Kitchen splashbacks
Kitchen splashbacks, tiles or glass?
The splashback is the most visible wall in most kitchens. Paul tiles kitchen splashbacks across Wollongong and the Illawarra and can talk you through the choices before any work starts. If you're considering glass instead, ask him whether it can be arranged for your kitchen.
NSW Licence 72413S · Licensed & insured · 25 years' experience
Tiled or glass
Two finishes, side by side.
A general guide to how the two finishes differ. Paul can talk through what suits your kitchen and the way you cook. If glass appeals, ask him whether it can be arranged for your kitchen.
| Tiled | Glass | |
|---|---|---|
| The look | Texture, pattern and shape, from classic subway tiles to larger formats. | One smooth, continuous surface. |
| Joints | Grout lines between the tiles become part of the design. | No grout lines across the face. |
| Colour | Set by the tile and grout colour you choose. | A single colour across the whole panel. |
| Day to day | Wipes down, with grout lines that need occasional attention. | Wipes down across one smooth surface. |
| Power points and windows | Tiles are cut and fitted around them. | Openings need to be planned before the panel is made. |
Finish details
Five details that make it look finished.
They're easy to overlook when you're choosing a colour, but they're what you notice every day.
Where it meets the benchtop
A straight, even line along the benchtop is one of the first things the eye picks up.
Power points and switches
Cut-outs should sit cleanly around each one. Electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician, so if anything needs moving, plan for it before the splashback goes in.
Behind the cooktop and rangehood
The splashback often runs up behind the rangehood, so it's worth deciding how high it goes early on.
Window reveals and sills
Finishing into a window reveal, or stopping short of it, changes the look of the whole wall.
Exposed ends and edges
Where the splashback stops, the edge needs a clean finish so it looks intended rather than cut off.
Genuine Gaffneys work
From Paul's work
A classic subway splashback.
White subway tiles laid in a brick pattern, running from the benchtop up to the wall cabinets and around the corner.
Getting a quote
What helps Paul quote your splashback.
- A photo of the wallStraight on, with the benchtop and cabinets in view.
- Rough measurementsThe length of the run and the height from benchtop to cabinets.
- Where the kitchen is atWhether the benchtop and cabinets are already in.
- What you have in mindTiled or glass, or a photo of a splashback you like.
Splashback FAQs
Questions about kitchen splashbacks.
Weighing up tiles and glass? Paul is happy to talk it through.
Call 0432 685 338Can I have a glass splashback instead of tiles?
Paul tiles kitchen splashbacks. If you would like glass, ask him whether it can be arranged for your kitchen. Tell him what you have in mind, or send a photo of a splashback you like.
Which is easier to keep clean?
Glass has no grout lines, so it wipes down as one surface. Tiles wipe down too, and the grout lines need occasional attention. The side-by-side guide covers the other differences.
What about power points on the splashback wall?
The splashback is cut or planned around them. Electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician, so if a power point needs moving, sort that out before the splashback goes in.
What should I send for a quote?
A straight-on photo of the wall, rough measurements, whether the benchtop and cabinets are in, and whether you're thinking tiles or glass. Your suburb helps too.
Which areas do you cover?
Gaffneys is based in Wollongong and works across the Illawarra. Include your suburb when you get in touch and we'll let you know.
Tell us about your project
A quote request, not a booking. Paul will contact you to arrange next steps.
Request received
Thanks, we've got it.
Paul will review your details and contact you to talk about your project. This is not a confirmed appointment. If it's urgent, call 0432 685 338.