Choosing the correct splashback for your kitchen
Glass splashbacks vs tile splashbacks: which one is right for you?
Choosing the right splashback can have a significant impact on not only your budget, but also the final look of your kitchen renovation. With so many options available it can be difficult knowing where to start and what to look for. Common splashback designs can include pressed metal and stainless steel; however, the most popular materials are undoubtedly tiles and glass.
When it comes to choosing the right material for your kitchen there are many things to consider before starting your kitchen renovation. Here are few key areas to be aware of when considering a glass or tile splashback.
Glass splashbacks
Limitless design options
If you are after a modern look and feel, glass splashbacks offer a great solution for any kitchen. With a limitless range of colours and patterns, glass is one of the few materials that is fully customisable, accommodating any design request.
There are also glass splashback options that reflect light, creating a more spacious feel, which is particularly important for kitchens that have less natural light or fewer windows.
Glass splashbacks are fully customisable
Are glass splashbacks hard to keep clean?
While it might seem like you’re always cleaning your kitchen, glass splash backs aren’t hard to keep clean! One of the biggest benefits of choosing glass is that it offers a seamless, clean design, with no grout lines for mould or grime to grow. This makes it much easier to clean than than stone, brick and tiles, maintaining its brand new look for many years with little to no effort.
How to clean a glass splashback?
At Frameless Impressions we find the best way to clean a glass splash back is using a damp microfibre cloth with a non-abrasive glass cleaner. After spraying a small amount of the cleaner brand of your choice directly onto the cloth, gently rub the surface in circular motions. After letting that sit for a few minutes (2-3), you should be able to remove most stains with a clean dry cloth. For those particularly stubborn stains you can use a mix of vinegar and water, roughly a ratio of 1 to 4.
While it can be tempting, avoid using paper towels as these will break down and leave trails of lint all over you splash back.
How do I clean a glass splash back without streaks?
To avoid streaks on your glass splash back it’s best to clean surfaces away from direct sunlight as the liquid will often dry before you’ve had a chance to wipe it off. While it might sound strange, cleaning your splash back on a cloudy day should help you avoid those pesky streaks.
How often should I clean my splash back?
While most often you’ll notice when your splash backs looking a little dirty and ready for a clean, it’s a good idea to give it a proper clean once every two weeks. This will prevent build up of grease and grime, keeping your kitchen looking spick and span.
Installation process
Compared to tiles, glass offers a quick installation process, usually taking no longer than 1-2 hours to complete. It is important to note that glass splashbacks are not a suitable DIY option, and should be purchased by trusted suppliers and installed by trained professionals. Because of its high quality, durability, and low maintenance you can expect to pay a slightly higher price compared to tiles.
Do glass splashbacks crack?
Despite what you might think, glass splashbacks are incredibly strong, and built to withstand accidental knocks and bumps. The main purpose of glass splashbacks, aside from aesthetics, is to act as a wall protector that can not only withstand heat, but also food spills and stains.
Tile Splashbacks
Flexible designs and patterns
Offering a classic look and timeless designs, tile splashbacks are a versatile solution for almost any kitchen space. Tiles are a great option for adding depth to kitchens, with interesting patterns and materials, they can also be easily cut which makes them perfect for DIY home renovation projects.Many warehouses also offer leftover tile materials available for purchase, making them a cost effective solution overall.
Design customisation, however, is not a widely available option, as you’re limited to the colours or patterns available from the manufacturer. You can of course mix and match different tiles together to create an enticing, unique look, but this can become time consuming and expensive.
Are tile splashbacks difficult to keep clean and maintain?
Tiles present a greater challenge when it comes to general upkeep and cleanliness. Grease and other food materials can easily get stuck within the tile grout, making it difficult to maintain. Also, to keep your tile splashback looking new, tiles require regular regrouting for both aesthetic and structural maintenance, which can be a time consuming and expensive affair.
Should you hire a professional tiler?
For renovators that are either less experienced or time poor, hiring a professional tiler is a time saver and ensures your splashback is installed correctly. However, this can significantly increase the price of your final kitchen renovation cost, and is important to be aware of.
How to get started
If you are interested in a glass splashback for your kitchen renovation project or are looking for more information about splashbacks in general, contact the qualified, experienced Frameless Impressions team on 1300 769 993.