The kitchen splashback is one of the most visible design elements in a NZ kitchen — and one of the most affordable ways to add character without a full renovation. Here's what kitchen splashbacks cost in NZ in 2026 and which material is right for your situation.
Kitchen Splashback Cost NZ 2026
| Splashback type | Typical installed cost (per m²) |
|---|---|
| Ceramic / porcelain tile | $100–$200/m² |
| Glass (painted, single colour) | $300–$550/m² |
| Printed / patterned glass | $400–$700/m² |
| Mirror glass | $250–$500/m² |
| Natural stone (marble, granite) | $400–$900/m² |
| Acrylic / Perspex sheet | $80–$150/m² |
| Stainless steel sheet | $150–$300/m² |
| Brick slips (thin brick veneer) | $250–$500/m² |
Typical total costs for a standard kitchen splashback (2–4m²):
| Material | Total installed cost |
|---|---|
| Tile (ceramic) | $200–$800 |
| Glass (painted) | $600–$2,200 |
| Natural stone | $800–$3,600 |
| Acrylic | $160–$600 |
All prices GST inclusive. Auckland 15–20% above. Prices assume standard bench height (600mm high) and straightforward installation.
Splashback Materials Compared
Glass Splashback
The most popular premium splashback choice in NZ. Toughened glass (typically 6mm) painted on the back side — the colour is visible through the front face. Easy to clean (no grout lines), looks sharp, and can be cut to any size including around power points.
Painted glass: Single solid colour behind toughened safety glass. The most common glass type. Colours can be matched to any paint system (Resene, Dulux).
Printed glass: A photographic or pattern image printed on the back of the glass. Endless design options — subway tiles, marble, timber, or custom photos. More expensive than painted.
Ordering: Glass splashbacks are custom-made to your measurements. Lead time: 1–3 weeks. Measure after the benchtop is installed, not before.
Installation: Fixed with clear silicone or structural adhesive. Electrician required to disconnect/reconnect power points covered by the splashback.
Tile Splashback
Traditional and cost-effective. Ceramic, porcelain, glass mosaic, or subway tiles. Wide range of styles. Grout lines require periodic cleaning and resealing.
Subway tile (white 75×150mm or 100×200mm) remains the most popular NZ kitchen tile splashback — classic, versatile, and works with almost any kitchen style. Cost: $80–$150/m² supply + lay.
Large format porcelain: A more contemporary, low-grout-line alternative. Cost: $120–$200/m² supply + lay.
Handmade/artisan tile: Irregular surfaces, unique glazes. Premium pricing but very distinctive. Cost: $200–$500/m² supply + lay.
Natural Stone
Marble, granite, or engineered stone used as a splashback — typically 20mm thick stone slab continuing from the benchtop up the wall. Very high-end look, seamless with the benchtop.
Important: Natural stone must be sealed before use. Marble in particular can stain and etch from cooking oils, splashes, and cleaning products. High maintenance for a kitchen area.
Engineered stone (silica-based composite) is lower maintenance than natural stone. Check the product's chemical resistance — some engineered stone products are not suitable for kitchen use due to silicosis risk from cutting (an occupational health issue for fabricators, less relevant to finished installed product).
Acrylic / Perspex Sheet
A budget-friendly option — acrylic sheet in solid colours or with printed patterns. Lighter than glass, slightly more flexible. Not as heat resistant as glass (keep away from direct flame or high-heat cooking).
Best for: Rental properties, budget renovations, or behind low-heat cooking areas.
Stainless Steel
Commercial look, extremely heat-resistant, hygienic, easy to clean. Can show fingerprints. Popular for modern or industrial-style kitchens.
What Affects Splashback Cost
Outlets and switches: Power points and light switches within the splashback area must be removed and refitted after installation. Electrician cost: $100–$250 per session. Factor this in when comparing glass (needs electrician) vs tile (can tile around sockets with minimal disruption).
Height: Standard kitchen splashback height is 600mm (benchtop to underside of overhead cupboards). Full-height splashbacks (floor to ceiling, or bench to ceiling with no overhead cupboards) cost proportionally more.
Window reveals: Splashback that wraps into window reveals or returns around internal corners adds cutting complexity — adds 10–20% to cost.
Existing splashback removal: Removing old tiles and preparing the substrate: $15–$30/m². Glass removal: usually simpler.
Installation Process
Tile: Tiler measures and cuts tiles, applies adhesive, lays tiles, grouting after cure, silicone at joins. 1–2 days.
Glass: Measure, order (1–3 week lead time), fix with silicone (1–2 hours installation time). Electrician needed before and after for power points.
Stone: Templated by fabricator after benchtop installation, fabricated and installed. 1–2 week lead time.
Questions to ask your installer: 1. Does the quote include power point removal and reinstatement? (Who does this — you or a separate electrician?) 2. For glass: what's the lead time from measurement to install? 3. Is silicone sealing at the benchtop/wall junction included? 4. For tile: is grout sealing included?
Find kitchen splashback installers: Tilers NZ | Post Your Kitchen Job Free
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a glass splashback cost in NZ? Painted glass: $300–$550/m² installed. A standard kitchen splashback (1.8m × 0.6m = 1.08m²): $350–$600 including installation. Printed/patterned glass: $400–$700/m². Don't forget to add electrician costs ($100–$250) for power point relocation.
What is the cheapest kitchen splashback option in NZ? Acrylic (Perspex) sheet: $80–$150/m² installed. Ceramic tile: $100–$200/m² installed. For a budget renovation or rental, either is practical and durable enough for normal kitchen use.
Is a glass splashback better than tiles? Glass is easier to clean (no grout), looks more modern, and is increasingly preferred in NZ kitchens. Tiles offer more design variety at lower cost and are easier to repair (replace individual tiles vs reordering glass). Glass wins on maintenance; tiles win on cost and flexibility.
How long does a splashback last? A glass splashback: indefinitely if not cracked (toughened glass is impact resistant but not unbreakable). Tile: 20–30+ years, grout may need regrouting at 10–15 years. Acrylic: 5–10 years before UV yellowing in high-light areas.
Can I install my own kitchen splashback in NZ? Acrylic sheet: DIY is feasible (adhesive and sealant). Tile: DIY possible but neat cutting around power points and corners requires skill. Glass: professional installation recommended — the glass is heavy, fragile, and must be precisely cut. Power point work always requires a licensed electrician.
Related: Kitchen Renovation Cost NZ | Tiling Cost NZ | Post a Job Free