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One of the most important things you’ll need to think about when designing your kitchen is the type of material you’d like your splashback to be made from, as it will need to be practical and functional while still adding aesthetic appeal to your overall design.
There are lots of different options available, and the most popular include kitchen tiles and glass splashbacks. But which is best? Below, we’re going to take a closer look at their differences, pros and cons, and help you decide which is best for your individual needs.
Let’s start by taking a side-by-side look at the key differences between splashback tiles and glass splashbacks.
This will depend on the type of materials the tiles are made from. For example, ceramic tiles are pretty durable, but porcelain tiles are much tougher and can handle more exposure to water.
As glass splashbacks undergo a tempering process, which makes them up to five times tougher than regular glass, they have an excellent level of durability.
The average lifespan of kitchen splashback tiles is around 75 years when cared for properly, but, again, this will depend on the materials your chosen tiles are made from.
Compared to tile splashbacks, glass splashbacks have a much shorter lifespan and will last up to 20 years when properly maintained.
Tile splashbacks tend to be less expensive than glass splashbacks, making them a better choice for those trying to stick to a lower budget. However, the cost will fluctuate depending on the materials the tiles are made from.
Glass splashbacks are generally more expensive compared to tile splashbacks, and this is mainly because of the tempering process the glass will have undergone to toughen it.
Different tiles are easier to cut than others, with ceramic being the easiest. However, regardless of materials, tile splashbacks are easier to cut than glass splashbacks.
A glass splashback will be cut to size when you order it to ensure it perfectly fits your space. This makes it easier to fit into an awkward space but can increase the cost.
Certain tiles have higher water absorption rates than others, with porcelain absorbing less water than ceramic.
Glass won’t absorb any water at all, which makes it a very popular choice for a splashback as there’s no risk of cracking, swelling, or staining.
It’s really easy to keep tile splashbacks clean, but you do need to think about retouching grout lines and replacing tiles that have cracked or chipped over time.
Glass splashbacks are also really easy to clean, and since they are unlikely to crack, chip, or shatter, there’s less need to worry about ongoing maintenance.
Tile splashbacks are best for people looking to create a traditional look in their kitchen or want a wider range of colours and patterns to choose from. They’re also a good choice if you’re looking for a cost effective way of creating a splashback.
Glass splashbacks are best for those who want a sleek, modern look in their kitchen. They are also a good choice if you need an easy maintenance splashback or need something that’s made to measure.
One of the main benefits offered by tile splashbacks is the huge range of colours and patterns available, which makes them a better choice if you’re aiming for a certain look. Whether you want warm, natural tones or big, bold colours, you’ll find it easier to create a specific look with tiles.
It’s also much easier to cut a tile splashback into shape, which makes it easier to lay around awkward spaces. Also, unlike a glass splashback, the grout lines needed for tiles mean that you won’t have to worry about an ugly, disjointed finish when laying around corners.
Regardless of the material that your tiles are made from, you’ll find that they have a longer lifespan than glass splashbacks, as well. Porcelain tiles, in particular, have a very long lifespan and can last up to 100 years when properly maintained.
Installing a tile splashback is generally cheaper than installing glass splashbacks too, so they are more of a budget friendly option.
The biggest disadvantage of tile splashbacks is that they tend to require more ongoing maintenance than glass splashbacks. This includes retouching the grout when needed and replacing individual tiles that have chipped or cracked over time.
Tile splashbacks are also more prone to developing water marks and stains throughout their lifespan, whereas a glass splashback is completely non porous and, as such, comes with very little risk of staining or discolouring.
Kitchen splashback tiles are best for people who are looking for a wide range of colours and patterns to choose from when designing their kitchens. They’re also a great low cost option for those trying to stick to a set budget, and while they take more ongoing maintenance than glass splashbacks, they are easy to clean.
One massive benefit that glass splashbacks bring to the table is their durability. Not only are they unlikely to crack or chip if accidentally knocked, but the tempering process they undergo makes them heat-resistant, so there’s no need to worry about boiling water or steam affecting them.
Natural light reflects from glass splashbacks as well, and this makes them a good choice for people who are trying to create an illusion of space or need extra light, which is particularly important in smaller kitchens.
Glass splashbacks do not absorb any water either, so they won’t stain or suffer from water spots as easily as some tile splashbacks will. They’re also very easy to clean and can simply be wiped over with a glass cleaner to keep them looking great.
Glass splashbacks tend to come in far fewer colour or pattern options than tile splashbacks, so while they are an excellent choice if you’re designing a modern look, they aren’t as good for a traditional look. Likewise, they don’t allow you to put as much of a personal stamp on your kitchen as tiles do.
They also have a much shorter lifespan, lasting up to 20 years when properly maintained, compared to the up to 100 years offered by certain tiles.
Glass splashbacks are more expensive than tiles too, so they aren’t the best choice if you need to limit your spending as much as possible. Similarly, they are harder to install by yourself and need to be professionally cut to fit a space, which can increase the overall cost.
Glass splashbacks are best for people who are looking to create a sleek, modern feel in their kitchen and aren’t as fussed about having a wide variety of patterns or colours to choose from. They are also a better choice if you need an easy maintenance option that is super durable and easy to clean.
As you can see, there is plenty to keep in mind when deciding between a tile splashback and a glass splashback. You’re offered the chance to choose from various designs and colours when choosing tiles, while a glass splashback will limit you to a modern design.
On the other hand, glass is much more durable than tiles and will be able to take whatever you and your kitchen throw at it with very little risk of damage. So, when it comes to choosing, the best thing to do is think about the personal needs of your home, how you use your kitchen, and whether you want to choose style over functionality.
