Acrylic splashbacks are lightweight, shatter-resistant plastic panels that fit behind a kitchen bench or cooktop, and they cost less than glass or stone (indicative — get itemised quotes). They suit renovators on a budget and rental or resale kitchens, but they are not the right choice directly behind high-heat cooktops unless the product is rated for it.
This guide compares acrylic splashbacks with tempered glass, tile and other materials, covers glass splashbacks price ranges, colour and layout ideas, and the choices that decide whether your splashback lasts.
Key points
- Acrylic splashbacks are the budget-friendly panel option, while tempered glass costs more but handles heat, scratches and cleaning better.
- Behind a cooktop, follow the cooktop and splashback manufacturers’ clearance rules, because heat can warp or crack the wrong material.
- White splashback glass and clear-painted glass suit most Sydney kitchens, and a colour match to your paint helps the room feel larger.
- Measure after the benchtop is in, and use licensed trades for power point cut-outs, glazing and any wall repairs.
What are acrylic splashbacks?
Acrylic splashbacks are rigid sheets of acrylic plastic, cut to size and fixed to the wall behind your benchtop to protect it from splashes, steam and cooking oil. They are lighter than glass, easier to cut and usually come in many colours and finishes.
Acrylic is a different plastic from polycarbonate, which is tougher and used for roofing. If you are comparing plastics for outdoor use, read our polycarbonate roofing guide.
- Material: solid acrylic sheet, often with a gloss or satin face and a coloured or printed back.
- Weight: light enough to fix to most wall linings with adhesive, with fewer structural worries than glass.
- Finish range: plain colours, metallics and printed designs, including reflective or mirror-style options.
- Heat limits: plastic softens near high heat, so the product data sheet must state the minimum distance from the cooktop.
- Surface care: it scratches more easily than glass, so avoid abrasive pads and harsh solvents.
- Edges and cut-outs: power points and switches need neat cut-outs, and wiring work belongs to a licensed electrician.
Types of splashbacks: kitchen splashback materials compared
| Type | Best for | Lifespan and strength | Price band |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acrylic splashbacks | Budget updates, rentals, low-heat zones | Lightweight and shatter-resistant, but scratches more easily | $ (indicative — get itemised quotes) |
| Tempered glass splashback | Behind cooktops, long-term kitchens | Strong and heat-tolerant, easy to wipe clean | $$–$$$ (indicative — get itemised quotes) |
| White splashback glass | Bright, minimalist kitchens | As for tempered glass, with a clean look | $$–$$$ (indicative — get itemised quotes) |
| Ceramic or porcelain tile | Traditional or patterned kitchens | Very durable; grout needs regular cleaning | $–$$ (indicative — get itemised quotes) |
| Stainless steel | Commercial look, high-heat areas | Heat-resistant, shows fingerprints and scratches | $$–$$$ (indicative — get itemised quotes) |
| Back splash panels (laminate or composite) | Quick renovations, flat walls | Moderate; edges and joins need sealing | $ (indicative — get itemised quotes) |
| Reflections backsplash (mirror or metallic) | Small, dark kitchens | Depends on the base material | $$ (indicative — get itemised quotes) |
- Pick glass for the wall directly behind a cooktop in most family kitchens.
- Pick acrylic for low-splash zones, rentals and quick updates where weight and cost matter.
- Pick tile when you want pattern, texture or a heritage look.
- Pick stainless for hard-working, high-heat areas in a commercial-style kitchen.
- Pick back splash panels if the wall is flat and you want a fast, lower-cost finish.
- Check the data sheet of any product against your cooktop’s clearance rules before you order.
Acrylic splashbacks vs tempered glass splashback
This is the most common comparison, and the answer depends on heat, budget and how long you plan to keep the kitchen.
| Factor | Acrylic splashbacks | Tempered glass splashback |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Heat tolerance | Limited; follow the maker’s clearance | Good, with the right toughened glass |
| Scratch resistance | Lower | High |
| Weight | Light | Heavy, so a glazier should handle it |
| Safety if broken | Resists shattering | Breaks into small pieces, not large shards |
| Look | Many colours and finishes | Deep, glossy finish that reads as premium |
Glass splashbacks price: costs by material
Prices depend on size, colour, finish, cut-outs and access. These are broad Sydney ranges per square metre, and they are indicative only.
| Splashback | Materials only | Supplied and installed |
|---|---|---|
| Acrylic splashbacks | Low to moderate | About $150–$400 per m² (indicative — get itemised quotes) |
| Tempered glass, clear or painted | Moderate to high | About $350–$800 per m² (indicative — get itemised quotes) |
| White splashback glass | Moderate to high | Similar to other painted glass (indicative — get itemised quotes) |
| Tile | Low to moderate | About $100–$300 per m² (indicative — get itemised quotes) |
| Stainless steel | Moderate to high | Often above glass (indicative — get itemised quotes) |
| Laminate back splash panels | Low | Lowest installed cost (indicative — get itemised quotes) |
- Size and cut-outs: each power point, switch or tap penetration adds labour and cost.
- Colour and finish: custom colour-matching, printed images and mirrored finishes cost more than stock whites.
- Wall condition: uneven or damaged walls need patching and flattening before panels go on.
- Removal of old splashback: demolition and disposal are separate items, particularly for tile.
- Access: apartments with lift bookings or tight stairs can add time and cost.
- Quote detail: ask for the glass type, thickness, edge finish and install method in writing.
- For the wider budget, see our renovation cost guide.
