The Ultimate Price Guide to Kitchen Splashbacks (Cost and Comparison)
The Ultimate Pricing Guide for Splashbacks (Cost and Comparison)
You’re in the process of redesigning the kitchen. The benchtop is picked out, as are the cabinets, appliances, sink, taps and colour scheme. It's tempting to finalise the design plans and schedule the installation.
Yet as our design experts at Archant often note, many customers here in New Zealand mistakenly overlook one really important element. It’s the splashback. In this article, we’ll discuss what makes splashbacks useful. We’ll also look at what materials are commonly used, and what they will cost.
By the end, we think you’ll agree that splashbacks are a worthwhile addition to any new kitchen design or renovation.
Do I Need a Splashback?
Technically speaking, a splashback is not required. If you want a kitchen that’s easy to clean though, then splashbacks are invaluable. They work by protecting your wall from splattered grease, oil, and soapy water. And while this is certainly helpful, it’s also an exciting design opportunity. Think of the splashback as a finishing touch. Done well, it will elevate the aesthetic of the entire space.
Options Galore – Splashback Materials and Cost
Here are some of the best splashback materials available on the market today. As you’ll read, the price range is quite wide. We’ll start with the lower cost items and cover the mid and high-end range as well.
- Tile – Starting around $30 per square metre
Tile is known for being reasonably priced, easy to keep clean, and suitable for DIY installations. This makes them a popular splashback choice with homeowners these days. Just note that the true cost will vary widely depending on the tile material. Common options include ceramic, glass, marble, and stone. Tile offers designers a great deal of flexibility with endless patterns, sizes, and grout options.
- Stainless steel – Approximately $270 per square metre
If you need the utmost durability in your kitchen, then stainless steel is a desirable choice. Perfectly suited for high-traffic, and even industrial kitchens, it can stand up to the challenges of the busiest spaces. It’s also well priced and can be installed by homeowners. Maintenance and clean-up are straightforward with warm soapy water getting the job done. While stainless steel splashbacks are often found in commercial spaces, they are an excellent choice for residential kitchens as well.
- Glass – Approximately $300 per square metre
Having been used in homes for many years now, glass is probably the most common splashback material we see. It’s a nice option with a modern appeal that’s both sleek and functional. With a cost of around $300 per square metre, it falls squarely in the mid-range price category.
- Acrylic – About $425 per square metre
This material receives a mixed review from our design experts. In terms of appearance, it’s quite nice and takes on the appearance of glass. You can choose from a large variety of colours and themes as well. The one downside is that heat from an oven can damage the acrylic. To use it near ovens requires additional protection.
- Mirrored Glass – Approximately $450 per square metre
This is a fantastic splashback choice if you’re designing a smaller kitchen. Its reflective nature gives the illusion of a larger area. Bouncing light from around the room also makes the space brighter. This is certainly a higher-ticket item at about $450 per square metre.
- Porcelain – Approximately $500 per square metre
If you’re designing a modern kitchen and desire a sophisticated look and feel, porcelain may very well be the ideal choice for your home. For starters, you can match the splashback to your benchtop. You can also use Archant’s unique A&B slabs to seamlessly continue the pattern from the bench to the splashback. With porcelain, you can also choose from a huge variety of styles including the elegant appearance of stone, marble, metal, and concrete.
Porcelain splashbacks will be a slightly larger investment over the other choices here. Yet in terms of style, durability, and functionality, it can be worth the extra cost. It’s stain and scratch-resistant, easy to clean, and can be used behind the oven.
What Else Affects the Cost of a Splashback?
The complexity of your design will affect the overall cost of a splashback. If the material requires multiple cut-outs for electrical outlets and cabinetry, the labour costs will increase slightly. Kitchens with unusual layouts can therefore make installation more involved and costly. Of course, the size of your kitchen will also impact the splashback price as the cost of raw materials increases with larger spaces.
Splashbacks Increase Perceived Value
Whether you’re renovating an outdated kitchen or creating a new one, it pays to do it right. Choose well and your space will not only benefit from added style and durability but resale value.
Did You Know?
Most real estate experts agree that the perceived value of a splashback will increase a home’s sale price. Considering that kitchens are a key consideration for prospective buyers, a splashback is a low-cost way to increase your return on investment.
Bring Your Design Vision to Life
At Archant, we want to help guide your design decisions both big and small. As you can see from this article, splashbacks are an easy way to increase the visual appeal and functionality of your kitchen. There’s a wide enough range of options to fit any budget. We have a dedicated team of trusted experts to assist. Stop into any one of our New Zealand showrooms or schedule a free one-on-one consultation at your convenience.
