A splashback may be fitted over existing tiles when the chosen system and assessed background allow it. Start by establishing the finished wall arrangement, and do not order from an approximate measurement of the old tiled area.
Assess the wall that will stay
Identify loose, cracked, uneven or damaged areas and tell the installer about previous leaks. Covering the surface does not resolve an underlying defect. The proposed finish also adds thickness, which affects exposed edges and the position of sockets, trims and adjacent cupboards.
Ask the supplier or installer to confirm whether the exact product is suitable over the assessed background, with the specified fixing method. Keep that answer with the product reference. Advice for one glass or panel range does not carry over to another material.
Fix the worktop and appliance decisions first
The splashback has to meet the real worktop and the selected appliances. Record the worktop edge, upstand choice, hob model, extractor position and any end panels. Where items are changing, distinguish an early quotation measurement from the final dimensions released for manufacture.
Heat-related suitability and clearances follow the appliance and splashback manufacturers’ instructions. Ask the responsible supplier to resolve any conflict before ordering. There is no single safe clearance that this guide can assign to every hob and wall finish.
Record each opening and visible edge
Prepare a wall elevation showing sockets, switches, pipe openings, joins and exposed ends. Label the drawing with its date and the person taking final measurements. For a made-to-measure finish, agree who checks and authorises the manufacturing drawing.
Premier Range distinguishes its toughened splashbacks from its standard upstands and explains that its toughened splashbacks cannot be cut after manufacture. That is a good reason to settle cut-outs before ordering. Check your own supplier’s rules for your product. Electrical adjustments belong with the appointed electrician.
Splashback ordering record
| Record | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Background decision | Tiles retained or removed; assessment and preparation reference. |
| Finished arrangement | Worktop, upstand, cupboard ends, hob and extractor references. |
| Manufacturing information | Final dimensions, cut-outs, joins, edge finish and drawing revision. |
| Release responsibility | Who measures, checks, approves, orders and inspects delivery. |
Compare retaining the tiles with removing them
Ask for the assessed retain-and-cover option and, where useful, an alternative including removal and preparation. Compare the resulting edge details, finished thickness, disruption and extent of making good. Do not count removal as a saving until the retained background has been accepted.
Separate product supply, installation, service adjustments and adjoining decoration. Include who checks the delivery for damage or incorrect manufacture, and what happens if final dimensions differ from the initial enquiry.
Example: a wall with two sockets and an upstand
An owner initially measures the old tile area, then changes the worktop and removes the proposed upstand. In this hypothetical example the splashback height and socket relationship must be checked again. The earlier drawing is kept as superseded, and the final drawing is issued for the selected arrangement.
Send photographs, approximate dimensions, the product and appliance references, and your worktop plan when enquiring. The kitchen installation checklist covers the wider fitting sequence. This sheet deals with the wall finish and its ordering decisions.
Useful next steps
Sources and product information
Have a project in London or the surrounding areas? Send us your project brief, with photographs and the decisions you have already made.