound like a simple task to choose some kitchen splash backs, but the job can actually be quite overwhelming if you don't know where to start. As someone who has recently had to overcome this challenge, I thought I'd give you a few tips for finding the perfect kitchen splash backs for your space. Let's get into it!
1. Choose a material based on lifestyle & cooking habits
When people think of kitchen splash backs, their mind often goes to tiles. While this is a more traditional choice that can be made to look modern or shabby-chic, there are as many kitchen splash back options available to homeowners these days that you need to know about. Let's take a look at them:
- Glass - this offers a seamlessly, sleek appearance that's often added to the back of a hob or stove. They're also available in different colours and usually comes as one whole sheet that needs to be fixed to the wall
- Tiles - a timeless choice, tiles are durable, wipeable, have loads of colours and patterns available and you can pick the shape and size. They're also considered to be one of the more cost-effective options, depending on the tile you choose
- Quartz - a more luxurious option, quartz splash backs are available in different colours and patterns, but you should always read the manufacturer's guidelines regarding heat exposure
- Stainless steel - popular in professional kitchens and in homes where industrial style is prominent, stainless steel is hygienic and durable. It's also heat-resistant to high temperature. But it can difficult to keep streak-free, with fingerprints and water marks causing issues daily
- Natural stone - these provide a natural look, with granite and marble being the ultimate choices here. However, some stones need to be sealed before use and additional maintenance will be required to keep the stone looking its best
2. Take the overall kitchen design into account when picking a colour
Of course, the design and colour of your kitchen will dictate what you do in terms of kitchen splash backs. Whether you've had a new kitchen and this is the last piece of your renovation puzzle or if you just fancy a change and are only swapping out your kitchen splash backs and not the kitchen itself, you need to take the door and drawer fronts into account.
Also, look at the room as a whole. What would complement everything? Your splash backs need to accent the entire kitchen, from the flooring to the ceiling and everything in between. It's not an easy thing to do, despite it looking like a simple job. My advice? Get as many samples as you're able and choose one based on that, not by solely looking at pictures on the internet.
3. Think about their maintenance & keeping them clean
It's all too easy to think about how a kitchen splash back is going to look, that we forget about other things, like their maintenance and keeping them clean. Some splash backs are easier to look after than others. For instance, glass is a pain to keep clean anyway, so imagine having to keep a glass splash back clean.
Also, I'd be worried about cracking it. The same goes for stainless steel splash backs. They look great, but keeping stainless steel clean and streak-free can be a nightmare. This is another reason why we chose to stick with tiles for our kitchen splash backs. But the choice is entirely yours. What would you prioritise in a busy household?
4. Don't forget their main purpose: moisture & heat resistance
The main purpose ion a kitchen splash back is to prevent heat and moisture from damaging nearby walls in the vicinity. This is usually why homeowners will prioritise spaces around sinks and hobs. It can be easy to choose a solution based on looks, but if it doesn't perform as it should, then it'll be a waste of money in the long run.
Read the reviews thoroughly on more than one platform and go from there. Generally, you can't go wrong with traditional tiled splash backs in this case. They really do what they say on the tin, so to speak. Also, if they're fine for a bathroom, then they'll be more than sufficient as a kitchen splash back. There are also more options available in terms of colours and patterns.
5. Have a budget in mind that you will NOT deviate from
Kitchen splash backs can be incredibly expensive, regardless of the material you choose. You may think ceramic tiles are the cheapest option, but that's not always the case, especially if you're having them shipped in from another country.
It can be all too easy to expand your budget, but don't be tempted to. Have a realistic figure in mind and do not go over it. If you want the most expensive or high-end option, provision for this initially. Don't start with a cheaper option and grow your budget from there.
6. Measure, measure & measure again
The last thing you want is to have waited weeks for your funky tiles only to discover that you don't have enough and so you'll need to wait even longer to get your project finished. Measure the space at least three times at the top, middle and bottom before committing and making your purchase.
Also, you still want to do this even if you're buying your tiles off the shelf, as batch numbers and different manufacturers can mean your tiles are slightly different colour or sizes from one another - this is a problem we had.
We needed to go back and swap a box because the batch number had changed, and so had the shade of white we used for our kitchen splash backs. Trust me, it's something you want to get right so you're only buying once.
Also, it saves time in the long run as you don't have to keep going back to the shop for more. It's always better to have a few boxes left over that you can take back for a refund. So, don't make this rookie error - it's not worth the hassle.
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I hope you enjoyed this blog. Let me know in the comments below whether you have any more tips for homeowners looking for the perfect kitchen splash backs and I'll see you all again soon with some brand new content!
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