Kitchen splashbacks
Home Design November 8th, 2008
Kitchen splashbacks: Why do we use them, are they really needed, and what kinds are out there?
The kitchen is a fairly messy area in many households and generally a difficult space to keep clean due to all the water and grease that goes with food preparation. A smooth surface allows for easy cleaning and thus there is less chance for bacteria to build-up.
Various materials can be used for splashbacks, but they must be impervious to water. Stainless steel, tiles, stone, pre-made composite sheets (caesarstone) and glass are the typical products that come to mind, but there are many other materials that can be used.
• Clear acrylic sheet splashbacks: they look like the sleek full-glass option, but sell for a fraction on the price. (For more information check out OzzieSplash’s website.)
• Solid acrylic free form products such as Corian
and (Laminex ‘freestyle’). These products are flexible and warm to the touch and cost about the same as natural stone
• Laminates - ‘Aquapanel’ . This product can also be used to line the inside of showers and is a very economical option.
• Terrazzo is a made to order products and can be resin based. 
Terrazzo has been improved greatly over the years and is no longer used just for toilet partitions and thresholds. Terrazzo can look stunning and the options of colors and additives such as pebbles and even personal items make it a very unique product.
• Galvanised steel - role formed steel can be used – often used for flashing it will add a ‘retro-look’ to your kitchen.
• Polyurethane panel – most kitchen manufactures can organise this in any ‘Dulux’ colour.
Note: None of these products will withstand heat very well; they will either crack, burn or discolour.
So use your imagination and don’t be limited in what you are fed through that mass media advertising channels; there are loads of options out there.
February 28th, 2009 at 5:30 AM
Why not use stainless steel. It’s durable, hygeinic and easy to clean
April 9th, 2009 at 1:36 PM
Hi Wang,
As mentioned earlier in the blog stainless steel can be used but it’s a common type of splashback toady, so I thought I would elaborate on the little known options, you can even use formed concrete. I am about to publish a blog on concrete benches/counter tops, keep an eye out…..