Glass Splashbacks Manchester: What to Know Before You Buy in 2026

Glass splashbacks remain one of the most popular upgrades for Manchester kitchens, offering colour, hygiene and modern design without the grout lines you get with tiles. Whether you are renovating a terrace kitchen in Didsbury or fitting out a new extension in Salford, understanding your options will help you choose the right finish and avoid costly mistakes.

Why Manchester Homeowners Choose Glass Splashbacks

Manchester kitchens often struggle with natural light due to narrow layouts, shaded gardens or smaller windows. Low-iron toughened glass helps bounce light around instantly, making spaces feel brighter and more open.

Locally, glass splashbacks work well because:

• Many Manchester kitchens are compact, and glass adds a sense of visual space
• They pair perfectly with modern quartz and porcelain worktops
• They are easy to wipe down after heavy cooking
• They are heat resistant behind both electric and gas hobs when toughened

Types of Glass Splashbacks Available

1. Standard Coloured Glass

Back-painted with durable colour coatings. You can match wall paint, cabinets or go for a bold feature colour.

2. Low-Iron Glass

Standard glass has a slight green tint that can affect pale colours. Low-iron glass removes this tint for truer whites, creams and light greys, which is important if you are aiming for a specific shade.

3. Printed Glass

High-resolution images, patterns or graphics are printed onto toughened glass. This is ideal if you want a feature such as a city skyline, abstract pattern or artwork behind your hob.

4. Mirror Splashbacks (Toughened)

Toughened mirror splashbacks offer reflective depth and make smaller Manchester kitchens feel larger. Options include clear mirror, grey smoked mirror, bronze mirror and antique mirror finishes.

How to Measure a Glass Splashback

Accurate measuring is essential, especially around hobs, sockets and extractor fans. Poor measurements can lead to visible gaps or panels that simply do not fit.

Key steps include:

• Measure width and height at three points to account for uneven walls
• Allow a 2–3mm tolerance so the glass can be installed without forcing
• Measure to the top of any worktop upstands if they are used
• Photograph socket and switch locations for the installer

Avamco offers a full templating service across Manchester to take away the guesswork and ensure your splashback is made to the exact sizes required.

Lead Times in Manchester

Lead times can vary slightly depending on demand and whether you choose printed designs, but typical timings are:

• Templating: 1–3 days from booking
• Fabrication: 5–10 days from template approval
• Installation: usually completed in one day

Printed or complex designs may add a few extra days for artwork proofing and production.

Typical Costs in Manchester (2025)

Costs depend on colour, complexity and the number of cut-outs required. As a general guide:

• Solid colour splashback: £250–£350 per metre
• Printed splashback: £320–£450 per metre
• Mirror splashback: £260–£400 per metre
• Socket cut-outs: £15–£25 each

Larger expanses, premium colours and intricate layouts will sit at the higher end of these ranges.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To get the best result from your glass splashback, avoid these common pitfalls:

• Using non-toughened glass behind hobs, which is unsafe
• Ordering without viewing colour samples in your actual kitchen lighting
• Forgetting to consider socket and switch alignment
• Choosing standard glass instead of low-iron for very pale colours, which can cause a greenish cast

Ready to Fit Glass Splashbacks in Manchester

Investing in a quality glass splashback can transform the look and practicality of your kitchen, especially in compact Manchester homes where light and space matter.