Glass or Tile Splashbacks?

Finding the right splashback and keeping it looking great!

Aside from looking stylish, splashbacks play an important role in protecting the walls and areas around your cooking space. Splatters and spills are inevitable, so spashbacks are a necessary part of kitchen design, you wouldn’t cook without one!

The most popular choices for a splashback are tiles or glass, and what you choose comes down to personal choice, but always remember that a splashback should complement your kitchen design and be robust enough to withstand everyday use.

The splashback should be the last thing you choose for your kitchen. It’s best to choose your cabinetry and benchtops first, and then decide on a splashback that will suit the already established style and colour palette. When it comes to colour, neutral is usually better for resale and tends not to date, but many people choose to have fun with their splashback, making it a statement piece with bold colour or design.

Tiles are popular due to the huge variety of styles, colours, textures, shapes and sizes available. There really is something to suit every home, from ultra-modern designs to the more traditional styles. Tiles are also easier to cut to size and tend to be more cost effective.

Tiles may require more maintenance, so if you choose a tiled splashback you need to remember that both the tiles and grout will need to be considered. Grout is very porous, so getting stains out immediately is the best way to keep it clean. Regular cleaning with a store bought household cleaner, or a homemade mix is the key to keeping the tiles looking fresh and clean.

We always recommend having a spray bottle of the following mixture ready to go:

Cleaning solution – mix 1 cup of baking soda, 2 teaspoons of dish washing liquid and 2 cups of water and shake well.

Each time you use the spray, follow by wiping a damp cloth over the surface, followed by a dry cloth to polish. Use a toothbrush to scrub grout or avoid stains altogether by choosing a dark grout.

Although glass splashbacks are more expensive than tiles, it can be worth the extra cost for the added benefits. Glass splashbacks are easier to clean as there’s no grout or joins. Glass is also the perfect choice if you are going for a modern, streamlined look in your kitchen. On top of this, a carefully chosen splashback could become the focal point of your dining and kitchen areas and may even make the area look larger and brighter if it’s near a light source that can reflect off the surface.

To keep a glass splashback looking brand new, create a white vinegar solution consisting of one-part vinegar and four parts water. This will keep the glass looking shiny and streak free. A good quality glass cleaner will also do the job. Use microfibre cloths, as they work better on glass. For particularly stubborn stains, leave the cleaning solution on the splashback for 1 – 2 minutes and then wipe off with a lint free cloth.

Still having trouble deciding? Drop into one of our display homes for some splashback insight. Content Living’s friendly and expert staff will help you bring your vision to life.