When planning a kitchen renovation, a key design choice is the splashback. Splashbacks can blend colour, texture, reflection and even photographic or digital art to your kitchen space, adding subtlety or bold impact. They are super easy to clean and protect your wall surfaces from heat and cooking splash behind the hob, water behind your sink and soling from food preparation. More than a wonderfully practical surface, a splashback is also a central design feature that can elevate the entire look and feel of your kitchen.
Before modern glass technologies were available, tiles were the standard choice. Now, glass splashbacks are surging in popularity for their design versatility and ease of cleaning. They offer a fresh alternative that combines style, hygiene, and low maintenance. For many Wellington homeowners, glass is now the go-to option when upgrading their kitchen space.
So, how does glass really compare with tiles? Let’s take a closer look at the benefits.
1. Style and Aesthetics
Your splashback is often one of the first things people notice in a kitchen, so it pays to choose a finish that sets the right tone.
- Seamless finish: Glass splashbacks create a smooth, continuous surface with no grout lines to break up the design or absorb grime. The result is a clean, modern look that suits contemporary and classic kitchens alike.
- Custom design options: Glass can be back-painted in virtually any colour, digitally printed with unique designs, or finished with metallic, frosted, or mirrored effects. Light colours and digital art come out best when a special ultra-clear (low iron) glass is used. Consult your glazier for the best glass type to use for your design.
This level of customisation allows you to create a splashback that reflects your personality and ties in perfectly with your cabinetry and benchtops.
- Timeless design: While tiles can be trendy, some patterns may date quickly. A glass splashback, with its minimalist finish, is less likely to look outdated over time.
Browse our glass splashbacks in Wellington to see just how versatile this option can be.
2. Ease of Cleaning
Anyone who has spent time scrubbing tile grout wishes they had those hours of their life back!
- With glass: Cleaning is as simple as a quick wipe with a damp cloth and mild cleaner. Because the surface is non-porous, stains and splashes don’t soak in, and you won’t need specialised products to keep it spotless.
- With tiles: Grout is the main drawback. It absorbs grease and food particles, which can lead to staining, mould, and discolouration. Even with regular scrubbing, grout often shows wear over time and may require resealing or replacement.
For busy households, glass splashbacks offer a hygienic and low-maintenance solution that makes cleaning easy.
3. Perfect Fit
A custom glass splashback can be measured and made to fit almost any space.
- Custom height: From benchtop to cabinetry or window-sill height, glass can be cut and shaped to almost any height. Even if your bench top, walls, sills or cabinets are not perfectly level or plumb, glass can be made to measure.
- Custom width: Whether you want a splashback the full length of your kitchen walls, or just to fit behind your cooking hob, glass can be cut to fit the width you choose.
- Corners and cutouts: Do you have corners you want to protect, or electrical switches and power points to work around? Glass can be cut to provide perfect functionality and fit.
Glass splashbacks can be customised to fit your kitchen space and accommodate electrical fittings, uneven surfaces and even curved rangehoods.
4. Durability and Safety
Some people worry that glass might be fragile in a kitchen environment, but today’s splashbacks are made with toughened safety glass.
- Heat resistant: Toughened glass can withstand high temperatures, making it safe for use behind all types of cooktops.
- Impact strength: Far from being delicate, toughened glass is many times stronger than standard glass and tiles. It’s designed to resist knocks, bumps, and everyday wear and tear.
- Long lifespan: Unlike grout, which can crack or deteriorate, glass holds its look and performance for decades with minimal care.
In most cases, a glass splashback will outlast tiles when it comes to appearance and functionality.
5. Light and Space
One of the subtle but powerful advantages of glass is the way it enhances light in your kitchen.
- Reflective surface: Glass naturally reflects both natural and artificial light, helping make the kitchen brighter and more welcoming.
- Creates spaciousness: In smaller kitchens, the reflection can make the room feel larger and more open.
- Tiles vs glass: While glossy tiles can also reflect light, the effect is broken up by grout lines, so you don’t achieve the same seamless brightness.
In Wellington homes, where winter days can feel darker, this extra brightness makes a noticeable difference.
6. Cost Considerations
At first glance, tiles may appear to be the more affordable option, especially for basic ceramic designs. But when you take the lifetime cost into account, glass can often be the smarter investment.
- Lower maintenance: With glass, there’s no need for resealing or grout replacement, which saves on future expenses.
- Longevity: Glass splashbacks keep their finish for decades, while tiles can chip, crack, or discolour over time.
- Value for money: When you factor in the ease of cleaning, modern aesthetic, and durability, glass often delivers better long-term value.
Which Should You Choose?
Tiles can still be a good option if you want intricate patterns, textures, or a more traditional style. However, if you’re looking for something that’s modern, hygienic, low-maintenance, and tailored to your kitchen, glass splashbacks are the clear winner.
At Wellington Glass & Mirror, we specialise in designing, measuring, and installing custom glass splashbacks that perfectly fit your kitchen. Our team can help you choose the right glass type, fit, colour, finish, and style to bring your kitchen vision to life. Whether you’re renovating or building new, we’ll create a splashback that’s as practical as it is beautiful.
✨ Ready to transform your kitchen? Contact our friendly team today for a free measure and quote.
FAQs
Yes. Our splashbacks are made with toughened safety glass, which is designed to withstand high heat and everyday kitchen use. They are completely safe to install behind gas, electric, and induction cooktops.
Absolutely. Glass can be painted in almost any colour, digitally printed with designs, or finished with metallic, frosted, or mirrored effects. Lighter colours and digital art are best reflected by choosing special ultra-clear low iron glass. We’ll help you match the perfect finish to your kitchen.
No. Toughened glass is extremely durable and resistant to scratches from everyday use. With normal care, your splashback will stay looking like new for many years.
Cleaning is quick and easy—just use a soft cloth with mild detergent or glass cleaner. Unlike tiles, you won’t have to worry about scrubbing grout lines.
Costs vary depending on size, finish, and level of customisation. While glass can be slightly more expensive upfront than tiles, it’s usually more cost-effective in the long run due to its durability and low maintenance.
Once the glass has been measured, cut, and toughened, installation is generally quick and straightforward. Most splashbacks can be fitted in just a few hours.