The Plastic People – Christmas Opening Times
Please ensure all your pre-Christmas orders are with us by 16th December to avoid disappointment – Our offices close on Monday 23rd December & re-open on Thursday 2nd January as usual. See our socials for opening times and delivery schedules!
 
 

Splashback or Tiles? Which is Best in Your Home? 

Written by MS
14/06/2021 10:00:49

Choosing between a splashback or tiles

Splashbacks, tiles, and wall panels/cladding are the perfect addition to any kitchen or bathroom. We love how splashbacks bring together utility with interior design by offering great decorative qualities while remaining hygienic. 
 
In this blog from The Plastic People, we put traditional tiles head-to-head with adhesive, plastic and glass splashbacks to see which wall protector comes out on top! We cover everything from cost-effectiveness, and ease of installation, to aesthetic and design quality. 
 
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Why Install a Splashback?
 
The benefits of installing wall protectors in your kitchen and bathroom(s) are quite wide-ranging. Here are the top reasons to think about investing in tiles or Perspex splashbacks:
  • Hygiene: All splashbacks - no matter the material - are typically very hygienic. This means they can be wiped and cleaned regularly to prevent germs, viruses, and cross-contamination. 
 
  • Protection: As well as protecting your health, cladding also helps prevent damage in your home. Positioned behind sinks, splashbacks stop water damage on walls, for instance. They also prevent general food stains, dirt, and other scratches/marks, which may be costly to fix. 
 
  • Decorative: It’s worth remembering that wall panels can be decorative items! Especially in bathrooms and showers, interior designers loved to get experimental with tiles and mosaics. Adhesive and Perspex splashbacks can be used as decoration too, as you can easily mix and match colours, or add a vinyl wrap over the top. 
 
Tiles or Perspex Splashback? 
 
The name of our business is a bit of a giveaway, but obviously, we think acrylic and adhesive splashbacks are a better alternative to tiles and glass splashbacks. There are several reasons for this including:
  • Price: Acrylic (Perspex) splashbacks are a lot cheaper than tiles! You can get an instant quote today on our website for your kitchen or bathroom splashback. As you can install Perspex splashbacks yourself, you will also save money on labour costs. 
  • Installation: Tiles can be incredibly tricky to install - especially if you have chosen a particularly intricate design. Acrylic splashbacks, however, are easy DIY projects you can complete in an afternoon! We supply panels cut to size and shape, so all you have to do is adhere them to the walls (and they’re grout-free)!  
  • Variety/Design: The great thing about acrylic is the variety of colours and finishes it is available in! We offer matte, high gloss, and sparkly finishes for our splashbacks - along with a wide range of colours, such as green, red, and black. See the full range by clicking here. 
 
  • Strength: Acrylic is an incredibly durable material. It is 10 times stronger than glass and only half the weight - making it easy to work with and virtually impossible to break! 
 
  • Versatility: While tiles are only really suitable for certain locations, such as above kitchen countertops or in shower cubicles, Perspex splashbacks have myriad applications and uses! Our customers have used clear-as-glass acrylic as a wall protector in several different spaces, including behind bins and shoe racks. Click here to check out some of our customers' stories. 
Glass and Metal Splashbacks 
 
As an alternative to plastic, you can also find glass and metal splashbacks. Glass splashbacks can offer an incredibly elegant design, but requires a delicate and well-managed installation and can be expensive/heavy.
 
Metal splashbacks are commonly seen in restaurants and other commercial kitchen spaces due to their sleek appearance. Again, metal (usually steel) splashbacks come with a high price tag, and so are not normally used in private homes.  
 
Where to Install a Splashback 
 
As previously mentioned, acrylic splashbacks are endlessly versatile and can be used in a wide range of locations around your home. Here are the most common applications of splashbacks that we’ve seen: 
  • Sink splashback/guard
  • Cooker splashback/guard
  • Bin splashback 
  • Coloured feature wall in kitchen/bathroom 
  • Acrylic shower panels 
How to Install Acrylic Splashbacks 
 
If you order directly with us here at The Plastic People, we do all the hard work for you! The first step is, of course, measuring the area of the wall where you want to install the splashback. Remember to make note of any cut-outs you may need or other special requirements/shapes. 
 
You can then enter these dimensions directly into our online calculator for an instant personalised quote. Upon ordering, you can also attach any images/drawings to specify bespoke cut-outs or additions needed on your splashback. Click here to get started!
 
Once you have ordered your splashback, our experienced team will cut it to size and securely package it before shipping your plastic directly to your door. Upon arrival, check it for any damage - we will happily replace any damaged material, but this rarely happens. 
 
Before installation, ensure that your walls are clean and dust-free - and you have filled any holes - the flatter the surface, the easier you will find the installation. Warm, soapy water is perfect for cleaning both your wall and the plastic itself. 
 
Apply adhesive directly to the plastic splashback, evenly across the entire reverse side. Do not put any adhesive too close to the edges as it may spread and seep out from behind the splashback. 
 
Simply push the splashback against the wall and ensure it is flush. Within 24-hours, it should be entirely dry! It’s really as easy as that! If you need any help along the way, our customer services team are keen to hear from you. Email us at service@theplasticpeople.co.uk. 
 
That brings us to the end of this blog on tiles, splashbacks, and home design. We hope this has been enlightening, and you are looking to put in your own order soon! We would love to see pictures of any final designs. You can email them to us, or reach us on social media. We are @barkstonplastic on Twitter and Instagram, or you can message us on Facebook by clicking here. 
 
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