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Which is the Best Material for a Kitchen Splashback?

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Craig Upton
Which is the Best Material for a Kitchen Splashback?

Technically speaking, anything you can use to cover the walls in your kitchen will provide some level of protection. All well and good, but the whole point of installing a splashback is to afford your surfaces protection at the highest possible level.


In which case – which of the available splashback materials is best?


Choosing a splashback material is as much about personal preferences as anything else. If you are happy with the way it looks and it gets the job done, that’s all that matters.


Even so, there are major differences between the different splashback materials, in terms of both protective properties and general performance. It’s entirely up to you regarding your decision, but it’s worth knowing what differentiates the different types of splashback materials available.


Tiles

For example, traditional tile splashbacks have been popular for generations. This is less a splashback in the traditional sense and more a protective wall covering its own right. Tiles bring the benefit of total flexibility and versatility, with limitless options for unique configurations and designs. They can also be highly robust and heat-resistant, providing excellent protection for the surface beneath. However, installing a series of tiles with pinpoint precision can be tricky and most conventional splashback materials are not immune to cracking, chipping and shattering.


Toughened Glass

Typically considered the gold standard for splashbacks, toughened glass brings together the best of all worlds. A toughened glass splashback can be engineered to faithfully recreate the look of almost any other type of splashback. From tiles to mirrors to metallic finishes to custom prints, your glass splashback can be anything you want it to be. As an added bonus, toughened glass splashbacks boast heat resistance of up to 300° C. They can be positioned in close proximity to cooktops and hobs and they are practically impervious to damage. With an indefinite lifespan, toughened glass splashbacks represent unbeatable value for money.


Acrylic

An acrylic splashback brings most of the benefits of a toughened glass panel down to an even more affordable price. They can be finished in any imaginable colour or design, they can be cut to size with relative ease and they are simple to install. They also have the potential to provide robust protection for the surface beneath on an indefinite basis. The only difference is that with an acrylic splashback, the panel naturally has much lower heat resistance. Acrylic splashbacks are therefore more susceptible to damage than their glass counterparts, but can still look fantastic and do a great job protecting your surfaces.


Timber

A timber splashback can be just the thing for bringing a rustic look and feel into the kitchen. Traditional wooden splashbacks can be fashioned in all sorts of shapes and configurations, using woods in a wide variety of different shades. A wooden splashback can also be painted, or treated with a protective stain to keep materials safe. Wood has natural anti-bacterial properties, making it ideal for the kitchen. On the downside, wooden splashbacks require regular maintenance to keep them in pristine condition and may be subject to warping or damage when exposed to heat and/or humidity.


Stone

Traditional stone splashbacks have graced homes of distinction for generations. There is no denying the look and feel of a solid slab of granite, marble, or natural stone of any kind in a kitchen. It can add something truly sophisticated to most types of classical and contemporary interiors, with the added bonus of high durability and outstanding protection for the surface beneath. Stone splashbacks are universally desirable, but can be difficult to install due to their weight, and are always quite costly to purchase.


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Craig Upton
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