Kitchen Splashback Tiling

There's no single right height for a kitchen splashback. Some kitchens have a short run of kitchen wall tiles between the worktop and the wall units; others tile all the way to the underside of the cabinets, or to the ceiling where there are no wall units. Behind the hob, many people take the tiles higher, up to the cooker hood, because that area takes the most splashes and heat.

Tiling behind a hob is common. Check the hob and cooker hood manufacturers' guidance on clearances, and make sure the tiles, adhesive and grout suit the position.

Before tiling, Robert checks the walls and plans the layout so cuts fall at corners and ends rather than in the middle of the view. A splashback is judged at eye level along the worktop, so the first row matters most: it needs to sit level even if the worktop isn't perfectly straight, and the joints should line up with the edges of windows and wall units where possible.

Sockets and switches need clean, accurate cuts so the faceplates sit flat over the tiles. If sockets need moving or bringing forward to suit the new tiles, that is a job for an electrician and should be done before tiling starts. Window reveals and sills are finished with trims or neat edges, planned in advance so the window looks framed rather than patched.

Ceramic splashback tiles are light, easy to clean and come in a huge range of colours. Porcelain is denser and harder-wearing. Metro tiles are a classic choice, and the bond pattern and grout colour change the look a lot. Mosaic sheets suit smaller areas and feature panels but take more grouting. Natural stone looks distinctive but usually needs sealing, especially near the hob and sink.

Grout near the hob and sink sees grease and staining, so a mid-tone or stain-resistant grout is often easier to live with than bright white. Where the tiles meet the worktop, the joint is finished with silicone rather than grout, because the worktop and wall move slightly and grout would crack there. Stone tiles may need sealing before and after grouting: follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Vanta Tiling doesn't fit kitchens. The usual order is that your kitchen fitter installs the units and worktops first, then the splashback is tiled down to the finished worktop. On a full kitchen refit, the tiling can be planned around the fitter's dates so the walls are ready at the right stage.