Popular Splashback Materials for Contemporary Australian Kitchens

04/08/2025

A splashback plays a vital role in both the look and functionality of any modern kitchen. In contemporary Australian homes — especially across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains — the splashback has become a key design feature, often extending across the entire back wall to elevate the kitchen’s overall aesthetic. Choosing the right splashback material can define a kitchen’s tone, improve light reflection, and simplify cleaning.

This article explores the most popular splashback materials used in today’s kitchens, including their pros, design versatility, and suitability for Australian lifestyles.

Glass Splashbacks: Sleek and Easy to Maintain

Glass has become a staple in modern kitchen design due to its clean lines, custom colour options, and practicality. Back-painted glass splashbacks are particularly popular in contemporary homes for their seamless appearance and reflective qualities, which help brighten up kitchens — especially in homes across Penrith, Glenmore Park and Emu Plains where natural light might be limited in some layouts.

Advantages of glass splashbacks:

Easy to clean — no grout lines to trap grime
Durable and heat-resistant when toughened
Wide range of custom colour options
Can be cut to size for a seamless look

Glass also pairs well with other finishes common in custom kitchens, such as matte cabinetry and engineered stone benchtops. For homeowners aiming for a minimalist, high-gloss aesthetic, a solid-colour glass splashback can tie the design together beautifully.

Porcelain Slabs: High-End, Durable and Sophisticated

Large-format porcelain slabs are a rising trend in Australian kitchen design, offering the luxurious look of stone with superior resistance to stains, heat, and scratches. These splashbacks are often used to match benchtops or create a continuous feature wall behind the cooktop and sink. In homes throughout Blaxland, Katoomba and Lithgow, this material brings a sophisticated edge while withstanding the demands of busy family life.

Key benefits of porcelain splashbacks:

Extremely durable and heat-resistant
Available in a variety of finishes (stone-look, concrete-look, matte or polished)
Low-maintenance surface
Ideal for full-height splashback applications

When installed by professionals like A-Team Kitchens & Joinery, porcelain slabs offer long-term functionality while contributing to a premium kitchen design.

Tiled Splashbacks: Classic and Customisable

Tiles remain a popular choice for splashbacks due to their wide range of shapes, colours and textures. While they may not offer the same seamless finish as slabs or glass, tiles provide an opportunity for creativity — from traditional subway tiles to bold geometric patterns.

In areas like Springwood, Leura and Hazelbrook, tiled splashbacks are often chosen for their heritage appeal or to add texture and interest in contemporary builds. Whether laid in a herringbone pattern or stacked horizontally, tiles allow for a level of personalisation that suits a variety of kitchen styles.

Why tiles continue to trend:

Affordable and widely available
Huge variety of materials including ceramic, porcelain and stone
Suitable for both classic and modern kitchens
Can be used to introduce colour or pattern

However, it's important to note that tiles do require ongoing maintenance of grout lines, which may not appeal to those seeking a low-maintenance surface.

Stainless Steel: Functional and Commercial-Inspired

Though more common in commercial kitchens, stainless steel is occasionally used in residential kitchens for its industrial look and exceptional durability. It's especially suited to high-performance kitchens where hygiene and heat resistance are priorities — perfect for passionate home cooks in Penrith or Jamisontown.

Features of stainless steel splashbacks:

Ultra-durable and hygienic
Heat- and stain-resistant
Matches appliances and modern tapware
Offers an industrial or contemporary look

While stainless steel can scratch over time, its robustness and ability to reflect light make it a practical and modern choice — particularly in kitchens styled around functionality and simplicity.

Natural Stone: Premium and Timeless

Natural stone, such as marble or granite, brings a unique character and luxurious feel to any kitchen. Though more expensive and requiring sealing, stone splashbacks appeal to those who want to highlight the natural beauty of veining and texture.

In homes across areas like Wentworth Falls or Medlow Bath, stone splashbacks are often featured in kitchen designs that aim to harmonise with natural surroundings and architectural charm.

Pros of stone splashbacks:

Completely unique patterns in every slab
Timeless and elegant
Can coordinate with stone benchtops

Natural stone does come with maintenance considerations, including the need for sealing and care against etching. However, for those seeking a statement piece, it can add significant character to the space.

Considerations When Choosing a Splashback

Before selecting a splashback material, it’s worth considering a few practical factors:

Cleaning and maintenance: If easy cleaning is a priority, glass or porcelain are ideal.
Budget: Tiling is usually the most budget-friendly option, while natural stone and large-format slabs sit at the premium end.
Aesthetic: Choose a material that complements your cabinetry, benchtops and flooring.
Durability: For heavy-use kitchens, look for materials that resist stains and heat.

Consulting with a kitchen renovation expert ensures the material not only suits your lifestyle but is installed to the highest standards.

Local Craftsmanship Matters

At A-Team Kitchens & Joinery, all splashbacks — whether porcelain, glass or stone — are integrated into custom kitchens made in-house using Australian-made board. The design and manufacturing process is handled locally, ensuring quality control and seamless coordination between cabinetry, benchtops and splashbacks.

Clients across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains can visit A-Team’s showrooms in Penrith or Blaxland to explore materials, speak with designers, and view completed kitchens up close.

Thinking about upgrading your kitchen splashback?

Visit the Penrith or Blaxland showroom to view samples and explore tailored solutions backed by local craftsmanship and Australian-made quality.