How much do kitchen splashbacks cost? [2025]

Planning on a new kitchen splashback? The good news is that you're spoiled for choice, with a range of splashback materials to suit every kitchen and any budget. But how much do kitchen splashbacks cost? And what are your material options?

Let's take a look at the cost of kitchen splashbacks and see what materials are right for your kitchen and your pocket. Read more about:

• How much does a kitchen splashback cost?

• What are the different types of kitchen splashbacks

• What factors influence kitchen splashback costs?

• Why hire a professional splashback installer?

• How to hire a splashback installer

• Does my splashback installer need to be licensed?

• Getting quotes for kitchen splashback costs

How much does a kitchen splashback cost?

The biggest influencer on price will be the material you choose. Expect to pay the following amount for different kitchen splashback material types: 

• Tiles: $45 to $250 per m²

• Glass: $300 to $350 per m²

• Stainless steel: $250 to $400 per m²

• Acrylic: $250 to $300 per m²

• Laminate: $250 per m²

Within each category, prices will vary based on the quality and brand of the materials themselves. For example, basic tiles will cost less than designer or hand-painted tiles, and standard back-painted glass will cost less than digitally printed glass with custom images. 

Installation costs are added on top of material costs, with kitchen splashback installers charging around $50 to $100 per hour. For a standard kitchen splashback installation with minimal complications, installation costs typically range from $450 to $900. 

Cut-outs are mainly for power points and will cost anywhere from $50 each or more depending on the material.

Read more: What is the cost of a kitchen renovation?

What are the different types of kitchen splashbacks

Your kitchen splashback doesn't only protect your walls, it can also be a feature of your kitchen, so you should consider more than just price when choosing the right material to complement your kitchen and stand the test of time. 

Tile splashbacks

Tiles remain one of the most versatile and widely used splashback options in Aussie kitchens, available in countless colours, sizes, patterns, and price points. From simple subway tiles to intricate mosaics, tiles offer design flexibility for any kitchen style. You could pay anywhere from $45 per square metre for basic tiles up to $250 for premium quality tiles or a more complex installation. Here’s a quick breakdown of different tile types: 

• Ceramic tiles: $30 to $80 per square metre. Their durability and water resistance make them practical for kitchen environments, while being one of the most economical tiling options 

• Porcelain tiles: $60 to $120 per square metre. They have low porosity, making them stain-resistant and easy to maintain

• Glass tiles: $80 to $200 per square metre. These are less expensive than sheet glass but offer similar aesthetic benefits

• Natural stone tiles:  $100 to $250 per square metre

The downside of tile splashbacks is that you need to keep the grout lines clean, which can be hard work. Learn more about cleaning a splashback.

Laminate splashbacks

Laminate splashbacks are available in a rainbow of hues and finishes, including imitation granite and marble at a fraction of the cost of real stone.

At around $230 per square metre, laminate is a cost effective choice, but it needs to be installed in accordance with the relevant regulations to be safe.

Acrylic splashbacks

Acrylic looks a lot like glass, but costs around a third of the price, since it's made from Perspex and other plastics. Like glass, acrylic can be produced in a huge range of colours, and is much easier to clean as they don’t need grout to be installed. Acrylics typically cost $250 to $300 per square metre, which is roughly two-thirds the price of comparable glass options.

In saying this, acrylic does scratch more easily than glass, and can be damaged by the high temperatures that occur when it's close to a cooktop.

Stainless steel splashbacks 

For a durable and industrial feel, steel splashbacks are a great, but premium choice for your kitchen due to their heat resistance. Stainless steel splashbacks are priced at: 

• Satin finish: $250 to $330 per square metre 

• Special finishes: $350 to $450 per square metre 

Glass splashbacks

Glass splashbacks can look gorgeous, but they also tend to be a lot more costly than most splashback materials. Cost breakdown of different glass types include: 

• Painted clear glass: Costs from $330 per square metre. This type of glass appears slightly green around the edges 

• Starfire glass: Costs from $420 per square metre, and doesn’t have the green tint

Glass offers exceptional ease of cleaning with no grout lines to trap grime, making it practical for busy kitchens. It’s also stain and heat resistant, making it a great option to have behind your cooktops. 

Stone splashbacks

Natural stone splashbacks can be extremely stylish, and you can have a coordinated look, matching your benchtop with your splashback. However, they are also one of the most expensive options, costing from $390 per square metre.

Read more: Tips and tricks for choosing the right splashback

What factors influence kitchen splashback costs?

• Material chosen: Different splashback materials come at different price points. For example, glass splashbacks provide a sleek look with excellent durability and easy cleaning, but come at a premium price. Acrylic provides a glass-like appearance and is 30 - 40% cheaper than glass, but is prone to scratches

• Complexity of kitchen layout: Straight, uninterrupted wall sections allow for simpler installation compared to kitchens with multiple corners, cutouts, or unusual angles

• Site preparation: Whether you need an existing splashback removed or the existing site repaired in any way will incur extra costs 

• Installation complexity: Different installation methods are needed to install different kitchen splashback types. For example, glass and stone have higher weight and fragility, meaning they need professional, precise installation methods, while acrylic is much easier to install

Why hire a professional splashback installer? 

While going for a DIY approach might seem cheaper in the short run, many things could go wrong. This includes improper installation, cutting or adhesion to your kitchen walls. This may result in you needing to get a professional in to fix the work anyway, which adds even more costs to your project. Hiring an expert to install your kitchen splashbacks ensures that you get high-quality, durable results, as they know how to: 

• Properly prepare walls for different splashback materials

• Make sure the area is waterproofed and sealed correctly, particularly around sinks and wet areas

• Make precise cutouts to accommodate for power points and fixtures

• Handle fragile materials like glass without damage

• Create smooth joins between panels

• Comply with building codes and safety regulations 

Professional installation is almost always essential for specific materials, including glass and stone due to their need for precise cutting methods. 

How to hire a splashback installer

Take the time to ask your installer all the right questions before you hire them, as you want to make sure they are right for your job. Here are some questions to ask: 

• Are you licensed?

• Are you insured to work in my home?

• How long will my job take?

• Can you provide a written quote?

• Do you have references I can follow up?

• Can I see examples of your work?

Does my splashback installer need to be licensed?

It really depends on where you live. In NSW for example, your installer will need a glazing or minor trade work licence to install a glass splashback.

The bottom line is to check with your local licensing authority or council before you start getting quotes. Licensing makes sure your tradie has the right training, qualifications and experience. Hire someone unlicensed and you could get poor workmanship or worse.

Getting quotes for kitchen splashback costs

When it comes time to get quotes from installers, make sure you give them all the information they need to give you an accurate quote. This includes:

• The size of the space

• Whether it will sit behind a gas or electric stove

• Your preferred splashback material and colour preferences

• When you need the job done

It's also wise to stipulate your budget up front, so the installer knows whether or not they can take on the job. They can then advise you on materials to match your budget and design preferences.

Be sure to also get detailed, written quotes that specify all costs, including materials, labor, preparation, and cleanup (if applicable). Be wary of quotes that are significantly lower than others, as this could mean that something has been left out, or additional charges could come up later. 

Ready to get going? Get an idea of the cost of your job by getting quotes from local kitchen splashback installers on hipages. We recommend getting at least three quotes before you commit to hiring anyone, so you can compare price and level of service.

*Cost and prices in this article are indicative and should only be used as a guide. They also vary locally and are subject to market forces.