Does Splashback Thickness Affect Heat Resistance?
In principle, yes—but in practice, not in the way most people assume.
When choosing a glass splashback, thickness often gets mistaken for heat performance. In reality, heat resistance is driven by glass toughening and correct installation, not by simply making the glass thicker. This distinction is critical and is grounded in long-established industry practice.
The Role of Toughened Glass
Glass splashbacks are manufactured using toughened (tempered) glass, a process that dramatically increases heat resistance and impact strength. Once glass is properly toughened, it can tolerate high temperatures and sudden temperature changes common behind cooktops.
This is why a 6mm toughened glass splashback has become the industry standard. It consistently delivers reliable thermal performance without introducing unnecessary weight or complexity.
Why Thicker Doesn’t Mean More Heat Resistant
It’s a common misconception that thicker glass automatically handles heat better. In reality:
Thicker glass does not significantly increase heat tolerance
It adds weight, which affects wall loading and installation
It increases cost without improving safety in standard kitchen setups
From a traditional, best-practice standpoint, increasing thickness beyond 6mm provides diminishing returns for heat management.
Installation Matters More Than Thickness
Heat issues almost always stem from poor installation, not insufficient glass thickness. Proper clearances between the splashback and heat sources—especially gas hobs—are essential.
Suppliers like DIY Splashbacks engineer splashbacks as a complete system, factoring in thickness, toughening, cut-outs, and recommended spacing to manage heat safely and consistently. 
The Proven Standard: 6mm Toughened Glass
Decades of use have validated 6mm toughened glass as the optimal choice for kitchen splashbacks. It offers:
Reliable heat resistance
Safer handling and installation
Predictable performance over time
Consistent color and finish
This is why it remains the preferred specification across residential projects and professional installations.
Final Takeaway
Splashback thickness alone does not determine heat resistance.
What matters is using properly toughened glass at the correct thickness—most commonly 6mm—installed with appropriate clearances.
It’s a solution rooted in experience, refined by modern manufacturing, and still the most dependable choice today.