Quick Answer
A kitchen splashback in Melbourne costs $300–$2,500 installed, depending on material. Glass is the most popular choice at $500–$1,500; tiles range from $300–$900; stone and porcelain slabs run $800–$2,500. The size of the area, material choice, and whether you tile yourself or hire a tiler are the biggest cost factors.
The splashback is one of the most visible elements of a kitchen and one of the most practical — protecting the wall behind the cooktop and sink from grease, steam, and water damage. Whether you’re renovating a kitchen in Berwick, Narre Warren, or Cranbourne, this guide breaks down what every material and installation option will cost you in 2026.
Kitchen Splashback Cost by Material
Glass Splashbacks
| Type | Cost Supplied & Installed | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard toughened glass (painted behind) | $500–$1,200 | Most popular — seamless, easy to clean, custom colour |
| Printed / digitally printed glass | $700–$1,800 | Custom image or pattern; stunning but fragile to recolour later |
| Mirror glass splashback | $600–$1,400 | Makes small kitchens feel larger; shows fingerprints |
| Frosted or textured glass | $600–$1,500 | Softer look; hides splatter better than clear |
Tile Splashbacks
| Tile Type | Supply Cost (per m²) | Installed Cost (per m²) |
|---|---|---|
| Budget ceramic tiles | $20–$50/m² | $80–$150/m² installed |
| Subway tiles (ceramic) | $30–$80/m² | $100–$180/m² installed |
| Porcelain tiles | $50–$150/m² | $130–$250/m² installed |
| Handmade or artisan tiles | $80–$300/m² | $180–$450/m² installed |
| Mosaic tiles | $60–$200/m² | $150–$350/m² installed |
Stone & Porcelain Slab Splashbacks
| Material | Cost Supplied & Installed | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Engineered stone (e.g. Silestone, Caesarstone) | $900–$2,000 | Matches benchtop for seamless look; requires stonemason |
| Porcelain slab (large format, 3–6mm) | $800–$2,500 | Grout-free, very durable; heavy — needs proper fixing |
| Natural marble or granite | $1,200–$3,000+ | Premium look; sealing required; avoid behind gas cooktops |
Budget & Alternative Options
| Option | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Peel-and-stick tile panels | $50–$200 DIY | Rental-friendly; not heat-rated for behind cooktops |
| Laminate splashback (Laminex) | $200–$600 | Budget kitchen option; not suitable near cooktop heat |
| Stainless steel sheet | $300–$900 | Commercial look; very durable behind cooktops; shows scratches |
| Painted render or tinted wall paint | $100–$400 | Only suitable away from the cooktop |
What Affects Splashback Costs in Melbourne?
1. Area Size
A typical behind-cooktop splashback covers 0.5–1.5m². A full-width kitchen splashback from bench to overhead cabinets across a 3m run is 3–5m². Labour cost is relatively fixed regardless of size — the material cost scales linearly with area.
2. Removal of Old Splashback
If there’s an existing tiled splashback to remove, add $150–$400 for removal and disposal. Tiles glued directly to plasterboard often damage the wall, requiring plasterboard patching before the new splashback goes in — add $100–$250.
3. Trades Required
Glass splashbacks require a glazier. Stone slabs require a stonemason. Tile splashbacks require a tiler — but are the most DIY-accessible option. An electrician may be needed to reposition a powerpoint if it falls in the splashback zone.
4. Powerpoint Positioning
Powerpoints in the splashback area need to sit flush with the final surface. A glazier or tiler will cut around them; an electrician may need to relocate them if they’re in the wrong position. Budget $150–$350 for electrical adjustments if needed.
