I don't see how tiling can be dated, it's just a surface. There are so many options for tiling, can it be done at a later date when you have had more time to consider?

Thank you for your replies.

@colourhappy no unfortunately we can't wait. If we decide eventually we don't want tiling then we would need the upstand fitting which they need to do with the kitchen. However if we got the upstand fitted now and then decide in a few months we want tiles, they will then have to remove the upstand as we don't want both. I do happen to think tiling looks dated and cluttered. I've had it in 3 kitchens (none were my choice) and i really disliked it.

I'm with colourhappy, I like tiles (the right ones!) as they can really add texture and pattern to a room which can sometimes be a little clinical looking. Colourhappy always has great pics of tiles! As you're not keen though I'd just go for the upstands and continue the granite behind the hob which looks great. I've got a built in aga which is tiled behind but everywhere else is just paint which easily wipes down

Just can't decide what to go behind the hob? The granite is already ordered and I'm not sure if there is a piece big enough left in the slab. But don't think I want to stop the upstand at the hob to run a tile section and then start the upstand again... think that looks a little pieced together... We do alot of cooking and entertaining so don't want to regret not having tiles, although a few people have said the wall is easy enough to wipe. Not sure what to do! So many decisions with a new kitchen! This is the only tile I think I could live with. As long as it was white grout. What do people think?

An Industrial Shaker Kitchen · More Info

Wetherby · More Info

If you don't like tiles then I wouldn't have any tiles behind the hob, especially with white grout, the grout may get grubby. Have you considered a glass splashback behind the hob in a colour the same as the wall?

I have an upstand and plain walls just as you want. Have never regretted my decision. Clean lines and modern. Don't let him talk you into something he likes but you don't.

Thank you for your comments. I have considered glass but found another chat on here about problems with glass cracking, my brother in law had issues with his. Has anyone done glass mosaic? Rather than large tiles? ....I do like mirror but just need to convince my husband! ;) ...

@riverside joinery, do you have nothing behind your hob? what paint should i use?

Glass mosaic is beautiful but there is much more grout if that is an issue.

Jrf123 my hob is in an island so I don't have the upstand/wall situation behind it.

We've fitted glass splashbacks for customers and have never had them cracking.

I have Johnstone paint on my kitchen walls the same as I have throughout my whole house.

We had granite worktop with upstand and no splashback in our previous house and I can honestly say it never bothered me; the painted walls were easy to wipe clean and even refresh with a bit of paint when some stain got stubborn (that happened only once!) The thought of grout in the kitchen terrifies me...! :)) We now have glass for splashback and I think it's the best!

(I don't have any better pics of our old kitchen, at the time I wasn't into photographing interiors).

My advice is not to go for tiles, just keep it simple and clean. Good luck!

I am about to install my kitchen and I will be having just an upstand all the way round. I plan on using decorators varnish on the paintwork behind the hob and sink to give it a little extra protection and able to wipe it clean. I saw someone recommend it on another thread a while back.

I think we will just go with our original thought, upstand only! Thank you all so much :)

Good decision.