Kitchen splashbacks aren’t an essential part of a kitchen; however, they are very convenient.
Splashbacks are great for protecting your walls from water, food and grease that may get splashed up onto your walls when cooking or washing pots.
In this article, we’re going to discuss which is better between glass, acrylic and stainless steel. For installation, please take a look at our guide on Installing a Glass Kitchen Splashback.
What Is a Splashback Made Of?
Splashbacks are commonly made from glass, stainless steel, and acrylic. However, there are many other materials that you can use to protect your walls. Depending on where you’re going to place your splashback, you’ll want to think about which material will be most suitable.
What Can I Use as a Splashback in My Kitchen?
Aside from glass, stainless steel, and acrylic, you can use other materials and styles for your splashback:
- Copper splashback
- Marble splashback
- Chalkboard splashback
- Tiles – in various styles and shapes
- Mirrored panels
- Painted ceramic
- Wipeable paint
These splashback variants all have their pros and cons. Some don’t clean thoroughly, and others show up grease easier. When it comes to interior design, it comes down to personal preference and the style of your kitchen.
How Thick Are Splashbacks?
A common splashback measures 6mm, but you can find them in a variety of sizes.
The thickness largely depends on your preference, the type of material that you’re using, and the layout of your room.
Should I Have a Glass, Stainless Steel or Acrylic Splashback?
Again, this is down to your personal preference. However, we’ve decided to compare the 3 main types of materials that are commonly used to give you a helping hand.
Glass Splashback
Glass is a very versatile material. It looks stunning and works incredibly well as a splashback. But what are the pros and cons of using this material? Let’s find out…
Pros of a Glass Splashback
- Glass reflects light well. This results in a light being bounced off the surface and projected back into your room. It helps create the illusion of space and brightens up the room.
- Glass is easy to maintain and keep clean. With a simple wipe of a cloth, your glass splashback looks as good as new.
- Glass can come in different strengths depending on where you’re going to put it. This means that the price for a glass splashback can vary and gives you more choice when matching your needs to your budget.
Cons of a Glass Splashback
- Glass can be pretty expensive. Even with a price range, glass will be more expensive than acrylic.
- Glass is a fragile material to work with. If you’re installing a glass splashback yourself, you must handle the material with care and be incredibly cautious when attaching it to the wall.
- Glass is weighty. Once on the wall, you’re fine. But you may need an extra hand to lift and hold the glass in place when installing it.
Stainless Steel Splashback
Stainless steel is commonly used, although it’s not as common as glass and acrylic. That’s not to say there’s anything wrong with it. Here are the pros and cons of using this material:
Pros of a Stainless Steel Splashback
- Stainless steel is a modern material to use in households. It gives an industrial feel which many new homes are adapting.
- Resistant to heat and water. Despite metal being a conductor of heat, a stainless steel splashback is excellent when used behind a hob or sink.
- Stainless steel is easy to maintain. With a wipe from a soft cloth, your splashback will be squeaky clean.
- Stainless steel is very durable – another reason why we love this material so much. Installing a stainless steel splashback is like installing a lifetime protective barrier to your wall.
Cons of a Stainless Steel Splashback
- Stainless steel is a relatively reflective material. This means that any water, grease, and fingerprint marks will show up easily. Although this material is easy to clean, you may have to clean it more often than glass or acrylic.
- Stainless steel scratches easily. You must ensure that utensils, appliances and pans are kept at a safe distance to not mark the surface of your splashback. When cleaning, use a soft sponge or cloth.
- Stainless steel isn’t cheap. In fact, it’s pretty pricey compared to most other materials. However, if installed correctly, it can last a lifetime. So, it depends on whether the longevity of the material is worth the price tag.
Acrylic Splashback
Acrylic is a cheap and cheerful material to use for a splashback. Let’s take a look at its pros and cons…
Pros of an Acrylic Splashback
- It’s an incredibly versatile material. An acrylic splashback can be cut to size easily and purchased in a wide variety of colours.
- Acrylic is lightweight. Acrylic is also one of the easiest materials to install. Due to its weight, acrylic splashback installation can be a one-man job.
- Acrylic is inexpensive. If you’re on a budget, acrylic makes a great alternative to glass or stainless steel.
- Acrylic doesn’t harbour bacteria so is very hygenic. It’s also effortless to clean and doesn’t show up dirt, unlike stainless steel.
Cons of an Acrylic Splashback
- Although acrylic is a solid material, you can scratch the surface if you’re not careful. Always wipe an acrylic splashback with a soft sponge or cloth.
- Acrylic is not heat-resistant and shouldn’t be used behind a hob. Toughened glass can withstand temperatures of up to 400-degrees Celcius however acrylic will completely liquify 160-degrees Celcius. Acrylic is best used as a sink splashback.
Conclusion
Glass, stainless steel, and acrylic are all great materials to use for a splashback. As you’ve read above, they all have their pros and cons though.
Our favourite will always be glass; however, weigh out your needs and desires with the pros and cons of each material. You’ll likely discover the best material for your kitchen splashback.
