What is a Splashback? How They’re Built, What They Cost, and What to Expect
What is a Splashback? How They’re Built, What They Cost, and What to Expect
Splashbacks are becoming a more common addition for kitchens around New Zealand. Part of the increased popularity stems from homeowners and designers who recognise the value and purpose of this element.
On the visual side of things, the splashback is essentially a feature wall, boasting elegant patterns of the stone on an otherwise ordinary surface. Practically though, it also protects the walls from inevitable grease and food splatters. Combining these two qualities can enhance the look and feel of your entire space.
At Archant, we’ve helped thousands of customers decide on the perfect stone and design for their kitchen. And while the benchtop and island may be the centrepieces, the splashback adds an unmistakable touch of functional and stylish design appeal.
If you’re like many of the clients we speak with, you likely have some questions about how a splashback is made, what they cost, and what’s involved with the installation. These are all important considerations, and we’ll answer them here to help streamline the process for you.
By the end, we think you’ll have a much better understanding of how and why to incorporate a splashback into your kitchen design.
How is a Porcelain Splashback Made?
- Build Quality and Maintenance - Porcelain’s unique build quality makes it an ideal material for a splashback. Part of the benefit comes from its incredible heat/stain/and scratch resistance. As Porcelain stoneware is a clever mixture of natural materials pressed and fired at temperatures well over 1200°C, it won’t get damaged or burned even when used directly behind an industrial gas cooktop.
The non-porous quality also makes them easier to clean. They don’t need to be sealed and aid in maintaining a hygienic work area. This is an important factor in high-traffic spaces near sinks and ovens. Oil and grease can be wiped down with warm soapy water and a sponge. You can also complete a periodic deep clean with our special porcelain cleaning spray. - Lightweight and Thin - Another unique aspect of porcelain is the various thickness which makes it versatile enough for a wide variety of applications. Porcelain splashbacks, for example, measure 6mm in thickness. This is advantageous as it’s more lightweight than a thicker slab and makes them easier to handle and mount to a wall.
- A&B Tiles and Bookmatching – Our clients are often excited to learn about the creative ways to use our A&B tiles. This process of bookmatching is a simple but powerful way to create an inspiring and functional work area. It’s done by taking two slabs (A&B) that mirror each other and extending the patterns from the benchtop into the splashback. This creates a refined and cohesive look. For tiles with a marble-type appearance, this means the veining patterns aren’t interrupted but continue more impressively. As a result, even darker corners of the kitchen don’t feel as closed off but are more expansive and brighter.
- Splashbacks Can be Cut and Customised as Needed - It’s not unusual for our customers to have various power points or features that require a custom cut out of the splashback. While these additional steps do increase time and labour, it is something that can be accommodated.
How Much Will a Splashback Cost? (Pricing Considerations)
If the benefits of a splashback sound enticing but you’re not sure if cost is a barrier, you may be pleasantly surprised. Since our large format porcelain slabs are generously sized at 3200 x 1600mm, you may only require one or two sheets. This will make your raw material cost more efficient. This large slab size also makes the labour and installation reasonably straightforward. Unlike applying grout for hundreds of tiny tiles, our installers can simply cut the porcelain slab to the precise size, position it, and apply it to the wall.
Since the cost can vary greatly based on the kitchen size, style selected, and other required customisations, it’s difficult to give a narrow price estimate. To secure an accurate idea of cost, we encourage you to bring your project dimensions into one of our stellar showrooms. We have design experts there who can present a clear picture of what to budget for based on your measurements and needs.
If the splashback is part of a bigger renovation including a benchtop, you’ll want to take advantage of our convenient price estimate tool here.
When Can I Expect my Splashback to Be Installed?
OK, you’ve read this article and are ready to proceed with your own splashback. One question remains: how long does it take to get it installed?
At Archant, we readily stock a large selection of porcelain slabs right here in New Zealand. When you are ready to proceed with your kitchen renovation, we will have what you need on time. We know how important the timeliness of your project is.
With Archant, there’s no need to wait for an overseas shipment. We are proud to have the highest quality porcelain sheets for your splashback on hand now. As such, you can expect a very quick turnaround from the time you first contact us, to the finished product.
Archant Can Help Make Your Splashback Project a Reality
Now that you have a better idea of how and why a porcelain splashback can transform your space, we’d love to chat about your specific project. We have showrooms across New Zealand including inspiring spaces in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Havelock North. You can book an appointment and have a one-on-one talk with a consultant. Let us work with you to guide this important decision. Seeing the products up close will allow you to visualise colour, feel the quality, and review the various patterns and collections.
Related Links
Why 2023 is a Prime Year for a Kitchen Renovation in New Zealand
Up and Coming Trends in Porcelain Design You Don’t Want to Miss
5 Luxurious Ways to Upscale Your Kitchen Design in New Zealand
What You Don’t Know About the Durability of Porcelain
What is Porcelain Bookmatching and How Can it Be Used to Refine Your Design?
Confused About Tile? Three Popular Tiling Solutions to Move Your Design Forward
The Ultimate Price Guide to Kitchen Splashbacks (Cost and Comparison)
How to Optimise Porcelain Sheet Size for Kitchen Benchtops and Island Design (A Complete Guide)
5 Stunning Ways to Use Large Format Porcelain in Your Design
