Kitchen splashback

[OhTheTastyNuts]

Not sure where to post this!

The wall that runs behind our kitchen sink and counter top is painted, with a 4-inch high strip of material (the same as the work top - not sure what it is!) running along it. There is also a glass splashback behind the hob - see pic.

However, the strip of material behind the sink is water damaged and moldy and needs to be replaced - which means replacing the whole strip all the way along. But I have no idea what to replace it with! I would normally have a nosy round my friends' kitchens for ideas/solutions, but obviously can't at the minute.

So what do you have behind your sink/kitchen counter tops? Do I need tiles - on the whole wall or just where the strip of material is? Or can I replace the strip with something similar (we bought the house recently so have no idea who fitted the kitchen or what material was used for the work tops, so getting an exact match is going to be difficult).

Thanks!

Hopeful bump!

I think that tiles would be your best option. You could colour match either to the worktop or to the wall, or go for a pattern that picks out shades from both. Clean off the mould on the wall when you remove the upstand, before tiling. HG mould spay is effective.

No suggestions but that's a beautiful kitchen!

I would remove the strip and cut a bit off, then take it and try and match it.

Ime the same ones crop up in lots of shops and you might get lucky.

Btw I'm assuming it's mdf?

Yes, on closer inspection it is MDF, as it has become warped and split where the water has been.

Good idea about taking a sample with us to match, but I suspect the same thing would happen again and we'd be safer with tiles. I think part of the problem is that the tap is too high over the sink with not enough of an arch, so it creates loads of splash back.

crappy modern tap with an aerator, no doubt - they throw water everywhere. As well as replacing the splashback (tiles and sealant best bet) look for a Screwfix cheapie tap where you can rip out the aerator.

Tiles. Or put glass over the whole area.

COI: I really like glass splashbacks - even in London where you have to be supervigiliant to clean the limescale off - mine bounces more light around my room than tiles would.

Thanks. I have not heard of aerators in taps before. We'll definitely be replacing it with something less powerful, so now I know what to avoid!