A common question we are asked is how does the cost of a glass splashback compare to the cost of tiled kitchen walls. Let's take a look to see how they compare. In this study, we will use prices from one of the UK's largest tile suppliers.

Kitchen Wall Tiles (prices vary by retailer)

Subway Kitchen Wall Tiles £25-£30m2 (as high as £155m2 for glass subway tiles)

Rustic Kitchen Wall Tiles £57m-£139m2

Victorian Kitchen Wall Tiles £48-£395m2

Terazzo Kitchen Wall Tiles £39-£79m2

Glass Kitchen Wall Tiles £60m-£250m2

Tile Adhesive £26.99 will cover around 6m2

Tile Grout £20.99 for a 2.5kg bag (not pre-mixed) which will cover 8.9m2

Hiring a professional tiler £20-£50m2 for wall tiles (depending on location, many tilers would have a minimum charge of £150-£200)

As you can see from the above prices, a tiled wall would cost anywhere from  £52.50m2 to £452m2

The Cost of Glass Splashbacks

We will use our own prices to compare to the cost of kitchen wall tiles

Coloured Glass Splashbacks 

600mm x 750mm (0.45m2) £235m2, adhesive £7.99, fitting- 5 minutes to fit yourself

Full Wall example 2400mm x 500mm £180m2, adhesive £7.99 fitting varies by location but £200 - £500 (if you can't fit yourself).

Cost for comparison £243m2 - £596m2 (the price is greatly influenced by the fitting cost, a fully ktichen up to 6m2 would be the same installation cost so for a full kitchen the fitting cost should realistically be around £33m2 - £83m2 which would reduce the cost for compasion to £213m2 - £263m2 based on a 6m2 area

Mirrored Glass Splashbacks 

600mm x 750mm (0.45m2) £495m2, adhesive £7.99, fitting- 5 minutes to fit yourself

Full wall - 2400mm x 500mm £412m2, adhesive £7.99 again fitting costs vary by region (and fitter)

As with the above prices for coloured glass, fitting can be as low as £33m2 if the fitter is covering a kitchen with a wall area of around 6m2.

Head to head/like for like

As with any product, you can purchase products at the high or low end of the market. Kitchen wall tiles are no exception. Prices from one high street retailer who themselves are not the high end of the market range from £25m2 to £395m2 alone depending on the style of wall tile. To make a more fair comparison then we will use the glass wall tile prices to compare to the cost of a coloured glass splashback

Cost of glass kitchen wall tiles compared to coloured glass splashbacks

Glass Kitchen Wall Tiles £60 - £250m2

Coloured Glass Splashbacks £180 - £235m2

Cost of installation, wall tiles from £20m2, glass splashbacks from £33m2

As you can see there isn't a massive price difference between the two but there are some factors that should make a glass splashback more appealling than kitchen tiles.

• Glass Splashbacks are very easy to fit yourself and even a novice DIYer can achieve great results
• Kitchen wall tiles require grout, which is very easy to stain and not so easy to clean- unlike glass
• The labour costs for professionally fitted glass splashbacks (which require two visits instead of one as the site survey must be first made) is on a sliding scale, so the larger the area the cheaper the m2 tends to be.
• For a contemporay kitchen, not having any lines or joins in the glass does not spoil the look of a sleek kitchen

Wall tiles can of course look beautiful and are the right choice in many kitchens, like every room of the home it is important to take time to choose the right colours or wall coverings to suit your decor.

To answer the question, are glass splashbacks cheaper than tiles, the answer is both yes and no. It depends on the tile chosen and the area you would like covered. A cooker splashback only is without doubt going to work out a lot cheaper than tiling as it is something you can fit yourself in a matter of minutes. A single wall of glass to under cabinet height will in most cases work out a little more expensive than lower end kitchen wall tiles but for full kitchen the cost is comparable (again depending on the wall tiles chosen). Glass splashbacks can also vary considerably by supplier and style, antique mirror splashbacks would be at the higher end of the scale.

