Don’t Underestimate the Importance of a Practical Splashback

Kitchen Splashack Checklist

• Needs to look stylish
• Needs to be practical
• Will it be a high maintenance area?
• Is it heat proof for gas burners
• Will it complement the other design features of my home?

Laminate Splashbacks

Laminate Splashbacks are a cost-effective option for those who are budget conscious. Similar to laminate flooring or benchtops, there are hundreds of different styles and options available for the savvy homeowner. One consideration is the heat resistance against a gas burner or running the potential risk of hot oils and liquids affecting the finish of your laminate splashback. 

Natural Stone Splashbacks

For those with higher budgets looking for something unique and versatile, a natural stone splashback is a fantastic solution. Granites, marbles, Epsilon Stone’s own range of engineered marble and engineered quartz are all ideal options to create an array of colours, from veined options to rugged and raw granites. With all natural materials comes a greater cost of fabrication and installation, however, they are more resiliant to heat and fire than the laminate options above. 

Engineered Quartz & Marble Splashbacks

A more recent addition to the kitchen splashback markets are engineered (Or reconstituted) marble and quartz, which can produce stunning results for those with a moderate to higher-end budget. Although quartz an and engineered marble do not come with the same heat rating as a material such as porcelain, they contain incredibly hire fire resistance thanks to their low resin counts and low calorie values. 

Tiles 

One of the most popular (and often times cost effective) ways to really bring life into a new kitchen space is through the use of tiles. Coming in all different shapes, sizes and styles, tiles are typically available in either ceramic or porcelain that is waterproof after installation. While they are a cost-effective solution and offer a huge range of styles, the grout can become high maintenance.

Stainless Steel

Offering a stylish and modern/industrial look, stainless steel a great option for those looking for a durable and low-maintenance splashback solution. The concern with stainless lies within the ability to keep the surface free or marks and fingerprints, particularly within high light or reflective environments. 

Glass Splashbacks

Functional and inexpensive are glass splashbacks, seeing a recent sharp rise in popularity due to its very modern look and style. Along with engineered surfaces like quartz and marble, glass offers high heat resistance, and easy to clean surface and the ability to resist mould and mildew. 

What is Engineered Quartz?

• Minimal Maintenance
  Thanks to it’s basically non-porous surface, spills, stains and marks are easy to clean and your kitchen benchtop easy to maintain.

  To clean: Simply use a mixture of detergent and water or a designated quartz cleaner and ensure any spills and marked are wiped up as they occur. 

• High Stain Resistance
  
  Wine, soft drink, coffees and food particles, all the usual suspects of any kitchen benchtop will have a minimal effect of the surface quality of your engineered quartz benchtop.In part again to the lack of surface porosity and the hardness of quartz itself.

• Heat Resistant
  Although engineered quartz has a very high heat resistance, this must not be confused for it being “Heat resistant”. It is best to avoid directly placing hot suacepans and pans directly on the surface of your stone benchtop to avoid cracks or scortch marks are left.

• Scratch Resistantance

Engineered quartz is one of natures hardest materials and is perfect for handling the stresses of every day life. Scratches and chipping can occur with any quartz surface, but this typically only occurs with misuse. Look after your quartz benchtop well and you can rest assured of a long and healthy life for your kitchen benchtop under normal use.

• Other Useful Information

  Epsilon Stone do not recommend chopping or cutting directly onto the quartz work surface due to advances in modern knife manufacturing. We always recommend using a chopping board either in wood, toughened glass or acrylic.

The popular edges are, for the most part, practical for any use in the kitchen or bathroom. So the primary factor to consider when you make your edge profile choice is aesthetic. Which do you like the best? Which will compliment your space? Is your kitchen is contemporary or industrial? Whether you pick something modern like a beveled edge or more traditional like a bullnose edge, you will need to consider the look and feel of your kitchen space before having your stone fabricated. 

The thickness of the countertop makes a difference in which edge profiles are available, and which look best. The standard kitchen countertop is 30 millimeters thick, luxury countertops are cut 40 millimeters and some economy countertops are 20 millimeters thick, supported underneath by a layer of medium density fiberboard.

Although, with styles ever changing, 20mm thick kitchen benchtops are becoming increasingly popular, due to the thickness of most engineered quartz slabs being 20mm as standard. Other natural types of stone, Calacatta, Carrara, titanium can often be found in 30mm thicknesses, for those with a luxury budget.