As kitchen design moves into the future, our perceptions of 'modern' looks are changing. Increasingly, form meets function within kitchen design, a feat which is apparent within the much changed role and appearance of kitchen splashbacks. A splashback usually covers the area directly behind the hob, or else the entire length of wall within this area. Its purpose is to protect walls from splashes and spills during cooking. Whilst their presence was once purely functional, splashbacks can now prove largely influential over a finished kitchen’s look, and frequently make quite the statement feature! And far from its traditional tiled origins, the splashback has evolved to the extent they are widely available in diverse colours, styles and materials; multiple options to suit all budgets and tastes.
Upstands
Like splashbacks, upstands are available in an array of materials and line the worktop where the worktop and walls meet...except they are usually only 100mm high. Upstands create an attractive border for the walls, protecting them from damage, and are well suited for both modern and traditional kitchen styles.
Glass Splashbacks
The glass splashback is the most popular kitchen option as it is sleek, streamlined, and enables an easy injection of colour into your kitchen. It is the perfect option for an elegant yet practical touch of class. At the same time glass splashbacks are hygienic, easy to maintain and strong; qualities which ensure they will keep their looks for many years to come.
Splashback Colour Options
Contemporary Kitchens are able to create your glass splashback in any colour of your choosing. Whether a recommendation from an interior designer, or a colour you’ve found on Pinterest, we can match your splashback to any colour of you choosing. This includes any colour from the RAL colour chart, Dulux colour chart or Farrow & Ball’s colour palette. It is also possible to get high resolution photos printed onto the back of a splashback, facilitating limitless personalisation within your kitchen.
There are a number of possibilities available with glass, such as using splashbacks in conjunction with LED lighting to produce a vibrant yet tasteful effect. Your personal designer will work with you to provide a splashback that perfectly complements the overall style of your new kitchen.
You can easily enhance your splashback feature with LED lighting
Splashback Maintenance
Glass splashbacks are easy to maintain as they can be wiped clean using a standard glass cleaning agent and a non-abrasive cloth. As any homeowner would agree, keeping the area behind the kitchen worktop dry and free from grease and grime is often a challenge, but unlike paint or tiling, there is no grout and so the glass splashback will never trap grease. Not only does this make for a more hygienic splashback option but it also saves time, elbow grease, and helps keep it looking fantastic!
Splashback Durability
Glass used for splashbacks is 6mm thick and undergoes a toughening process to ensure it can safely be used as a durable and resistant splashback or upstand. This technique consists of passing the glass through a furnace that heats it to 720 °C, before rapidly cooling it afterwards using air drafts. This action leaves the glass 5 times stronger than it was before the process began. After toughening, the glass is finally painted on the reverse to create a long lasting, highly reflective surface finish.
Splashback Sizes and Socket Cut-Outs
The maximum single continuous length of a piece of glass is 3m. Where possible, we always try and fit the glass without any joins, subject to maximum length and access restrictions. The glass can be bespoke manufactured from templates produced on site to allow cut-outs for sockets and switches etc.
Splashback Installation
Installation is very straight forward; Mastic is applied to the rear of the glass and the panel is set against the wall. The edges are then silicone-sealed so that moisture cannot permeate behind the glass.
Cut-outs in the glass will allow for sockets and switches
Other splashback options
As previously mentioned, kitchen splashback options are available in a wide range of styles and materials. Whilst glass is the most popular choice, you might also consider porcelain or ceramic tiles, mirrored glass, stainless steel, laminate, or a worktop material such as marble, Corian® or quartz. With the latter, continuation of a kitchen worktop material into a splashback or upstand is a popular kitchen option, creating a fluid look for the design. But whichever your preference, when making a decision for your splashback it is important to recognise the differing qualities of varying splashback materials, including that not all are suitable for locating behind a hob as they can be damaged by heat. Armed with expert knowledge on the different options, the designers at Contemporary Kitchens can help you achieve the splashback option that will work for you, as well as being just right for your kitchen space.