Pros and cons of acrylic splashbacks
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lower cost than glass or stone | Scratches more easily and can cloud with harsh cleaners |
| Lightweight and easier to handle | Not suited to very close high-heat zones |
| Resists shattering if hit | Can yellow or distort if exposed to heat or the wrong solvent |
| Many colours and finishes | Looks less premium than glass up close |
| Quick to fit on a flat wall | Needs a flat, sound wall surface to look good |
| Fewer grout lines to clean | Edges and joins must be sealed correctly |
How to choose between acrylic splashbacks and other materials
- Check your cooktop type and the manufacturer’s clearance rules before you choose any splashback material.
- Set your budget and include the extras: cut-outs, wall preparation, removal and electrical work.
- Decide how long you will stay, since glass pays back over many years while acrylic suits short-term updates.
- Match the benchtop and cabinets by taking samples into your own kitchen and viewing them in morning and evening light.
- Think about cleaning, because glass wipes clean fastest and tile grout needs scrubbing.
- Check the wall is flat, dry and sound before ordering any panel.
- Ask for data sheets and warranty terms in writing from the installer.
Kitchen with glass splashback: ideas that work
A glass splashback reflects light, so it is one of the easiest ways to brighten a small Sydney kitchen with limited windows.
- Pair white splashback glass with a timber benchtop to keep the room bright while adding warmth.
- Use a deep green or navy back-painted glass behind a white benchtop for a bold, modern contrast.
- Run the glass to the ceiling on a feature wall to make the room feel taller.
- Match the colour to your wall paint using a stock shade or a custom colour; see our Lexicon Quarter vs Half vs Full guide.
- Choose a satin or low-reflect finish if downlights create glare on a gloss surface.
- Add under-cabinet lighting through a licensed electrician to show off the finish without shadows.
Reflections backsplash and back splash panels
- Mirror or metallic backsplashes bounce light around small kitchens, but show splashes and fingerprints.
- Smoked or antique mirror adds depth in dark kitchens without the stark look of plain mirror.
- Laminate back splash panels give a fast, flat finish for rentals and quick resale refreshes.
- Composite wall panels can carry a stone or tile look; see our WPC composite cladding guide for wall-panel options.
- Seal every join with a suitable sealant so water cannot get behind the panel and into the wall.
- Feature walls beyond the kitchen are covered in our internal wall cladding ideas.
Glass splashbacks kitchen safety and installation
- Use toughened (tempered) safety glass made to the relevant Australian Standard, and ask the supplier to confirm it in writing.
- Measure after the benchtop is installed, because small errors in the bench height or wall flatness change the panel size.
- Isolate power and use a licensed electrician for any power point or switch movement.
- Check the wall is flat, clean, dry and free of loose paint before the panel goes on.
- Use the maker’s adhesive and fixings only, and leave the gap behind the cooktop that the manufacturer specifies.
- Seal the top and sides with a neutral-cure sealant suitable for the material, following the label.
- Older homes may have asbestos in wall linings or adhesive, so do not cut, drill or scrape walls you cannot identify. Stop and call a licensed assessor.
Maintenance: keeping splashbacks clear and bright
- Wipe daily splashes with a soft cloth and mild detergent to prevent grease building up.
- Avoid abrasive pads on acrylic, which scratch the surface permanently.
- Use only products the label allows, because some solvents cloud acrylic or attack sealant.
- Check the sealant line each year and replace any cracked or mouldy sections.
- Keep appliances clear: toasters and kettles close to acrylic can mark or soften the surface.
- Inspect near the cooktop for warping, discolouration or lifting edges and call the installer if you see them.
Acrylic splashbacks FAQs
Are acrylic splashbacks any good?
Yes, for the right spot. Acrylic splashbacks are light, affordable and come in many colours, which suits budget updates and low-splash walls. They scratch more easily than glass and are not suited to very close high-heat zones. Always follow the product’s clearance guidance for your cooktop.
Can you use an acrylic splashback kitchen design behind a gas cooktop?
Only if the product is specifically rated for it and you keep the cooktop manufacturer’s required clearance. Many installers use toughened glass or stainless steel behind gas cooktops instead. Check the data sheets for both products and ask your installer to confirm the setup in writing.
What are the best kitchen splashback materials?
Tempered glass, tile, stainless steel and acrylic each suit different kitchens. Glass wins on heat tolerance and cleaning, tile on pattern and durability, stainless on commercial toughness and acrylic on cost. The best option is the one that suits your cooktop, budget and cleaning habits.
How much do glass splashbacks cost?
Expect roughly $350–$800 per m² supplied and installed in Sydney for tempered glass (indicative — get itemised quotes). Size, colour, cut-outs and access change the price. Always ask for the glass type, finish and install method on the quote so that you can compare like with like.
Is white splashback glass hard to keep clean?
White splashback glass is easy to wipe, but it shows splashes and streaks in strong light. A soft cloth and mild detergent keep it clear. Avoid abrasive pads. Some owners prefer an off-white or satin finish, which hides marks better than pure gloss white.
Can you install a splashback yourself?
Light acrylic or laminate panels on a flat wall can be a DIY job if you are comfortable measuring and sealing. Glass is heavy and must be fitted carefully, and any power point work needs a licensed electrician. If the wall is damaged or old, get a professional to check it first.
Getting acrylic splashbacks installed in Sydney
The right splashback depends on your cooktop, wall and budget. TQN Construct coordinates licensed Sydney trades for wall repairs, painting and finishing around your new splashback, and can book a licensed glazier or electrician where the job needs one. Book a free measure and quote, or browse our house renovation ideas for the rest of the project.
