When deciding between tiles and alternative materials, you may be left with a lot of unanswered questions such as....

So what is an upstand?

What is brushed glass?

How much does a glass splashback cost?

How do I buy glass splashbacks online?

Don't worry, with 11 years in the industry we're the experts! Our guide below should help with many of these questions.

What is a gloss glass splashback?

Our Glass Splashbacks are sheets of toughened glass that are heat resistant to over 400° and virtually shatter resistant. They are suitable for use behind all hobs.

A Gloss finish is simply a shiny Glass Splashback. If you opt for a coloured or printed gloss splashback, the colour/design is applied to the back of the splashback. We're often asked if you need to paint the wall behind, but you don't! The back is completely covered. It's easy to clean, and you never have to worry about the colour or design coming off!

What is a brushed glass splashback?

Brushed Glass Splashbacks are simply matte glass. They look and feel very different to gloss glass splashbacks as they are not shiny, nor are they reflective in any way. Instead, Brushed Glass Splashbacks could be described as frosted.

Colours and Designs look very different on Brushed Glass Splashbacks. Brushed Glass contains a higher iron content than gloss, so colours can appear differently to any paint charts or even gloss glass. It's always worthwhile ordering a sample before you buy splashbacks online to ensure you are absolutely happy with your splashback. Samples can be ordered on our website, or by clicking here.

The above image shows clear gloss glass, and clear brushed glass side-by-side. You'll notice there is a green / blue tint to the brushed glass splashback sample. When painted with a white background, this achieves an effect we refer to as glacier. 

What is an acrylic splashback?

An acrylic splashback is similar to a glass splashback in many ways except for one big difference. Acrylic splashbacks are not recommended behind gas hobs. Unlike glass splashbacks which are heat resistant to over 400°, acrylic splashbacks would melt due to their plastic nature.

Acrylic Splashbacks (below) enjoy virtually all the other similarities and benefits of glass splashbacks, however there is also an extra bonus. Acrylic splashbacks can be cut at home. Unlike glass splashbacks which are toughened during the manufacturing process, Acrylic splashbacks are easily modified at home using basic tools, and with a very basic set of DIY skills. 

DIY Splashbacks offer a very comprehensive set of tutorials on how to measure, and fit both glass and acrylic splashbacks, so you'll find it easy to do both. 

What are upstands?

Upstands are typically a trim around the edge of a kitchen that protect walls from marks and scrapes.

Unlike a glass or acrylic splashback, they won't protect walls from splashes and stains as they are usually 10cm / 100mm high. In the image above, the homeowner has opted for Quartz worktops and Quartz Upstands, with an acrylic splashback behind the hob / food preparation area.

Upstands are typically much cheaper than tiling kitchen walls, as they don't require an additional trade. Quartz and Granite upstands are fitted by the worktop fabricator, and laminate upstands by a kitchen installer. 

Whilst cheaper than tiling, all of the above can still be relatively expensive depending on the material, and who is charging to install.

There is an inexpensive and easy-to-fit alternative! Glass Upstands. 

Once your kitchen is complete, it's easy to calculate how much a glass or acrylic splashback and matching upstand will cost. Our easy-to-follow tutorials demonstrate how to work out your dimensions, and how to install. 

In the example above, this homeowner opted for 150mm high glass upstands, and a matching glass splashback behind their range cooker. 

This would cost a fraction of the price of tiling, as you will be able to measure, order and install your new splashbacks and upstands yourself!

The only tricky bit will be choosing your colour or design!

How much are glass & acrylic splashbacks?

Regardless of the material cost, there will always be a considerable saving to be made when compared to tiling, as you will not need to employ another trade. Glass and Acrylic Splashbacks are essentially like fitting one giant tile with adhesive, so the likelihood is that you will install it yourself.

Getting a quotation is really simple. Simply input your dimensions in to our Easy-Quote Tool, and you will get an instant quotation. 

The above is an example of our Coloured Glass Splashback Easy-Quote Tool.

A Quotation is just a few clicks away:

1. Select your colour

2. Input your dimensions in milimeters

3. Select whether you plan to screw-fit or use adhesive (adhesive is most popular).

4. Select your glass thickness. 6mm is recommended.

5. Would you like glitter / sparkle mixed through your chosen colour?

6. Would you like Gloss Finish Glass, or Brushed Glass (see our guide above).

7. Are there any sockets or switches in the way?

8. Would you like your splashback shaped to fit around your curved extractor?

Your quotation will then be displayed on screen. It's really that simple!

However, if you have any questions- we're always happy to help.

Where do we offer our installation service?

DIY Splashbacks manufacture and deliver glass splashbacks across the UK, we can recommend installers for many areas currently covering most of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Areas we have offered our glass splashbacks installation service to include:

• Bedford
• Belfast
• Birmingham
• Bristol
• Cambridge
• Cardiff
• Cheadle
• Coventry
• Derby
• Dundee
• Edinburgh
• Essex
• Exeter
• Falkirk
• Glasgow
• Hampshire
• Hertfordshire
• Hillington
• Huddersfield
• Ireland
• Kent
• Leeds
• Leicester
• Liverpool
• London
• Manchester
• Milton Keynes
• Newcastle
• Newcastle Upon Tyne
• North East
• North London
• Northern Ireland
• Norwich
• Scotland
• Sheffield
• South Wales
• Southampton
• Stoke on Trent
• Surrey
• Swansea
• Tyne and Wear
• Watford
• Wellington
• West Yorkshire
• Wirral
• Yorkshire