When designing a kitchen there are many factors to consider, choosing the kitchen doors, worktops and appliances are the first step towards your dream kitchen but what do you put on the walls? Kitchen tiles look great in traditional kitchens but for more contemporary kitchen styles they can make the walls look a little dated. Fortunately, there are now many more options for contemporary kitchen wall coverings that are a lot more in keeping with the modern look. Coloured glass splashbacks are a great choice as they can be matched to any paint colour so you are essentially just choosing a colour and creating a fully washable, stainpproof, easily cleaned wall of glass.  Likewise, you can create exactly the same look with coloured acrylic panels which are manufactured in exactly the same way as glass splashbacks- the only downside is that they are not as heat resistant as glass so this is something to consider at the planning stage. The most in trend kitchen wall covering is now mirror splashbacks, available in different colours and styles mirror splashbacks protect your wall just as coloured glass splashbacks do but they also dramatically change both the amount of light in your kitchen as well as the perceived amount of space.

The above image of a bronze mirror splashback is a great example of how a mirror can not only be functional but also makes a dramatic difference to how big the kitchen looks. This example faces the seating area which is great as it allows anyone sitting in the kitchen to speak to other people without having to turn their head. The bronze tint in the mirror is the perfect complement to the sleek grey lines of the kitchen and of course the colour of the kitchen doors and worktops. Kitchen tiles would simply not have been the right match for this kitchen with grout lines ruining the aesthetics.

As mentioned, toughened mirror splashbacks are available in different colours (silver being the most common) so above you can see a nice example of a grey mirror kitchen splashback. As with the bronze example above you can see straight away that the kitchen looks much brighter and larger despite this being a darker coloured mirror. In this kitchen you will see that the mirror is behind the kitchen hob, this is an important feature of toughened glass mirrors as they are just as heat resistant as coloured glass splashbacks as they are both made from toughened glasss. Another great example of how a mirrored splashback is a great choice for a modern kitchen.

The most in trend style of kitchen mirror splashbacks at this time is though antique effect splashbacks. There are several reasons why people choose this look with the main one being that they create a feature of the kitchen rather than just making it look much bigger. This example is a rusted iron antique effect mirror but again, made from toughened glass so perfectly suitable for use behind any type of ktichen hob- including gas.

Whatever style you choose, the main thing to consider is the colour or effect. Grey mirror splashbacks would not suit certain kitchen colour schemes such as creams or ivory whereas a bronze mirror would, as it would have a degree of red in it as would the kitchen. For a grey or white kitchen you will find that a grey, silver or silver antique mirror splashback may be the better choice.

How can we help you find the right choice of mirror splashback for your kitchen?

The first step would be to order a sample to check to make sure your colour choice of mirror complements your kitchen doors and worktops. Mirror samples can be ordered on this page of our website.

Trends may be cyclical in nature, but the rustic-antique look has been well and truly timeless throughout much of history. There may be shifts in the way this trend is brought into classical and contemporary homes, but modernising interiors by making them look somewhat distressed is nothing new.

Exposed pipes, reclaimed wooden furniture, light fittings taken directly from factory floors; anything that looks completely effortless, but is not.

It is a trend that has also made its mark on the world of quality kitchen splash backs. For some, there is nothing more appealing than a beautifully contemporary stainless steel splashback, an arrangement of ceramic tiles or a sheet of coloured acrylic.

For others, the splashback of the moment is the splashback that brings a rustic and industrial look to the modern kitchen.

The Eye-Catching Antique Mirror Splashback

Standard mirror splashbacks were the tools of choice for interior designers throughout much of 2018 and 2019. They are still quite fantastic and supremely versatile today, able to complement the look and feel of just about any type of kitchen.

Today, all eyes are well and truly on the antique mirror splashback; as the name suggests, an antique mirror splashback is a contemporary splashback manufactured from the highest-quality materials, though designed to look as if it was reclaimed from a historic home or business.

Manufactured to the highest quality standards, antique mirror splashbacks combine all the visual appeal of an authentic distressed mirror finish with the rugged durability of a 21^st century splashback. The result is a durable and hardwearing feature for the classical or contemporary kitchen, which can be positioned just about anywhere to fantastic effect.

