Kitchen Splashbacks in London: Quartz, Glass, Tile and Upstands

The splashback materials London homeowners search for most, what they cost, and how to match them to quartz, granite or solid surface worktops.

By Kitchen Worktops Direct 2 min read

Kitchen Splashbacks in London: Quartz, Glass, Tile and Upstands

Kitchen splashbacks are upgraded in around four-fifths of UK kitchen renovations. In London the search mix is matching quartz upstands, full-height slab splashbacks, classic metro tile, and coloured glass behind the hob. The right choice depends on cleaning, sockets, extractor type and whether you want the wall to disappear or to feature.

A short upstand is the budget way to protect the plaster line. A full slab splashback is the design-led way to make a small kitchen feel like a hotel suite.

Contents

1 Options compared
2 Typical extra cost
3 London practicalities
4 Frequently asked questions

Options compared

Quartz or porcelain splashbacks clean like the worktop and remove grout. Glass is non-porous and good behind hobs but shows streaks. Ceramic tile is cheapest and easiest to repair locally. Solid surface can include a coved joint that is excellent for hygiene.

Typical extra cost

Here are some of the most popular kitchen worktop materials:

Quartz WorktopsDurable, low-maintenance and available in a wide range of colours and finishes.Granite WorktopsA natural and unique option that is heat and scratch resistant.Marble WorktopsTimeless beauty with a luxurious feel, perfect for statement kitchens.Wooden WorktopsWarm and natural, ideal for traditional or contemporary designs.Laminate WorktopsA cost-effective option with a wide variety of styles.Porcelain WorktopsUltra-durable, heat-resistant and designed for modern kitchens.

Stone upstands might add a few hundred pounds. A full-height quartz or porcelain splashback can add £500–£2,000 depending on area, cut-outs for sockets, and whether it is the same slab as the worktop (recommended for vein matching).

London practicalities

Period walls are rarely flat. Slab splashbacks need packing or a skim. Coordinate electrician visits so sockets sit in cut-outs rather than on top of tile. If you have a grid-style extractor, a feature splashback behind the hob is where spend shows.

Frequently asked questions

Is a quartz splashback worth it?

If you already love the worktop colour and hate grout, yes. It is one of the most searched premium upgrades in London kitchens. For a true budget, tile the hob wall and use a 50–100mm upstand elsewhere.

What height should an upstand be?

50mm, 80mm and 100mm are common UK sizes. Taller upstands protect more painted wall; they can look bulky in a tiny galley if the worktop is already dark.

Next step

Ready to compare surfaces for a London kitchen? Request a quote, order a free sample, or browse the full worktop range.