Splashbacks: Materials and Fitting

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Splashbacks: Materials and Fitting

Glass, acrylic and tile compared, heat behind hobs, measuring and fitting

A splashback protects a wall and is chosen on appearance, and one material question is a safety matter behind a hob.

Heat behind a hob

Glass splashbacks behind a hob must be toughened, which is a different product from ordinary glass and is specified for the heat. Untoughened glass behind a gas or induction hob can crack.

Acrylic and most composite panels are not suitable directly behind a hob and manufacturers specify a minimum clearance, frequently combined with a separate heat-resistant section.

Check the manufacturer's stated clearance from the burner rather than assuming any panel will do.

The materials

Toughened glass wipes clean with no grout lines and is the most heat resistant. Acrylic is lighter, cheaper, easier to cut and scratches more easily.

Tiles are the cheapest and the grout is the weak point, since it stains and harbours grime. Stainless steel suits behind hobs and shows every mark.

Measuring

Measure at several points, since walls and worktops are rarely square or level. Allow for sockets, switches and any curve in the wall, and template anything complicated.

Most suppliers cut to order from your measurements and cannot accept returns, so have the measurements checked.

Fitting

Onto a flat, clean, dry wall using the adhesive the manufacturer specifies. Silicone along the worktop join rather than grout, since that joint moves.

Cut-outs for sockets must be made before toughening in glass, since toughened glass cannot be cut or drilled afterwards.

Behind a sink

Seal every edge properly, since water tracking behind a panel is invisible until the wall is damaged.

Colour and finish

Printed and coloured glass looks different once lit, so ask for a sample and look at it in the actual kitchen at different times of day. Very dark finishes show every fingerprint and water mark.

Check whether the colour is printed behind the glass or onto the surface, since the latter can be scratched.

Lead times

Made-to-measure panels take weeks, and toughening cannot be rushed. Order once the worktop is fitted rather than from plans, since real dimensions differ.

Behind a cooker specifically

Check the distance the hob manufacturer requires to any combustible or non-heat-resistant surface, since that governs what you can fit and where. Extraction and a rear upstand matter as much as the panel.

Grease builds up fastest here, so a wipeable surface with no joints earns its place.

Alternatives

Large-format porcelain tiles give a near-seamless look at a lower cost than glass. Painted walls with a wipeable finish work away from hobs and sinks and are the cheapest option of all.

Stainless steel behind a hob is hard-wearing and shows every fingerprint.

Cleaning

Non-abrasive cleaner and a soft cloth, and avoid anything gritty on acrylic.

WHERE TO BUY

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