A kitchen splashback is used to protect walls from food splatters, burns and other such damage, but it can also add some style and colour to your kitchen as well. A splashback can be made from a variety of materials, and each has their own advantages and disadvantages, so note a few of those here so you can choose the right material for your kitchen's splashback.
Metal
Metal is very durable and won't burn so it's good for stopping a stovetop fire if one should break out in your kitchen. It's also nonporous so it won't hold germs and bacteria, and it is easy to clean. However, metal can hold and conduct heat, so it can increase the temperature of your kitchen when you're cooking on hot summer days. You want to be careful about assuming you can install a metal splashback yourself, as a poor-quality adhesive not meant for metal or high heat can soften over time and allow the metal to fall away from the wall.
Tile
Tile splashbacks are usually made of porcelain or ceramic; porcelain tiles are usually more expensive, but they're also denser so they're less likely to hold germs and bacteria or food stains. Ceramic tile might be more affordable, but it can be harder to clean and may easily show discolouring due to food stains.
If you do choose a tile splashback, be sure you opt for materials that are meant for kitchen walls in particular. Porcelain or ceramic tile for kitchens are often treated with a heat-resistant coating not usually applied to tile that is used on flooring or bathroom walls. Also, be sure you use grout and adhesives that are meant for kitchens in particular; otherwise, they may lose their adhesion after being exposed to the high heat and humidity levels usually found in a kitchen.
Glass
Glass is very eco-friendly for the splashback, as you can usually find recycled or reclaimed glass to use in your kitchen; it's also nonporous and easy to clean. Reflective glass or glass with a high polish is a very good choice for small kitchens or those without much light, as it will reflect what light is present in the kitchen. Note, however, that mirrored glass might not be the right choice for a kitchen splashback, as the mirrored coating may eventually peel away after being exposed to heat and humidity. Always choose glass meant specifically for a kitchen splashback if this is your choice.
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