When designing a new kitchen, choosing the right splashback is just as important as selecting your cabinets and worktops. A splashback protects your walls from moisture, grease and cooking splashes while adding style and personality to your kitchen.

But with so many options available, you may be wondering: Which splashback material is best?

At Krystal Kitchens, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners create beautiful kitchens, and we know that the perfect splashback depends on your lifestyle, budget and design preferences. In this guide, we’ll compare the most popular splashback materials to help you make the right choice.

Why Your Splashback Matters

A kitchen splashback isn’t just decorative. It serves several important purposes:

• Protects walls from water, grease and stains
• Makes cleaning easier
• Creates a focal point within your kitchen
• Complements your worktops and cabinetry
• Adds value to your home

The best splashback combines practicality with stunning design.

Glass Splashbacks

Glass splashbacks have become one of the UK’s most popular kitchen choices.

Pros

• Completely non-porous and hygienic
• Extremely easy to clean
• Available in almost any colour
• Reflects light to make kitchens appear larger
• Heat resistant behind hobs when toughened

Cons

• Can show fingerprints
• Usually more expensive than tiles
• Professional installation is recommended

Best for: Contemporary, modern and handleless kitchens.

Tile Splashbacks

Tiles remain a timeless favourite because they offer endless design possibilities.

Pros

• Affordable
• Huge range of colours, textures and patterns
• Easy to replace individual damaged tiles
• Suitable for both modern and traditional kitchens

Cons

• Grout lines require regular cleaning
• Can look dated if the wrong style is chosen
• Installation takes longer

Best for: Traditional, shaker and farmhouse kitchens.

Quartz Splashbacks

Many homeowners now choose to continue their quartz worktop up the wall for a seamless finish.

Pros

• Luxury appearance
• Extremely durable
• Easy to wipe clean
• Matches worktops perfectly
• No grout lines

Cons

• Higher cost
• Requires professional templating and installation

Best for: Premium kitchens and minimalist designs.

Stainless Steel Splashbacks

Often seen in professional kitchens, stainless steel offers a sleek industrial look.

Pros

• Heat resistant
• Hygienic
• Durable
• Ideal behind cooking areas

Cons

• Shows fingerprints
• Can scratch over time
• Doesn’t suit every kitchen style

Best for: Industrial or contemporary kitchens.

Acrylic Splashbacks

Acrylic is an increasingly popular budget-friendly alternative to glass.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Cost-effective
• Wide range of colours
• Easy to install

Cons

• Less heat resistant
• Can scratch more easily
• Not as premium as glass

Best for: Budget-conscious renovations.

Natural Stone Splashbacks

Granite, marble and other natural stones create an elegant, luxurious finish.

Pros

• Unique natural patterns
• Highly durable
• Adds value to your property
• Timeless appearance

Cons

• Premium price
• Some stones require sealing
• Heavier than other materials

Best for: Luxury kitchens.

Which Splashback Is Easiest to Clean?

If easy maintenance is your priority, these materials rank highly:

1. Glass
2. Quartz
3. Acrylic
4. Stainless Steel
5. Tiles

The fewer grout lines your splashback has, the easier it will generally be to keep clean.

Which Splashback Material Lasts the Longest?

Quartz, natural stone and toughened glass are among the longest-lasting options available. When professionally installed, they can look fantastic for decades with minimal maintenance.

What Is the Best Splashback Material Overall?

There’s no single answer because every kitchen is different.

If you’re looking for:

• Best overall: Quartz
• Best value: Tiles
• Best modern look: Glass
• Best luxury finish: Natural stone
• Best budget option: Acrylic
• Best for heavy cooking: Stainless steel

Our kitchen designers can help you choose the perfect splashback to complement your cabinets, worktops and overall kitchen style.

Visit Krystal Kitchens in Basingstoke

If you’re planning a new kitchen, we’d love to help.

Visit our large showroom at:

Krystal Kitchens
Units 17 & 18 Winchester Road
Basingstoke
RG22 4AU

With free customer parking, you can browse a wide range of kitchen displays, splashback options and worktop samples at your own pace.

Our friendly kitchen experts are always on hand to provide free kitchen design consultations, helping you visualise your dream kitchen before making any decisions.

We’re also proud partners of Nolte Küchen, one of Germany’s leading kitchen manufacturers, renowned for exceptional craftsmanship, innovative storage solutions and premium quality.

To make your dream kitchen even more affordable, we also offer:

• Free expert kitchen design service
• Exclusive in-store offers
• Flexible finance options
• Premium German kitchens from Nolte Küchen
• Professional advice with no obligation

Start Designing Your Dream Kitchen Today

Choosing the right splashback is one of the finishing touches that transforms a kitchen from functional to exceptional. Whether you prefer sleek glass, elegant quartz or timeless tiles, the right material should suit your lifestyle as well as your home’s style.

Visit Krystal Kitchens in Basingstoke to explore our stunning kitchen displays and speak to our experienced designers. We’ll help you choose the perfect splashback and create a kitchen you’ll love for years to come.