Kitchen splashbacks in the UK range from under £50 for a basic DIY acrylic panel to over £1,500 for a full glass installation with professional fitting. The wide range reflects genuine differences in material, size, and whether you are paying for labour or doing the job yourself. This guide breaks down the realistic costs for every main splashback type in 2026 so you know what to budget before making any decisions.
What Affects the Cost of a Kitchen Splashback?
Before looking at material-specific costs, these are the factors that move the price up or down regardless of what the kitchen splashbacks are made from.
Key cost variables:
● Wall area to be covered in square metres
● Number of socket cut-outs required
● Whether the job is DIY or professionally installed
● Material choice and finish
● Whether the existing wall needs preparation before installation
● Delivery costs for cut-to-size panels
Labour typically adds £150-£400 to any installation, depending on complexity and location in the UK. London rates sit at the higher end. Rural areas tend to be lower. A straightforward DIY installation with adhesive and tape eliminates labour costs for most materials.
Acrylic Splashback Costs
Acrylic kitchen splashbacks are the most popular DIY-friendly option in the UK market in 2026. The material is lightweight, non-porous, available in hundreds of colours and finishes, and can be installed with double-sided tape or compatible adhesive, without drilling.
Typical acrylic splashback costs:
| Panel Size | Standard Colour | Metallic or Gloss Finish |
| Small panel up to 0.5 m2 | £40 to £80 | £60 to £120 |
| Medium panel 0.5 to 1 m2 | £80 to £160 | £120 to £220 |
| Large panel 1 to 2 m2 | £150 to £280 | £200 to £380 |
These figures cover only the panel cost. Socket cut-outs typically add £10 to £25 per cut-out, depending on the supplier.
An acrylic splashback ordered cut to the exact wall dimensions costs more per square metre than a standard sheet but arrives ready to fit without any on-site cutting. For most homeowners, the time savings and cleaner finish justify the additional cost over a standard panel that requires on-site trimming.
Acrylic Sheet Cut to Size Costs
Acrylic sheet cut to size is the premium version of the standard acrylic panel. The panel is manufactured to your exact wall measurements, with pre-drilled socket positions and finished edges, ready for delivery.
What cut to size adds to the base cost:
● Precise measurement service: often included in the quote
● CNC cutting to exact dimensions: typically adds 15 to 25% over standard panel cost
● Socket and switch cut-outs: £10 to £25 each
● Edge polishing: £15 to £40 per panel depending on length
The result is a panel that installs in an afternoon without specialist tools, without on-site cutting mess, and without risk of cracking the acrylic during trimming. For kitchens with non-standard dimensions or multiple socket positions, cut to size is consistently the more practical option.
Coloured Acrylic Splashback Costs
A coloured acrylic splashback in a specific finish — high gloss, frosted, or metallic — sits at the upper end of the acrylic price range. The colour range available in 2026 from quality UK suppliers spans hundreds of options, from plain whites and neutrals to deep jewel tones and metallic golds and silvers.
Finish-specific pricing guide:
| Finish Type | Approximate Cost Per M2 |
| Standard matt or satin colour | £80 to £140 |
| High gloss colour | £100 to £180 |
| Frosted | £90 to £160 |
| Metallic gold or silver | £120 to £220 |
| Mirror effect | £140 to £250 |
Colour runs through the full thickness of a quality acrylic panel rather than sitting on the surface as a coating. This means the colour does not peel or fade under steam, UV, or repeated cleaning. It is worth confirming this with any supplier before ordering, as cheaper imported panels sometimes use a printed surface that behaves very differently over time.
Glass Splashback Costs
Glass splashbacks deliver a premium aesthetic and exceptional durability. They are also significantly more expensive and require professional installation in most cases because the weight of the glass and the precision required for a safe result is beyond most DIY capability.
Typical glass splashback costs:
| Size | Supply Only | Supply and Install |
| Small panel up to 0.5 m2 | £150 to £300 | £350 to £600 |
| Medium panel 0.5 to 1 m2 | £280 to £550 | £500 to £900 |
| Large panel over 1 m2 | £500 to £1,000+ | £800 to £1,500+ |
Glass splashbacks require toughened safety glass, which adds to the base cost. Any electrical sockets or switches on the splashback area require specialist safe zone compliance work by a qualified electrician. These additional costs are often overlooked in initial budgets.
Aluminium Composite Panel Costs
An aluminium composite panel splashback is a mid-range option between acrylic and glass. It consists of two thin aluminium sheets bonded to a polyethylene core, giving a rigid, flat panel that is lighter than glass and more robust than standard plastic alternatives.
Aluminium composite panel cost range:
| Panel Size | Approximate Cost |
| Up to 0.5 m2 | £60 to £120 |
| 0.5 to 1 m2 | £100 to £200 |
| 1 to 2 m2 | £180 to £350 |
Aluminium composite panels are available in brushed metal finishes, solid colours, and woodgrain effects. They suit contemporary and industrial kitchen aesthetics particularly well. Installation uses the same adhesive approach as acrylic, making them a viable DIY option for confident homeowners.
Tile Splashback Costs for Comparison
Tiling remains a common choice for kitchen splashbacks in the UK, though the installation complexity and ongoing maintenance requirements are worth understanding before comparing costs.
Typical tile splashback costs:
| Cost Item | Typical Range |
| Tiles per m2 (mid-range) | £20 to £80 |
| Adhesive and grout | £15 to £30 |
| Professional tiling labour per m2 | £40 to £80 |
| Total installed cost per m2 | £75 to £190 |
Grout lines discolour over time and require regular cleaning and periodic resealing. Individual tiles crack and need matching replacements that are sometimes no longer available. For kitchens where long-term maintenance is a consideration, the total cost of ownership over five years often brings tiles level with or above the cost of a quality acrylic or glass alternative.
DIY vs Professional Installation Cost Comparison
| Material | DIY Feasibility | Labour Cost Saving | Key Risk |
| Acrylic splashback | High | £150 to £300 | Incorrect measurement |
| Acrylic cut to size | Very high | £150 to £300 | Minimal with accurate measurement |
| Glass | Low | Not recommended | Safety and weight |
| Aluminium composite | High | £150 to £250 | Cutting accuracy |
| Tiles | Medium | £200 to £400 | Grouting quality |
Kitchen backsplash installation for acrylic and aluminium composite is genuinely manageable for most homeowners with basic DIY confidence. The wall surface is cleaned and dried, the adhesive is applied to the back of the panel, and the panel is pressed into position and held for the recommended cure time. A thin bead of clear silicone along the edges and the worktop join completes the installation.
Which Option Gives the Best Value in 2026?
For most UK homeowners balancing cost, appearance, and practicality, acrylic kitchen splashbacks ordered cut to size represent the best overall value in 2026.
Why acrylic cut to size leads on value:
● Lower cost than glass with comparable visual impact in most finishes
● DIY installation removes £150 to £300 in labour costs
● No grout lines to maintain, discolour, or regrout
● Non-porous surface cleans with a damp cloth
● Available in any colour or finish to suit the existing kitchen palette
● Arrives ready to fit with socket cut-outs pre-drilled
A coloured acrylic splashback in a high gloss or metallic finish at £120 to £220 per square metre, fitted in an afternoon without professional help, delivers a result that most visitors to the kitchen cannot distinguish from a glass installation at twice the price.
For the full range of kitchen splashbacks available cut to size in any colour, finish, and dimension, visit perfectsplashbacks.co.uk to get an instant quote.
