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Kitchen splashbacks and tiles
Quick answer: Tiles are the classic choice, glass and acrylic panels are seamless and wipe clean, and stone matches the worktop. Measure carefully, order about ten percent extra for cuts, and check the material is rated for use behind a hob.
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Options
- Ceramic and porcelain tiles: wide choice and easy to replace, but grout lines need cleaning
- Glass panels: seamless and easy to wipe, but cut and fitted to size, so measure carefully
- Acrylic and laminate panels: affordable and quick to fit, check the heat rating near a hob
- Stone upstand or full-height slab: matches the worktop for a high-end look
Measuring and ordering
Work out the area with our worktop and splashback calculator, then order around ten percent extra for cuts and breakages, plus a few spare tiles for the future. Check the batch number, because tile shades can vary between batches.
Fitting tips
- Start with the wall flat, dry and clean
- Use the right adhesive and grout for a wet, hot area
- Seal where the worktop meets the wall with a flexible kitchen sealant, not grout
- Check the heat guidance for the material behind a hob
Tiles, adhesives and grout are stocked by builders' merchants such as Travis Perkins. Check current ranges, and whether they deliver to your address.
Some links here are affiliate links. We may earn a fee if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Some links here are affiliate links: we may earn a small fee if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
How much extra tile should I buy?
About ten percent for cuts and breakages is a common allowance, more for patterns or lots of corners.
Can I put tiles over old tiles?
Sometimes, if the old tiles are firmly stuck, flat and clean. Ask a tiler to check, because extra thickness affects sockets and trims.
What goes behind a hob?
Tiles, glass and stone are common. Check the manufacturer's heat guidance for anything else.
Keep reading
- Kitchen worktops compared
- Kitchen lighting ideas
- Kitchen renovation: the order of work
- Flat-pack vs rigid vs bespoke kitchens
- Kitchen appliances: integrated vs freestanding
Checked 12 November 2026. Prices, products and regulations change, so check the official or supplier page before you rely on anything here.