Any disadvantages of a glass splashback?

8 years ago

I have recently ordered a new kitchen and am considering a glass splashback. My worktop will be Quartz and I think I prefer the look of the glass splashback meeting the worktop rather than placing glass above a Quartz upstand. I think the former creates a sleeker look.

Are there any disadvantages to not having an upstand. My kitchen designer suggested that the glass splashback meeting the worktop was not a good idea as there is the risk of water penetrating beyond sealant and under the splashback. Do others agree with this? I would appreciate your thoughts.

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Comments (5)

PRO
Dale Loth Architects
8 years ago
We usually run back-painted glass splashbacks right down to the countertop. As your designer notes the risk of sealant failure between glass and quartz top, the implication is that a quartz upstand would be so short that it could be bonded only to the countertop rather than the wall. As you know, a sealant, usually silicone, needs to accommodate the inevitable differential movement between the countertop sitting on base units and the wall. A gap, usually about 4mm, needs to be left below the glass, the recess backed fully with foam strip (often sold as 'foam rope') and then the mastic applied with a generally square cross section as 'pointing'. All too often, too small (or large or uneven) a gap is left below the splashback and then the silicone is incorrectly applied in a vaguely triangular section tapering off to a featheredge on the faces of the splashback and countertop. This usually fails before long as well as looking unsightly. Even when silicone is correctly applied to an appropriately sized joint, if there's a lot of movement, it often starts to pull away from one edge after several years. It would be interesting to know if anyone has a solution for that.
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Luciana
8 years ago
I'm not an expert, but from having a glass splashback without an upstand, I would say it's great and we've had no problem in the last almost 4 years since we had it installed. The glass fitters just used good quality sealant generously - it still looks as good as in the first day!

My mother in law has glass with upstand (second photo), she actually finds it more difficult to clean, with dust and grease getting sticky on those few millimetres of the upstand top.
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PRO
OnePlan
8 years ago
the only disadvantage I can think of is, as you have shiny worktops, a good fitter would normally direct any under lighting towards the back wall instead to help avoid glare off the worktops - but if the back wall is shiny too - you might see a bit more of your under lighting than you'd like!
PRO
CreoGlass Design
7 months ago
Pros:
1. Aesthetic Appeal: Glass splashbacks can create a sleek, contemporary look. They are available in various colours and can be customised with prints or designs.
2. Easy to Clean: Smooth glass surfaces are simple to wipe down, making them ideal for high-traffic kitchen areas where spills and splatters occur frequently.
3. Durability: Glass is a tough material that can withstand heat and moisture when properly installed, making it a long-lasting option for kitchens.
4. Reflective Properties: Glass can help to brighten a kitchen by reflecting light, creating an illusion of more space and enhancing the overall ambience.
5. Hygienic: Glass does not harbour bacteria or mould, making it a sanitary choice for food preparation areas.
6. Longevity: The correctly installed glass splashback will outlive the kitchen.
Cons:
1. Cost: Glass splashbacks can be more expensive than other materials like tiles or paint, especially when considering custom designs or installation.
2. Lead times: Bespoke splashback is not an off-the-shelf product, and each panel is manufactured individually for your kitchen.
3. Installation: Installing glass splashbacks can require professional assistance, especially for custom fits, which adds to the overall expense.
4. Colour Options: The huge choices available may be confusing and challenging to choose from.
5. Heat Sensitivity: Although toughened glass splashback is heat-resistant up to 400ºC if exposed to extreme temperatures of direct gas flames (1200ºC) , the paint on the back of the glass may discolour.
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Betty Boo
7 months ago
Original post is 8 years old.

Any disadvantages of a glass splashback?

Comments (5)

Dale Loth Architects

Luciana

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