Bespoke Kitchen Splashback Design

Best of all, the highest-quality antique mirror splashbacks on the market today can be extensively customised to suit the preferences and requirements of each customer. Choose from a whole range of inspiring colours that can be used to tint the glass, in order to produce something that fits in flawlessly with its surroundings.

Antique mirror splashbacks can also be manufactured in absolutely any shape, size and specification, enabling them to be installed in minutes without any specialist equipment.

Pairing pristine presentation with a layer of durable protection for high-traffic areas, an antique mirror splashback really is the wall covering of the moment in 2021. If interested in enhancing the look and feel of your kitchen at a rock-bottom price, we would be delighted to provide you with an obligation-free consolation.

Call DIY Splashbacks anytime to learn more, or contact us by email and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Ask 100 people to describe their dream kitchen splashbacks and you will probably get 100 different answers. Truth is, there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ when it comes to choosing colours and finishes.

It depends entirely on what you want to get out of your splashback, in terms of its design and practicality.

Of course, getting to grips with the options available can seem daunting at first, nevertheless, it is relatively easy to narrow things down to a shortlist of contenders.

With this in mind, here are four approaches to choosing an attractive and functional splashback for your kitchen:

Choose A Complementary Colour

Many (if not most) buyers choose to go with a splashback in a complementary colour. This means opting for a colour that blends in seamlessly with your existing décor. It doesn’t necessarily mean picking a splashback that is the same colour as the rest of your kitchen, but something that fits in beautifully with its surroundings. Perhaps consider the colours and finishes of the other features and fixtures in your kitchen, choosing one of these for the colour of your splashback.

Make It into A Feature

This is basically the exact opposite approach, where you deliberately choose a colour that stands out boldly and prominently. This can be a great way of bringing a pop of colour into your kitchen, creating an eye-catching feature and focus point. If you are planning on making a feature of your splashback, experiment with as many bold (and even brash) colour choices as you like.

Consider A Mirrored Finish

Mirrored splashbacks can look the part in a wide variety of kitchens. Reflective surfaces are particularly effective when introduced to smaller interior spaces, creating a feeling of space and light. It is also worth remembering that a mirrored splashback can be tinted in almost any shade. This is an option well worth considering, if you are looking to brighten up your kitchen and make the space feel larger than it actually is.

Simply Choose Your Favourite

Last but not least, the easiest approach of all is to simply forget all of the above entirely. Rather than complicating things with various considerations regarding contrast and cohesion, why not just choose a splashback you love the most? The important point to remember is that if it works for you, that really is all that matters. Never base your decisions on current, past or future trends – base them entirely on your own personal preferences.

At DIY Splashbacks, we would be delighted to provide you with an obligation-free consultation to help you choose your perfect kitchen splashback. Call or e-mail our customer support team and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Kitchen splashbacks may be primarily practical in nature, but this does not mean they cannot also be seriously stylish. As with most things, creativity and innovation hold the key to truly inspiring results when choosing kitchen splashbacks.

Of course, knowing where to start with a (literally) limitless range of custom options to choose from can be tricky. Whether you are looking for something understated or bold is entirely up to you, but it is essential to ensure the final effect is one you can be proud of.

With this in mind, here is a selection of innovative glass splashback ideas for a more stylish and unique kitchen:

1. Create a bold contrast

First up, this is where you specifically choose a colour for your splashback that creates a bold and eye-catching contrast. This can be particularly effective if your kitchen’s décor is neutral and understated, providing the opportunity to bring a burst of bold colour into the mix. Mixing colours from opposite ends of the colour spectrum will also create an exciting and unique statement that will make you the envy of all your friends

2. Showcase exposed brickwork

If you have brickwork or any other structural feature you like the look of, why not cover it with a completely clear splashback? This will enable you to both continue showcasing the feature and provide it with an additional layer of protection. If preferred, you can also opt for something lightly tinted in a hue of your choosing, in order to still allow the brickwork behind to show through.

3. Go for something understated

If you are looking for more muted and neutral colours and designs for your dream kitchen you may be more inclined to choose a splashback that blends in more than stands out. You may simply want a functional and understated addition to your kitchen, which serves a valuable purpose without affecting its visual aesthetic.

