How to Fit a Kitchen Splashback

One of the first steps is to decide on the kind of splashback that’s right for your kitchen. Let’s take a look at some of the most common materials:

Tiles: You’ll find many splashbacks composed of tiles. These are available in different shapes, sizes and colours. This is a great choice if you’re looking for a splashback that fits into a modern, contemporary kitchen.

Glass: This is a contemporary option that you can find in custom sizes and colours. Glass splashbacks fit well into modern kitchens with an open, airy aesthetic.

Stainless steel: One of the most popular types of splashbacks you’ll find, mainly because of how easy it is to clean. If you already have stainless steel appliances, then this would be a great choice.

Brass: Brass is a material that carries the attraction and traditional aesthetics of gold – but without the price tag! This is a great choice if you want a classic kitchen look with a material that is easy to maintain.

Copper: Copper is a versatile material that brings a touch of classic charm to a kitchen. It is also extremely tough, making it resistant to scratches, blemishes or other marks.

Acrylic: An affordable alternative to glass, available in many colours and finishes. Acrylic is a good choice if you’re looking for a more specific style.

So, which of these is the best? If you’re looking for easy installation and maintenance, we’d recommend going for a metal, such as a brass, copper or stainless steel splashback.

The next step is to accurately measure the wall space you wish to attach your splashback on. Doing so will ensure you get the right amount of material and cover the space you need.

You need to measure height (from the counter to the bottom of the upper cabinets of your kitchen) and width (the area that needs to be covered). Always keep in mind any sockets or switches you may have on the wall – make sure to measure their positions as well.

Depending on the look you want, there are a number of places you can purchase your splashback from. If you want a metallic look, we’ve got you covered here at The Metal Store.

You can order brass, copper and stainless steel splashbacks at The Metal Store. This is the easiest way to ensure you’re getting the right size for your kitchen, with a quality edge finish. We can even pre-drill holes to help with the installation, although adhesive is the easier route when fixing your splashback.

Next, it’s time to prepare your wall to ensure your splashback will properly fit. Perform the following steps in this order:

Repair any holes or cracks that exist with filler – then sand down any rough areas. The idea here is to create a smooth surface.

Once you have a smooth wall, remove any dust or debris to ensure it is clean.

Make sure the wall is completely dry before you begin.

You need to make sure you have the right-sized splashback for your wall. To do this, you can either cut it yourself or make use of an existing bespoke splashback cutting service to help find the right dimensions for you.

Next, you should mark your wall to ensure the splashback fits. The goal here is complete alignment and accuracy. You should hold the splashback flush to the wall to check the fit – mark the very edges with a pencil. After this, make some marks around any sockets and switches to ensure that the splashback fits neatly around them.

You can attach your splashback with two different methods. The first is by using adhesive and the second is by using a fixing kit.

Adhesive

If you’re just using adhesive, you should be sure to purchase a kind that is suitable for the material you have chosen. For example, for steel, you should opt for a strong, multi-purpose adhesive.

Fixing kits (Screws)

You can also use a fixing kit that contains all the screws you’ll need to join your splashback to the wall, as well as screw covers to match the material your splashback is made from.

To get your splashback to fit with screws, you will need to drill holes into the splashback and the wall. An easy way to get this right is to order pre-drilled fixing holes that match your specifications as part of a fixing kit.

Note: If you want an extra layer of security – you can always use both adhesive and screws.

The next step is to attach your splashback. Keep in mind that depending on the joining materials you have chosen, this process will look slightly different.

Attach with adhesive

When applying adhesive, make sure you spread it evenly across your splashback. Avoid using too much, as any uneven spots could cause lumps to form and make your splashback uneven.

Once you have an even spread of adhesive across the back of your splashback, it’s time for the tricky part – attaching your splashback to the wall. Be careful when positioning your splashback so it aligns with the marked edges of your wall. From here, you should firmly press the splashback into place, starting with the centre and then moving outwards to the sides.

By pressing firmly, you will remove any air bubbles. Think of your adhesive against the wall – the goal is to have a smooth, flat layer that binds your splashback evenly at each point. After this, you should use temporary supports or masking tape to hold the splashback in place while your adhesive dries.

Attach with screws

Begin by ensuring there are holes in your wall and splashback. When drilling holes into a wall, use a drill that is appropriate for the material of your wall to avoid damaging it. First, mark the positions for the holes accurately. If you have pre-drilled holes on your splashback, you can simply place it against the wall and mark the holes with a pencil.

Before drilling into your wall, make sure there are no pipes or electrical wiring behind it as these can cause accidents. You should also use a level to ensure that the splashback is straight, then drill pilot holes at the marked position. Pilot holes can help you guide screws into the wall and make the process easier.

A fixing kit also includes plugs that your screws can be added to. These plugs help create a secure hold in the wall, especially in drywall or plaster. By using screw plugs, you can ensure the screws will not loosen over time, maintaining the stability of your splashback. Make sure to add these before placing your splashback against the wall.

Align the holes and insert screws through both. You can then tighten the screws with a screwdriver until they are fixed and secure. You can then apply screw covers provided in your fixing kit to cover the screw heads for a clean finish.

Top Tip: Some suppliers, such as The Metal Store, will provide splashbacks with a protective film. This keeps the outward-facing side looking its best. Don’t forget to peel off this layer once the splashback is fixed to the wall.

There’s one important step left – sealing the edges of your splashback to ensure no moisture can get in. You should apply sealant (silicone is a good choice) along the edges of your splashback, where it meets the wall and your countertop. You can also purchase adhesive that doubles as sealant, including different colors to suit your needs. Ensure to smooth the sealant with a tool for a clean, even finish.

After this sealant is dry, you should double-check your splashback, searching for gaps or any residue from the adhesive. Once this is done, you can be sure that your splashback will be secure and look great for years to come.