Backsplash / Splashback
A protective wall covering installed behind a kitchen counter or bathroom sink to guard against water damage and staining.
A backsplash (called a splashback in the UK) is the protective surface installed on the wall between your kitchen countertop and upper cabinets, or behind a bathroom sink. Its primary job is to shield the wall from water, grease, and food splatter, but it also plays a major role in the look and feel of your kitchen or bathroom.
Common backsplash materials
- Ceramic or porcelain tiles — the most popular choice, available in endless styles and price points
- Glass tiles or panels — sleek, modern, easy to clean, but can be more expensive to install
- Natural stone (marble, granite, slate) — high-end look, but may need sealing to prevent staining
- Stainless steel — durable and common in professional-style kitchens
- Acrylic or laminate panels — budget-friendly, quick to install, no grout lines to clean
Why backsplash matters in a renovation
If you are renovating a kitchen or bathroom, the backsplash is typically part of the second fix — the finishing stage after plumbing and electrical rough-in are complete. Choosing your backsplash material early matters because:
- Some materials require a perfectly flat wall surface, which affects plastering specifications
- Tile layouts may need to align with sockets, switches, and window openings
- Heavier materials like stone may need additional wall support
Practical tips
- Measure up from the countertop to the underside of wall cabinets — this is the area your backsplash needs to cover
- Grout colour matters — light grout shows stains more easily in a kitchen; consider a darker shade
- Full-height vs. standard — a standard backsplash covers about 45-60 cm (18-24 inches) above the counter, but full-height backsplashes running to the ceiling are increasingly popular
- Budget for installation — tiling labour is a significant part of the cost, especially for intricate patterns