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If you’ve done your research on kitchen splashbacks, you’ll know that there are a multitude of options available these days. Acrylic, tiles, laminate, glass, stone, stainless steel – you’re spoiled for choice as far as splashback materials go.
Each comes with its own advantages and disadvantages, which need careful consideration. The material is a crucial decision as it will affect your overall kitchen aesthetics as well as your daily and long-term maintenance on top of the initial investment.
One of the major differences between laminate and glass is the cost. The former might be much more affordable upfront but differs vastly in terms of long-term value compared to the former, for several reasons.
This article examines the pros and cons of laminate splashbacks for kitchens in comparison with glass splashbacks, specifically 5 key considerations to help you make the right choice for your requirements and budget.
Laminate Splashback vs Glass Splashback: Top 5 Considerations
1. Cost
It’s easy to forget that there’s a huge difference between cost and value. You might be tempted to opt for a kitchen splashback that’s cheaper to install, but don’t make the mistake of assuming that that’s the only cost associated with it.
What about maintenance costs? And what kind of long-term value will you be getting from a laminate splashback vs a glass splashback?
Laminate is undeniably one of the cheapest splashback materials available, but there’s a good reason it costs so much less compared to high-end materials such as toughened glass. Let’s dive into the other considerations that affect the long-term value of both options.
2. Durability
Laminate splashbacks for kitchens can last a number of years, but the material is less resistant to heat and moisture damage compared to glass splashbacks, which are made using toughened glass.
Laminate tends to expand and contract over time, which affects its long-term durability. Laminate splashbacks are also more prone to cracks. Being installed in continuous sheets, these cracks spread easily, which results in the whole splashback having to be replaced.
On the other hand, glass splashbacks are made from toughened glass that’s created through a series of rigorous heating and cooling processes for outstanding durability and enhanced heat tolerance.
3. Aesthetics
If having a huge range of design options is important for you, both laminate and glass splashbacks are equally diverse.
Laminate splashbacks are available in all kinds of colours and patterns and can even imitate the appearance of stone, timber, or stainless steel. You can also install a laminate splashback over tiles, as long as they’re securely attached to the wall and intact.
Likewise, glass splashbacks are available in endless colour and design options. Thanks to advanced UV glass printing technology, you can now have coloured, mirrored, and custom-designed glass splashbacks that resemble tiles, marble, stone, and more, besides featuring stunning images and vibrant prints.
A glass kitchen splashback doesn’t just protect your walls from water, heat, oil, and grease, but it can also double as a feature wall that makes a statement. As an added bonus, glass splashbacks are extremely light-reflective, which naturally illuminates the kitchen and makes it look much brighter and more spacious. Perfect for small or windowless kitchens.
Ideally suited for modern and contemporary kitchen styles, glass splashbacks are however not compatible with traditional, country, or rustic-style kitchens.
4. Maintenance
While a laminate splashback is fairly easy to keep clean, if you choose to have it installed in pre-cut tiles, the joints between the tiles will make it harder to clean.
Glass splashbacks, on the other hand, are probably the easiest to clean of all splashback materials. In addition to its naturally smooth and glossy appearance that doesn’t fade, glass splashbacks are extremely stain resistant. You just need to wipe it down with a clean cloth and warm soapy water and it’s goodbye dirt, oil, and grease!
5. Heat Tolerance & Water Resistance
If you’re wondering whether you can install a laminate splashback behind the gas hob, the answer is no. Laminate’s properties make it unsafe to be exposed to open flames. It is recommended to maintain a safety distance of 10cm between a laminate splashback and any gas hob.
A laminate splashback also needs to be installed properly behind the sink or around wet areas to prevent water from getting into the joints.
In contrast, glass splashbacks have a high tolerance to water and moisture, besides being able to withstand high cooking and baking temperatures of up to 400°C.
To sum up, both laminate and glass splashbacks are available in a diverse range of colours and designs and require minimal effort to keep clean. However, a glass splashback offers greater long-term value for money with its:
- ultra-reflective properties,
- high-end glossy finish that doesn’t fade,
- enhanced heat tolerance,
- outstanding durability,
- easy-breezy cleaning.
Book a Free Measure with DecoGlaze
DecoGlaze is Australia’s leading glass splashback provider and the world’s largest manufacturer and installer of glass splashbacks.
Here are some of the top reasons our customers choose DecoGlaze to manufacture, design, and install their kitchen splashback:
- Ease of Process: From initial enquiry to final installation, we’ll take you through every step of the process to ensure a smooth and hassle-free service experience.
- Impeccable Quality: We use state-of-the-art equipment to cut, polish, edge, toughen, and paint each glass product, and employ professionally trained and insured technicians to measure and install.
- Product Guarantee: Our DecoGlaze Glass Splashbacks include a written guarantee of up to 10 years. All flat and metallic colours as well as the designer range come with a 10-year warranty, mirror-finish glass products include a 7-year written guarantee, while the digitally printed DecoDesigns range is covered by a 5-year written guarantee.
- No-Fuss Installation: Once manufactured, our splashbacks can be installed within one hour. Easy peasy!
- Effortless Cleaning: In addition to its stain-resistant properties, our glass splashbacks take minimal effort to clean. Simply wipe down with a clean cloth and warm soapy water to get rid of oil and grease.
Get in touch for a free measure or call us at 02 9624 7099 to find out more about our glass splashback products.