Glass as a Splashback

www.kitchendesignerbrisbane.com Glass splashback's would be in my opinion the most practical option and the most attractive option for use as a kitchen splashback..

The glass of course has to be toughened and is usually 6 mm thick although 10 mm glass can be used if a particularly large piece of glass is required. Before the glass is toughened  it has to be cut to the exact size  and any holes that are required have to be cut  in the exact position that they are needed. You will require holes in the glass for power points and also for screws to hold the rangehood. Once the pieces of glass have been cut to size then either a paint or vinyl film is attached to the back of the glass to provide the colour. This coating on the back is usually sealed with another layer of white paint. Subsequently if you have any damage to your wall such as holes or marks the glass will usually conceal such minor flaws.

The fact that the colour is applied to the back of the glass means that the colour shines through the glass which gives it a fabulous effect of depth when LED or halogen lights shine on it. Recently there have been tendencies to use a clear glass rather than the normal leaded or iron glass. I prefer the normal glass even though it distorts the colour a little as I believe ensures more depth  through the refraction of light.

Another new trend with glass splashback's involves printing a photograph onto the back of the glass. I have included a couple of images in this blog to show you examples of the great results that can be achieved using this process.

The practical advantage of a glass splashback is that there are no joins so it is extremely easy to keep clean. Also the fact that it is toughened glass means that it is virtually impossible to damage and is heat resistant around cooktop area. The only other advice I would give you is to make sure that you deal with a local tradesmen whose experienced in fitting the glass as I have seen some jobs that look untidy because they have not been fitted correctly.

For more advice you can contact me through www.kitchensbrisbane.com

Tiles as a Splashback

Hello my name is John Cunningham.

Tiled Splashbacks

Tiles have been commonly used as kitchen splash-back's for many years. If you are having a country style kitchen or an older style kitchen you will find that the tiled look is generally the only way to go. There are of course many different sizes,colours and finishes to the tiles that are available to you to choose, and often laying the tiles in patterns such as diamonds with a square bordering feature can be an extremely attractive innovation. The splashback is the focal point of any kitchen and as such has to be treated carefully. Too many features a new kitchen will become tizzy, too few features and your kitchen will be plain.

I have no preference as to the style of tiles that should be used in the kitchen; it really is an individual choice and will vary dramatically from one person to another. I always advise my clients not to choose the final material or tile for the splashback until the counter top has been placed in position. At that point the cabinets are in place, the kitchen floor has usually been finished, and it is easy to visualise exactly how the splashback will look. In fact by putting different tiles in position on the counter top at this stage you will find that one tile will simply fall into place and the correct choice will become obvious.

The issue of course with any tile that you choose is going to be the gaps between the tiles. There are modern grouts that are actually much easier to keep clean than the older types but it is a kitchen, a multiple of different things are going to splash on it and eventually the lines between the tiles will show colour staining of some type.

The colour choice and the tile pattern are critical to the final look of your kitchen; so PLEASE choose wisely or if in doubt call in a professional.

Stainless Steel Splash Backs

Stainless steel is gives a very commercial look to a kitchen but this can be a great "look" if that's the feel you are after. My main issue with Stainless splash backs is the number of clients over the years who have been unhappy with the scratches and small dents that "show-up"
The reality is that stainless will show every mark when it is used on a vertical surface. If you are OK with this then go right ahead, it functions very well.