When it comes to designing your kitchen or bathroom, the details can make all the difference. Upstands and splashbacks play key roles in protecting your walls from any stains or water when cooking or washing. If you’re planning your new kitchen, then this is the blog for you. Let’s break down what upstands and splashbacks are, their benefits, and how they can enhance your home.
What Is an Upstand?
An upstand is a thin, vertical strip of material that runs along the edges of your countertop. Typically, it’s around 75mm to 100mm in height, though it can vary depending on the design you choose. Upstands provide a seamless transition between your worktop and the wall, offering a cleaner, more minimalistic look compared to traditional splashbacks like tiles.
Materials for Upstands
Upstands can be made from a variety of materials, including quartz and granite, allowing you to match them to the countertop for a cohesive and seamless appearance. Quartz upstands, for instance, offer a uniform colour and pattern, making them a popular choice for modern kitchens. They provide a continuous, sleek look that adds to the overall design of your space.
Benefits of Upstands
- Easy Maintenance: Since upstands are typically made from the same material as your worktop, they’re easy to clean and maintain, and the smooth surface prevents dirt and grime from collecting.
- Space Saving: With a more subtle profile than a full splashback, upstands are ideal for smaller kitchens or spaces where you prefer a less intrusive look.
- Protection: Upstands create a protective barrier between the countertop and the wall, reducing the risk of moisture, oils, and food debris damaging your walls.
What Is a Splashback?
A splashback is a protective surface that covers the area behind your kitchen or bathroom sink, stove, or countertop, typically extending from the surface to the underside of your upper cabinets. Splashbacks are larger than upstands, often covering a full section of the wall, and can range in height from just a few inches to full wall coverage, depending on your design preference.
Materials for Splashbacks
A splashback is a protective surface that covers the area behind your kitchen or bathroom sink, stove, or countertop, typically extending from the surface to the underside of your upper cabinets. Splashbacks are larger than upstands, often covering a full section of the wall, and can range in height from just a few inches to full wall coverage, depending on your design preference.
Materials for Splashbacks
Splashbacks come in many different materials, including glass, ceramic tiles, mirrors, stainless steel, and stone such as quartz or granite. Stone splashbacks, for example, provide durability, protecting your walls whilst keeping the design seamless with your worktop.
Benefits of Splashbacks
- Full Protection: Splashbacks offer more protection than upstands, particularly around areas prone to splashes, such as behind sinks, stoves, or hobs. They help shield your walls from food stains, water, grease, and heat..
- Style and Function: A splashback serves as both a functional and decorative element in your home. Whether you go for sleek, modern tiles, mirrored surfaces, or a stylish stone splashback, it can transform your kitchen or bathroom into a stunning visual focal point.
- Hygiene: Like upstands, splashbacks are easy to clean, especially when made from non porous materials like quartz or glass, helping to maintain a hygienic environment in areas where moisture is common.
Key Differences Between Upstands and Splashbacks
While both upstands and splashbacks provide protection to your walls, there are some key differences:
- Coverage: Upstands are smaller and cover only the area directly behind the countertop, whereas splashbacks are larger and can extend up to the underside of the upper cabinets or even cover the entire wall behind your sink or stove.
- Aesthetic: Upstands tend to offer a more subtle and minimalist look, whereas splashbacks can be bold design statements that draw attention to the area.
- Function: Both provide protection from moisture and stains, but splashbacks offer more comprehensive coverage, particularly around cooking or washing areas.
Which Should You Choose?
Most customers choose both. Running a short 100mm upstand around the worktop including a full height splash back behind the sink and hob. This provides maximum protection of the walls and gives a more seamless finish around your kitchen.
Upstands and splashbacks are both excellent solutions for adding functionality, protection, and visual appeal to your kitchen or bathroom. Whether you choose an upstand for a minimalist touch or a splashback for bold style, both options help maintain the longevity of your walls and keep your space looking beautiful and fresh.
Feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions!
