Some Important Precautions About Installing a Glass Splashback in Your Home

A great way to add some brightness to an otherwise dull and dark kitchen is to install a glass splashback. The glass will reflect light and keep the space from seeming small and closed-in while providing a surface that's easy to clean. Glass will also protect the home's walls from food splatter or the risk of burning and smouldering from stove top cooking. If you're thinking of installing a glass splashback in your home, however, note a few important precautions, and especially if you're thinking of tackling this job yourself:

Type of glass

The glass used for splashbacks needs to be toughened so that it's impervious to heat and flames; there may even be local building codes that dictate the type of glass that can be used as a kitchen splashback. Rather than thinking that you can use the glass from an old window or other such remnants, it's important to check on those codes and ensure you use glass that won't melt, crack, or shatter when exposed to heat and flames.

Weight

The weight of a long piece of solid glass that is used as a splashback needs to be considered, especially if you're thinking of installing it yourself. Even with an assistant, it can be cumbersome to lift and hold that piece in place during installation. That glass also needs to be stored properly before being attached to the wall, to avoid damage.

Without the right connectors, this heavy glass piece might also put undue stress on the wall itself and cause cracks in the plaster or drywall. Glass tiles can be a more manageable DIY option, and may offer the brightness needed to lighten up your kitchen.

Style

A plain sheet of glass can offer a clean look to your kitchen, but it can also be downright dull! A unique kitchen splashback can bring style and personality to an otherwise drab space, which is something to especially consider if the bench tops, cabinets and flooring are somewhat bland. Consider a tinted or painted glass, or one with a cityscape or landscape painted behind it. You can also use stripes to add the appearance of height or width to the space. Etched glass with a wavy pattern or other texture can also add depth and visual interest to the space, or you might at least choose plain blocks rather than a solid piece; the grout lines between the blocks can also add depth and texture, and keep the splashback from being boring.

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