4. Consider ‘framing’ your splashback

Another fantastic design option for creating a standout kitchen feature is to consider ‘framing’ your splashback. This is where you strategically select and place a series of tiles around the outline of the splashback. You can go for something coloured, something patterned or something plain - whichever works best with your kitchen décor.

5. Match your splashback to your kitchen cabinets

One of the easiest ways of creating a unified feel throughout the kitchen is to paircoloured glass splashbacks to your kitchen cabinets shade. Or perhaps the other way around - repaint your cabinets the same colour as your new splashback. Both options can be surprisingly straightforward and are perfectly possible as DIY projects if you are a dab hand with a paintbrush!

6. Reflect light with a mirrored splashback

One of the biggest benefits of a mirrored splashback is the way in which it creates a feeling of spaciousness in the kitchen. It can also be great for maximising natural light, particularly where smaller kitchens are concerned. Mirrored splashbacks can be plain or tinted as preferred, in order to perfectly complement their surroundings.

7. Play around with patterned tiles

Last but not least, placing a series of patterned tiles in the wall directly behind a glass splashback is an easy and affordable way to create a feature wall in your kitchen. Get creative with your own custom mosaic, or simply pick up a selection of patterned tiles and arrange them in any way you like. Either way, the result will be an eye-catching focus point for the entire kitchen.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and style is a matter of personal perception.  When it comes to convenience and practicality, there will always be those who favour aesthetics over an easy ride.

But how about an option that combines the best of both worlds? If looking to give your bathroom an overhaul, why not consider splashbacks as an alternative to traditional tiles?

It may sound like an unusual approach, but there are actually countless benefits to splashbacks as an alternative to tiled surfaces. Available in a wide range of colours and manufactured from toughened glass, splashbacks can be great for creating a sleek, sophisticated and stylish contemporary finish.

So before placing an order for your bathroom tiles, consider the following benefits of high-quality splashbacks:

1.     Quick and easy installation

Firstly, splashbacks can significantly reduce the amount of time needed to complete the project. This is for the simple reason that a single splashback can cover the same surface area as multiple tiles. The larger the sheet of glass, the quicker and easier it is to get the job done. Given how most quality kitchen splashbacks are made to measure, you can order pretty much any size and shape you need to suit your bathroom.

2.     Cleanliness and hygiene

Some types of bathroom tiles can be surprisingly difficult to keep clean and hygienic. In fact, any bathroom tiles that have a textured surface can accumulate dirt, gather grime and result in the build-up of limescale. One of the appealing features of glass splashbacks is the way in which they could not be easier to keep clean. A simple wipe with a damp cloth is all that is needed, coupled with the occasional polish to keep them in pristine condition.

3.     Repairs, replacements and alterations

Something else to bear in mind is how comparatively simple it is to remove and replace kitchen splashbacks. Removing tiles that have been grouted securely in place to repair, replace or upgrade them can be a difficult and messy job. With a glass splashback, it takes no time at all to remove the panel from the surface and upgrade or replace it with anything you like. This means that if you do change your mind or decide to mix things up in the future, it won’t be a major undertaking.

4.     An indefinite lifespan

Last but not least, high-quality glass splashbacks for bathrooms that are appropriately taken care of can last pretty much forever. Or if not forever, at least several decades without losing their lustre. Glass splashbacks are not prone to fading or becoming discoloured overtime. The toughened glass surface is also resilient to scratches and scuffs giving them a longer life than standard tiles.

For more information on any of the above or to discuss your requirements in more detail, contact a member of the team at DIY Splashbacks today.

A tiled kitchen can look lovely but for areas where you get a lot of splashing from cooking and washing dishes you may find these areas can become problematic. The simple solution is to install a glass splashback on top of the tiles. Glass splashbacks are very easy to clean and do not need any tile grout so are ideal for these problem areas in the kitchen or bathroom. You can install a simple glass splashback on top of tiles in a matter of minutes using neutral cure silicone, see below for a great example of a glass splashback that has been fitted on top of existing wall tiles.