DIY vs Professional
| Option | DIY Cost | Installed Cost | DIY Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subway/ceramic tiles | $100–$400 | $300–$900 | Moderate — 1–2 day weekend project |
| Glass splashback | Not DIY | $500–$1,500 | Requires glazier (custom cut + safety glass) |
| Peel-and-stick tiles | $50–$200 | N/A | Easy — not heat-rated for cooktop zone |
| Stone slab | Not DIY | $900–$2,500 | Requires stonemason (weight + cutting) |
Top Tips and Gotchas
- Safety glass is non-negotiable behind gas cooktops. Any glass splashback within 200mm of an open flame must be toughened safety glass (AS/NZS 2208). Standard glass shatters from thermal shock and creates a serious hazard.
- Get three quotes for glass. Melbourne glazier prices for the same job vary by 30–50%. Always get at least three quotes and confirm the glass spec is AS/NZS 2208 compliant.
- Order 10–15% extra tile. Cuts and breakage eat into your tile supply. Always order more than you measure, especially with patterned or handmade tiles where dye lots vary.
- Grout colour changes the whole look. White grout makes light tiles look clean but stains badly over time. Dark grout hides cooking grease better. Epoxy grout is worth the premium — it doesn’t stain and never needs sealing.
- Check powerpoint placement before ordering. Measure where existing powerpoints fall in relation to the splashback area. If they’ll land mid-panel in a glass or stone splashback, you may need to move them or use a surface-mount powerpoint — plan this before ordering materials.
- Laminate and painted options near the cooktop void home insurance. Non-heat-rated materials near a cooktop can be flagged as a fire risk in home and contents insurance claims. Always use heat-rated materials in the cooking zone.
- Full-height splashbacks cost more but look better. Taking tiles or glass all the way to the underside of overhead cabinets (rather than stopping partway) adds 20–40% to material cost but dramatically improves the finish.
- Silicone joint at bench junction. Leave a 3mm gap between the splashback and benchtop and fill with kitchen-grade silicone — not grout. Grout cracks as the bench flexes; silicone stays flexible and waterproof.
Local Melbourne Resources
- Beaumont Tiles — Tile showrooms across Melbourne
- Bunnings — Wall & Splashback Tiles
- Reece — Kitchen Accessories & Fixtures
- hipages — Find a Licensed Tiler in Melbourne
FAQ
What is the cheapest kitchen splashback option in Melbourne?
Peel-and-stick tile panels are the cheapest at $50–$200 DIY, but aren’t heat-rated for behind cooktops. For a permanent, heat-safe option, budget ceramic tiles installed by a tiler are the most affordable at $80–$150 per m² installed — typically $300–$600 for a standard splashback area.
Do I need a tiler or glazier for a splashback?
Glass splashbacks require a licensed glazier — custom cutting and safety glass installation aren’t DIY jobs. Tile splashbacks are DIY-accessible for a competent weekend renovator, but a tiler will finish faster and with better grout lines. Stone slabs always require a stonemason.
Can I put a glass splashback behind a gas cooktop?
Yes, but only with AS/NZS 2208 compliant toughened safety glass. Standard float glass cannot handle the thermal shock from a gas flame and will shatter. Always confirm the glass spec with your glazier before ordering.
How long does a splashback installation take?
A glass splashback installs in 2–4 hours once the panel arrives (typically 1–2 week lead time for custom cut). Tile splashbacks take 1–2 days for a small kitchen — half a day to tile, then 24 hours for adhesive to cure before grouting. Stone slabs take a similar lead time to glass for templating and cutting.
What is the most low-maintenance splashback?
Glass splashbacks are the easiest to clean — no grout lines to scrub, just wipe down with a damp cloth. Large-format porcelain slabs are a close second. Tile splashbacks with epoxy grout are significantly lower maintenance than standard cement grout, which stains and requires regular sealing.
Final Thoughts
For most Melbourne kitchens, a painted glass splashback at $500–$1,200 installed hits the sweet spot of cost, durability, and looks. If you’re tiling yourself, subway tiles with epoxy grout are hard to beat for value — and a weekend project that adds genuine visual impact. Whatever you choose, confirm heat ratings before anything goes behind the cooktop and budget 10–15% contingency for wall repairs and powerpoint adjustments.