One of our readers asked whether it was OK to install a glass splashback behind a hob, and how it should fit around an upstand. It’s great when people ask questions, because it gives us a topic for a blog. If someone wants to know about this, others probably do too.
Can you fit a glass splashback behind a hob
The short answer is yes. Of course you should buy it from a specialist supplier who will confirm suitability for your specific application. Our suppliers have fitted many glass splashbacks behind both electric and gas hobs.
How to fit a glass splashback around an upstand
We design kitchens with full height glass splashbacks (between worktop and wall cabinet). It looks better and avoids the extra ledge where grime can accumulate. To save money, some clients prefer to fit the splashback just behind the hob, and to have an upstand elsewhere. In those cases, we suggest finishing the upstand either side of the glass splashback. In fact, if you search for glass splashback images online, you would be hard pressed to find one sitting on the upstand. That’s a good indication of the preferred configuration around the nation.
Why have an Upstand?
Obviously it is important to be able to clean a kitchen surface without marking the wall. An upstand is sufficient, usually made to match the worktop. It is also cheaper than a fully glazed splashback. The downside is that the rest of the wall remains exposed to splatter.
How to fit a glass kitchen splashback on an upstand
The only time we would consider installing a splashback above an upstand is in the case of a retrofit. Despite their marble upstand and stainless splashback behind the hob, our clients noted that their walls were becoming splattered and difficult to clean. They asked us to source a lime green glass splashback, and here is the result. It actually looks pretty good:
Alternative Glass Splashbacks
It is possible to fit glass to upstand height which would then blend nicely with the hob splashback. You then avoid joining two different materials and would be a similar price to a quartz or granite upstand design.
We have seen designs where the glass sits on an upstand all the way round. There’s no need for this; it adds cost, and provides an extra dirt trap. Our designs fit a full height glass splashback, giving supreme aesthetics and is easy to clean.
You can see more of these in our kitchen splashbacks page