TThis customer chose a glass splashback that compliments the wall tiles and worktops to great effect. They no longer have the problems associated with cleaning grease and splashes from tile grout and now have an easy to clean glass splashback behind their gas hob. All of our glass splashbacks are made from toughened glass and fully heat resistant for use behind all types of hobs, including gas.

For bathrooms and shower panels where you do not need to use toughened glass you can install acrylic splashbacks on top of existing tiles instead of having to remove them which can be very messy. A seamless surface like acrylic again does not require any grout so water will run straight off meaning you do not need to worry about mould in the shower.

How can a splashback improve your kitchen design?

Glass kitchen splashbacks are fast becoming the material of choice over tiles and stainless steel when it comes to protecting your kitchen walls and it's easy to see why. Glass tiled kitchens have no grouting, they're easy to clean and most importantly, they're DIY friendly. Here at DIY Splashbacks we have been specialists in the field since 2009 and ship across the UK and Ireland, providing our customers high quality, heat-resitant splashbacks to suit any kitchen design, behind any hob.

"I'm not sure if I want a colour or a design!"

We pride ourselves on offering a variety of designs on our splashbacks, from timeless shades of cream and grey to bold decorative patterns - there really is something for everyone. For those with a plain colour in mind, we offer painted splashbacks that can be matched as close as possible to a specific paint, fabric or even objects. 

* Unfortunately we cannot ever guarantee a 100% match due to a difference in materials but we try our hardest to match to a reference.

If you're looking for something bold as a focal point of your kitchen then we ofference patterned glass and textured glass splashbacks. One of our most popular styles of printed glass splashbacks is those from our faux tile effect collection - get that medditerranean feel without the need for grouting, labour and expense. Our glass is cheap to purchase and as you place it from the comfort of your own home with our very straight forward application guide, you can do it at your pace and when the time is right for you.

Picture: Waves Splashback

For those out there with an artistic eye, we have recently opened up our marketplace, this is a platform which allows creatives to upload their art to be sold as a splashback. We had previously worked with three artists over the course of five years to produce designer splashbacks that proved to be a big hit - now our designer selection has widened and there is a variety of fabric arts to traditional painting, photography, abstract and everything in between. 

"I can't find what I want!"

Do you have something in mind and you can't find quite what you're looking for? We can also do custom splashbacks. We will happily take any image over a suitable file size and quality of at least 4mb, or any image off Shutterstock and put it onto a splashback for you. This allows you to fully personalised a splashback for your kitchen. In the past we've done holiday pictures, pictures of pets, family and more. Personalised splashbacks are a one of a kind statement in the heart of your familys home.

What's the finish on your glass?

Our glass comes in a standard highly reflective gloss finish which elevates a room by reflecting light from windows and fixings to create the illusion of a bigger space.

However we also offer frosted and brushed glass. Frosted glass, or brushed glass is an almost opaque finish that we can offer on our all of our splashbacks it's cloudy in appearance and provides a beautiful matte finish to a kitchen. This type of finish is well suited for darker colours and clear glass as it has a higher iron content than our standard gloss, which can lead to a green tinge in lighter colours, including patterns and designs. 

"But my DIY skills aren't up to scratch and it's a big area!"

One of the most common questions we get is "How big can you make your glass, do you cut to size?" The simple answer is yes, to both. We have standard stock sizes but we also offer fully bespoke, made-to-measure splashbacks. We have the glass cut to size based on the measurements provided and can also do complex shaping such as around plug sockets and curved cooker hoods. For larger pieces pieces requiring cut-outs, we offer a measure and fit service. We measure the area you're looking to cover, we are able to give you a price based on the measurements and then we fit the splashback for you. Our measure and fit service is fairly priced and depends on your location and the size of the job. 

Whatever the space, the dream and the idea, we will be here to help you achieve it.

How hygienic are glass splashbacks, and are they easier to clean than tiles?

Glass splashbacks have many wonderful properties, however one of the biggest benefits of opting for glass over tiles  is their easy-clean qualities...

1. Far fewer pieces than tiles -

No matter what size of tile you opt for, there are generally many many tiles on each wall. Glass Splashbacks are available up to 2.4m in length, meaning it's possible to clad entire walls with one or two pieces in total. 

