Kitchen splashback tiles: sizes, finishes, layouts and what to avoid

The splashback protects the wall behind your sink and cooktop, but it also sets the mood of the kitchen. Because it is a small area, it is a good place to use a tile with character. This guide covers the main choices, and the same advice applies whether you are renovating in Thornbury, Northcote or anywhere else.

Gloss or matt?

Gloss tiles reflect light and are easy to wipe, which suits darker kitchens and areas behind the cooktop. Matt tiles look softer and hide fingerprints, but some textured matt surfaces hold grease more. For most kitchens, a gloss or satin finish behind the cooktop is the practical choice.

Popular splashback tiles

• Finger tiles: long, slim tiles laid vertically add texture and height. See mosaics and finger tiles.
• Subway tiles: classic rectangular tiles in a brick or stack layout suit period and modern kitchens.
• Large format: a 600x1200mm marble or stone look gives a near seamless slab look with few grout lines.
• Terrazzo looks: speckled terrazzo look tiles hide splashes and bring colour.
• Hexagons: small hexagon mosaics add pattern without being busy.

Layouts

Stack bond

Tiles aligned in a grid look modern and calm, especially in vertical finger tiles.

Brick bond

Each row offset by half a tile is the classic subway look.

Herringbone

Adds movement and suits a feature splashback, but takes longer to lay and creates more cuts.

Height and edges

Decide whether the splashback stops at the overhead cupboards, runs to the rangehood, or goes to the ceiling on an open shelf wall. Plan how the tile will finish at the edges and around power points and windows. Your tiler can advise on trims and on aligning grout lines with outlets.

Grout and cleaning

Behind a cooktop, grout can stain from oil and sauces. A mid tone grout hides marks, and an epoxy grout resists stains and does not need sealing. Our grout guide compares the options.

Heat and the cooktop

Check the clearances recommended by your cooktop manufacturer and any requirements that apply to the wall behind gas burners. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are a common choice here because they handle heat and cleaning well.

Match the tapware and sink

A splashback looks best when the kitchen mixer and sink finish work with it. A brushed gold mixer against a speckled terrazzo, or matte black against white finger tiles, are reliable pairings. Our kitchen mixer guide covers spout height and reach.

Quantities

Splashbacks have lots of cuts, so allow extra. Measure each section, add the area together and include a generous allowance for cuts. If you would like help, book a free measure.

Planning with your cabinetmaker

The splashback is installed after the benchtop and cabinets, so coordinate early. Confirm the benchtop thickness, the height of the overhead cupboards or rangehood, and where power points and the window sit. If you want a tile to run behind open shelves, ask your cabinetmaker to allow for it. Tiling before the rangehood goes in can also give a cleaner finish behind it.

Windows and sinks

When a window sits above the sink, the splashback often stops at the sill or wraps into the reveal. Decide which, and choose tiles that cut neatly around the window. A mixer with the right spout height matters here too, so the handle clears the window when open.

Sealing and care

Porcelain and ceramic splashback tiles need no sealing, but grout benefits from a sealer behind the cooktop. Wipe splatters promptly with a soft cloth and warm water.

See splashback tiles near you

You can compare tiles and kitchen tapware at our Reservoir showroom, which is about 10 to 15 minutes from Thornbury and about 15 to 20 minutes from Northcote, and at our Geelong showroom. Tiles are call to order, and installation by our qualified trades can be quoted.

Common questions

What is the easiest splashback tile to clean?

A gloss or satin porcelain or ceramic tile with a stain resistant grout is the easiest to keep clean, especially behind the cooktop.

How high should a kitchen splashback go?

Commonly to the underside of the overhead cupboards or rangehood. Some kitchens take it to the ceiling for a feature.

Do finger tiles suit a kitchen splashback?

Yes. Laid vertically they add texture and height, and they come on sheets that are easy to install.

Shopping from the inner north?

Customers from Preston, Thornbury and Northcote can reach our Reservoir showroom in minutes. Each local page covers drive times, product advice and a free measure. See all areas we serve.

Visit us or shop online

See the range in person at our showrooms: Geelong at 35A Ryrie St, Geelong VIC 3220, phone (03) 5223 2765, and Reservoir at 214 Broadway, Reservoir VIC 3073, phone (03) 9867 5051. Both are open Monday to Friday 9:30am to 5:00pm, Saturday 9:30am to 3:00pm, and Sunday by appointment only.

Planning a renovation? Request a quote and a free measure, and ask us to include installation by our qualified trades if you would like it quoted. Prefer to shop from home? Order online with Australia-wide delivery, or pick up from either showroom, usually ready in 2 to 4 days.