Splashback stainless steel, glass, decoration: which material to choose? - House side
Home/Kitchen /My kitchen project /What material for my backsplash? By Hélène Lacas, published on 05/07/2014 at 08:00Credenza in stainless steel or glass? Traditional tiled credenza? Our advice for choosing the material for your splashback, which will give your kitchen a decorative touch...
Coordinated with the worktop, the splashback brings its decorative touch while protecting the wall from dirt. To dress it, the diversity of possible materials allows all fantasies. To choose according to your tastes, the style of the kitchen and... your budget.
A stainless steel splashback
Chic and design, straight out of professional kitchens, 18/10 stainless steel seduces with its industrial look, its shine and its ability to enhance any decor. In the kitchen splashback, the stainless steel acts like a mirror and reflects the light fixed under the furniture. It can be limited to the entourage of the hob or run over the entire surface, without visible connections.Advantages: indestructible, dimensionally stable, unbreakable, non-porous, hygienic, it is not afraid of heat, water or corrosion. Disadvantages: stainless steel is susceptible to scratches, fingerprints and limescale. Instead of polished finishes, prefer brushed ones, which are easier to maintain. Installation of a stainless steel splashback: stainless steel comes in thin sheets or plates with standard or custom dimensions, to be glued to the support. Price: 150 euros per m2.
A glass splashback
A contemporary material, glass brings luminosity, shine and depth to the splashback. In the form of plates (standard or made-to-measure) 4 to 6 mm thick or tiles, it finds its place in the credenza, combining easily with all worktops and all facades. It can be transparent, frosted, sandblasted, embossed... or painted (lacquered or enameled on its inner face), with a matte or shiny effect. Advantages: 100% non-porous, healthy, the glass in the splashback has a smooth surface , without visible joints which is easy to clean. Disadvantages: its resistance to heat, shocks and scratches remains relative. Installation of a glass splashback: its delicate implementation should be entrusted to a professional. The waterproofing must be particularly careful. Price: 300 euros per m2
A tiled splashback
A traditional kitchen splashback, tiling offers the advantage of being able to cover the worktop and splashback. Its wide range of materials (earthenware, enamelled terracotta, porcelain stoneware), formats and colors allows it to fit into any setting. Far from an old-fashioned image, it now knows how to play with modernity thanks to designer tiles, material effects imitating marble, wood, concrete, metal, slate...Advantages: tiles are resistant to everything , humidity and heat. But also stains, shocks and cleaning products. Many models and prices. Disadvantages: the joints of the splashback tiles become dirty over time and are difficult to clean. The maxi formats which limit the number of joints and the so-called "rectified" tiles which are laid edge to edge, are to be preferred. Installation of a tiled splashback: you do not need to be an experienced handyman to put a tile on the wall. No need to lay down the old tiles either: just apply an undercoat. Price: from 20 euros per m2
A credenza in Corian or other synthetic resin
It's the trendy material in the kitchen! Based on mineral powder and acrylic resin, this high-tech material, of which Corian is the most illustrious representative, belongs to the "Solid Surface" family. Dyed in the mass, shaped to measure by molding, it offers more than 100 colors and creates surfaces in one piece, with a fluid design, without visible joints. It is generally coordinated with a worktop also in resin for refined atmospheres.Advantages: its great freedom of implementation which offers tailor-made and its own qualities: it is a non-porous material, smooth, silky to the touch , easy to clean, hygienic, stain resistant and will not fade over time. In the event of a problem (wear or shock), it is very easily renovable and repairable by a little sanding and polishing. Disadvantages: its heat resistance is limited (180°C). High price. Installation of a splashback in Corian or synthetic resin: to be entrusted to a specialist. Price: 350 euros per m2
A laminate splashback
Another safe bet for a kitchen splashback, laminate is appreciated for its very attractive price-quality ratio and its wide range of aesthetic options. Composed of a water-repellent chipboard (6mm thick) covered with a decorative face, it covers large surfaces in one piece and offers multiple colors and finishes: plain, speckled, marbled, granite, woody... .. Advantages: the laminate is resistant, solid, waterproof and easy to maintain with a conventional detergent product. Disadvantages: laminate is sensitive to high temperatures (more than 180°C) and should therefore not be placed behind the hob (risk of burns). Laying a laminate splashback: the laminate splashback is easy to install even on old tiles. It comes in the form of sheets or panels to be glued directly to the support. Often available in long lengths, it can easily be cut. Price: from 40 euros per m2
A wooden splashback
Whether solid, laminated or laminated, wood has no equal in bringing a note of charm and authenticity to the kitchen, thanks to its its varied choice of species and finishes: pale European woods (beech, pine, birch) or those with a hint of honey (oak, maple or elm). Or even exotic woods reputed to be rot-proof such as teak, ipe, merbeau, iroko, zebrano... often darker. Advantages: the wood acquires a patina over time. Disadvantages: the wood is not ultra-resistant to scratches, heat, stains and above all fears water. It must be varnished or oiled at the time of installation and then treated regularly (twice a year minimum). It is also to be avoided behind the sink and the cooking pole. Installation of a wooden splashback: the wooden panels are simply glued on. Price: from 50 to 150 euros per m2.
An acrylic splashback
Zenolite or acrylic splashbacks have the shine and look of glass at a much lower cost. Molded in one piece, transparent or dyed in the mass, they allow all custom shapes with a 100% designer look. Advantages: smooth, non-porous surface, without visible junctions or joints and easy to clean without aggressive detergents. The material is repairable and can be renovated by simple sanding. Disadvantages: it is sensitive to scratches and fears heat. Do not place it behind the hob. Installation: easily cuttable, the acrylic plates are glued to the support or fixed to the wall using screws. Price: 80 euros per m2
Kitchen splashbacks in photos
Stainless steel or glass splashback? Traditional tiled credenza? Our advice for choosing the material for your splashback, which will give a decorative touch to your kitchen...