Image Source: www.cosmopolithome.com

2. Fewer pieces means fewer joins and no grout to clean! -

If your wall is larger than 2.4m, you might need a second panel of glass. However, glass splashbacks are simply butted together (see below) and sealed with silicone. This is much easier to clean and maintain than messy tile grout. Glass splashbacks also butt on to worktops and shower trays (also check out our coloured acrylic bathroom and shower panels)- with another fine amount of silicone to seal. If tiling, this area is usually grouted. Over time the grout cracks or errodes leaving an opportunity for water penetration.

3. Glass Splashbacks are entirely flat-

Unlike tiles which can be uneven or even textured, glass splashbacks are as flat as is physically possible. This means there is no opportunity for dirt, mould and germs to build up on the surface, making glass splashbacks a more hygienic option.

4. Splashbacks are as non-pourous as possible-

Glass splashbacks are entirely flat, but even though they are machine made, they still have very tiny pores. Ceramic tiles are pourous (some more than others, such as natural stone) and therefore they can be like sponges for grime. 

There are no statistics for how fewer pores glass has compared to tiles, however you only have to touch your windows and mirrors to compare. Glass is as smooth and resistant to dirt as physically possible.

Image Source: www.opticalcoatings.com

To further mitigate against germs and dirt, we offer an EasyClean Coating with our glass splashbacks. This is essentially a glass scotchguard. Our EasyClean Coating can be added to your order during the quotation process.

The coating is applied to the surface of the glass and essentially seals the tiny pores- ensuring germs and grime cannot penetrate at all.

Effectively water would bead and run straight off the glass (see above).

5. In a world of germs and diseases like coronavirus, wipeable surfaces protect against infection!-

For all the benefits above, glass splashbacks are the best and most hygienic option for kitchen walls. Wipeable in seconds, your kitchen and bathroom will be as sterile as possible.

As we launch our new LUXE Glass Splashbacks Collection, we explore some of the ways to create a LUXE look in your kitchen. 

Subtle Metal Touches

Metal never goes out of date, however we think some of the recent trends to hit the high street went a bit too far! The Copper Pandemic saw an explosion of copper on to literally everything from handles (we love) to matching bins and kitchen roll holders (not so much love for these). 

However metal is always welcome in Interior Design as it adds depth, and is a perfect way to ground a scheme. The above kitchen by Mark Wilkinson uses a subtle hint of copper through the cabinet handles and lighting. It's just enough copper to make it interesting! We do offer a range of luxe glass splashbacks that will also perfectly suit these luxe kitchens.

This kitchen uses brass as the secondary colour in the scheme. Rather than being religated to the sidelines, the brass wall cabinets stand out as a feature- this is balanced by the marine blue colour of the other cabinets, so it somehow remains elegant (when it would ordinarily be too much!).

We're used to seeing metal in kitchen design via handles and hardware, however this is also an easy way to keep up with trends. Opting for a colour that's currently in vogue is easy with handles, as they can be changed relatively inexpensively when you tire of them. The above brass 'knurled' handles are huge for 2020, but their subtle texture means they will remain fashionable for years to come. 

We're huge fans of Karndean & Amtico flooring. If you haven't heard of them, it's definitely worthwhile looking them up when you are selecting the flooring for your new kitchen. They are effectively vinyl planks that look like wood, meaning you can have a wood-look floor in your kitchen without the concerns over leaks and dents! One of the beautiful things about this type of flooring is that you can add accessories such as metal strips in to the design. The above image sourced on Pinterest shows a brass trim on a limed-oak effect floor in a hall. This could just as easily be a kitchen, and the trim could wrap around an island beautifully adding the subtlest hint of metal. Worried about splashes from cooking on a kitchen island? Our kitchen island splashbacks may be the solution.

Lighting is another key way to add luxury, and also incorporate metals in to a design. These striking feature lights add impact above the kitchen's island.

Groupings of three small to medium lights work well over islands and peninsulas, however size is important. If a pendant is large, it is sometimes better to opt for two pendants and review the spacing.