The Cheap Way to Get Metal Splashbacks for Kitchens

They protect walls from spills and stains, make cleaning a breeze, and are built from quality materials to stand the test of time. That’s all set to save you money in the long run, as they’ll last for many years to come. However, they can prove quite expensive when purchased as part of a package deal from a kitchen installation company.

Real Homes estimates that the average new kitchen sets back UK homeowners around £8,000. Obviously, any means of chipping away at that sizable outlay are more than welcome in the current financial climate, which is why it makes sense to source your own splashbacks and install them yourself. There are many different materials to choose from, including tiles, glass and acrylic, but metal splashbacks are an increasingly popular choice. At The Metal Store, we supply splashbacks in stainless steel, brass and copper – and we’ll even cut them to your exact measurements for free. Now there’s a deal worth splashing out on!

Read on to learn more about how you can buy and install metal splashbacks at an affordable price for your home.

Over the past decade or so, metal splashbacks have displaced ceramic tiles as the material of choice for covering kitchen walls. There are a variety of reasons why these design features have proven to be so popular, including the following:

• Stylish and chic – Metal splashbacks offer a sleek and modern look, perfect for contemporary kitchens. Available in a range of finishes, from brushed to polished, they can be customised to suit the design of your kitchen.
• Versatility – With stainless steel, brass and copper options to choose from, there’s a metal splashback for every environment.
• Affordability – Tiles can be an expensive undertaking, making metal splashbacks an economically attractive alternative. Thanks to their durability, you won’t need to replace them as often as other materials, saving you money over time.
• Ease of installation – As a single panel sheet, metal splashbacks are infinitely easier and quicker to install than tiles.
• Durability and maintenance – The grouting in between tiles is a magnet for grime, dirt and other detritus. Metal splashbacks can be wiped clean in a single stroke – with nothing more than a damp cloth! Metal splashbacks are incredibly durable and long-lasting. They’re resistant to scratches and stains, which means they’ll look great for years to come.
• Hygiene - Metal splashbacks are naturally hygienic, making them an excellent choice for kitchens, where hygiene is essential. Unlike porous materials like tiles or wood, metal splashbacks won't harbour bacteria, mould or mildew, which can pose health risks.

When choosing a metal splashback for your kitchen, consider the material, colour, texture and finish that you’re going for.

For example, if you have a lot of natural wood elements in your kitchen, a copper or brass splashback can add warmth and richness to the space. On the other hand, if your kitchen features a lot of stainless steel appliances, a stainless steel or chrome splashback can create a cohesive look.

The right choice for you will depend on the unique design of your kitchen. Before making your decision, here are some factors to keep in mind...

Stainless steel

Stainless steel is perhaps the perfect material for use in commercial kitchens. A busy chef demands two things from his working environment – high performance and low maintenance. Stainless steel offers both of these effortlessly.

Firstly, the non-porous nature of stainless steel means that it doesn’t provide bacteria with any place to hide, so it can be easily wiped clean. Meanwhile, the chromium oxide layer which is added to the steel to make it stainless is non-corrosive and non-reactive, so it’s safe and hygienic for the preparation of all kinds of foods.

Secondly, the material itself is extremely long-lasting and can withstand high temperatures and humidity levels. That means a stainless steel splashback will last for years to come in both home and commercial environments.

Brass

Due to its attractive lustre and heavy-duty yet affordable qualities, brass has been steadily growing in popularity as a splashback material in recent years. It offers the same aesthetic qualities as gold, but at just a fraction of the price-tag.

When combined with other brass fixtures and fittings in the kitchen – such as taps, cabinet handles or other accoutrements, a brass splashback has the ability to make the space feel extravagant and elegant at the same time.

What’s more, it’s also a versatile option for your kitchen, since it’s often available in an array of different finishes. From polished brass to brushed brass to unlacquered brass, there’s an aesthetic to suit every existing interior décor scheme.

Copper

Like brass, copper has recently become a fashionable choice for interior designers and kitchen owners across the UK. Extremely stylish, it’s a fantastic addition to any modern kitchen, especially when combined with dark colours like blue, grey or black.

Copper is perhaps unique in that its appearance will only improve with time. As the copper reacts with the oxygen present in the ambient air (a process called oxidation), it will gradually form its own patina, making each splashback a truly one-of-a-kind installation.

It’s not just a pretty face either. Its anti-microbial properties will kill germs and bacteria instantly on contact, while its rust-resistance will stand any household in good stead throughout its lengthy lifespan.

Now that you’re aware of the multitude of benefits that a metal splashback brings and the various options available to you, you’ll surely be trying to figure out how to incorporate one into your kitchen plans without breaking the bank. Here are some key ways to reduce your costs – whilst still installing your dream splashback.

Consider DIY installation

If you're handy, you may want to consider installing your metal splashback yourself. You can use our splashback installation guide to help walk you through it. Just be sure to have all the necessary tools and equipment on hand before you start.

Make sure you select the right gauge

When purchasing a metal splashback, you'll have the option to choose the gauge. This refers to the thickness of the metal. Thicker gauges are more durable and long-lasting, but they're also more expensive and not really needed for this purpose. Most people would opt for a thinner 0.9mm gauge, which will save you money without sacrificing the durability and function of the splashback.

Think carefully about size and design

If you're on a tight budget, consider choosing a smaller size splashback with a simple design. It may not cover as much of your wall as a larger or more intricate splashback design, but a smaller, simpler size can still add a decorative element to your kitchen while protecting the most vulnerable areas from stains and splatters.

Buy a metal splashback from a specialist supplier

When you order a metal splashback from a specialised supplier (like The Metal Store), you can cut out the middleman and eliminate the margin that installation companies place on them. We stock a variety of pre-made sizes and allow you to make special requests or amendments to the order. In fact, we even offer a bespoke cutting service to our customers, free of charge.

That means you can get hold of a high-quality metal splashback custom-made to meet the specific dimensions of your space. And with free delivery on orders over £70 for England and Wales (and £145 for Central Scotland and £160 for the Highlands), you’ll be ready to mount your new splashback in no time.

As well as putting a commission on the cost of the splashback, a kitchen installation company will also command a premium for installing it. You can avoid both outlays by ordering and installing a metal splashback yourself. The process is so simple that even inexperienced DIYers should manage it without fuss.

As part of our service, we offer our customers the option of drilling up to a dozen holes in the splashback to aid with installation. However, if you’d prefer not to use screws to affix the splashback to your kitchen wall, a strong double-sided foam tape, or beads of neutral cure silicone – or both – will do the job just as well. Another great option is to use a premium silicone or Griptite sealant and adhesive , which you can apply with an applicator gun.

Then it’s simply a case of attaching the splashback to the wall and holding it in place for a few moments until the adhesive has set, taking care to wipe any excess which may have spilled out from the sides. After 24 hours, you can remove the protective film layer on its surface and voila! Your splashback is installed.