Kitchen splashback costs in Australia
The splashback is often treated as an afterthought in kitchen budgets, but it's one of the most visible design decisions in the room and can account for $800–$4,500 of your total renovation cost.
Cost varies by material, the area being covered (typically 0.5–1.5m² for a standard kitchen), and trades complexity — particularly for gas cooktops that require specific clearances and non-combustible materials.
Splashback cost by material
| Material | Supply + install (typical kitchen) |
|---|---|
| Subway tile (standard) | $800–$1,800 |
| Subway tile (handmade/textured) | $1,500–$3,000 |
| Mosaic tile | $1,200–$2,500 |
| Painted plaster / Dulux Aquanamel | $300–$600 |
| Glass splashback (toughened, single colour) | $1,200–$2,800 |
| Glass splashback (custom printed) | $2,000–$4,500 |
| Stone slab (matching benchtop) | $2,000–$5,000 |
| Pressed metal | $900–$1,800 |
Gas cooktop requirement
If you have a gas cooktop, Australian standards require a non-combustible splashback behind and above the cooktop. Painted plaster does not meet this requirement. Tile, glass, stone, and metal all do — check with your installer.
What most people get wrong about splashbacks
The most common regret we hear from homeowners is choosing a busy or trend-led splashback tile that they were tired of within two years. The splashback is a large, fixed surface that you look at every day. Restraint and quality usually age better than bold statement tiles.
The second common mistake is underestimating glazier lead times for glass splashbacks. Toughened glass panels are made to order — allow 2–4 weeks from measure to installation. If your renovation has a tight timeline, this needs to be locked in early.