A splashback is a must-have in every kitchen. It’s there to protect your walls from any stains and damage caused by splashes and spills, with most materials able to withstand high heat from your stovetop.

Perhaps you’re set to replace your existing kitchen splashback or looking for one as part of a complete kitchen build or renovation. There are many materials you can choose from depending on your budget, needs, and the aesthetic you are going for.

One way to save on costs is to DIY if you’re confident in your skills but some materials are better off handled by a professional. This guide on kitchen splashbacks in Australia will help you get familiar with the most common, and a few unique splashback materials, plus how much they cost.

Tiles

Tiles are making a major comeback. Homeowners now have a growing appreciation for tiles due to the range of materials, colours, and patterns available in the market today. The cost of a tile splashback can vary greatly because of this, ranging from $45 to $250 per square metre. In addition to the material, pattern, and colour of the tile, you would also have to pay for the adhesive and grout.

Tilers would charge around $400 to tile a kitchen splashback in your average kitchen, but you can surely save by doing it yourself.

This material would work for both classic and modern kitchens. Marble tiles are perfect for your dream Hamptons kitchen.

Toughened Glass

Toughened glass is a safety glass that crumbles into small granular pieces instead of large, jagged pieces that may cause injuries. They’re meant to withstand the high heat of your stovetop so breaking does not have to be a concern.

It’s the most popular splashback choice because it’s easy to clean and is available in an endless array of colours and prints. Building a more modern, colourful kitchen? This is for you!

Glass typically contains iron which makes clear glass splashbacks appear green and can affect the appearance of the colour you select; so try to find Starphire, a type that uses less iron. 

You can find toughened glass pre-cut for DIY installation at your local hardware stores for around $200 per square metre. Note that they cannot be cut to a specific size but should fit most kitchens.

Expect to pay $40 per cut-out if you need holes in your glass splashback.

Instead of a solid colour, you may also have a digital image printed at the back of the glass. This would cost $750 to $1,000 per square metre, including template measurements and installation by a glass specialist.

Mirrored Glass

Mirrored glass helps open up a space by reflecting light across the room. Unlike your regular bathroom mirror, it has an appealing smokey tint in either silver or bronze.

This is also a safety glass so you can use it for your kitchens and behind your stove top without worry.

Including installation, you can expect to spend $450 per square metre plus $40 for each cut-out you need for power points.

Used in combination with hidden light strips, it can be a classy addition to a modern kitchen.

Acrylic

Acrylic is a cost-effective material you can install yourself while giving the illusion of glass. 

However, they cannot be used directly behind your stovetops. You would have to use additional protection in the form of a toughened glass or stainless steel panel. Safety standards for kitchen splashbacks in Australia requires the plate to be the width of your stovetop, extending a minimum of 200mm above your burners.

Still, this means you only have to spend extra on that part of your kitchen and use a cheaper acrylic kitchen splashback for the rest. Large sheets of DIY acrylic splashback material can be purchased for $150 per square metre. It comes with installation instructions and requires no specialised tools.

If you want to work with a handyman, expect an hourly charge and a minimum call-out charge.

Acrylic works well for modern kitchens, but it’s also suitable if you’re going for a more classic look for your space, given you choose the right colour or pattern.

Stone

If you are aiming for a European-style kitchen, stone is a very popular material in the continent. 

Using the same stone material for your benchtop and kitchen splashback creates an elegant, continuous look that really ties the high-end aesthetic together. To achieve an entirely uniform look, have your benchtop and splashback made and installed at the same time so they can be made from the same batch of stone.

The cost may vary depending on the type of stone used. Standard-range engineered stone will cost you $520 per square metre or up to $2,200 for marble. The total price includes the material, template, and installation by a stonemason.

You may get a better price if you have your benchtop and splashback made from the same stone. It is a high-end, timeless material that’s a solid investment for years to come.

Pressed Metal

DIYers also love pressed metal as it is inexpensive yet can be integrated into almost any style of kitchen. It’s made from an aluminium alloy so it won’t rust and is suitable for use behind stovetops.

Pressed metal kitchen splashbacks can be installed without professional help. With many different patterns to choose from and ready-to-paint options available, you can buy it in large sheets and cut them to size at home.

To install, simply pin and glue the sheet to a clean and smooth wall. You can then paint over it with the type of paint your supplier recommends.

The expected cost is at $110 to $150 per 1800 x 600 millimetre sheet depending on the pattern you choose.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is used in commercial kitchens for good reason: it’s durable and hygienic. If you want to feel like a professional chef or create a contemporary industrial kitchen, it’s the right material for you.

Buy sheets of stainless steel kitchen splashback material at around $270 per square metre then cut it to size at home. This is another material you can install yourself with no specialised tools or professional help required. Being the industry standard, it’s safe for use behind stovetops.

You may use stainless steel only behind the stovetop then acrylic or tiles for other splashback areas.

If you need more help in choosing the right kitchen splashback in Australia, consult an expert and share your idea of a dream kitchen!