Common Misconceptions Homeowners Have About Glass Splashbacks and Benchtops

Glass is a great choice for any surface in your home, as it reflects light and makes a dark and dull room seem brighter. Since glass doesn't hold germs and bacteria very well, it's an especially good choice for kitchen benchtops and splashbacks. However, some homeowners have a few misconceptions about glass for these surfaces and may then shy away from using it. Note a few of those misunderstandings here so you can determine the best surface options for your home's kitchen.

Glass only comes in long sheets

You may have seen glass splashbacks and benchtops that are in long sheets, which might be coloured or tinted to add some visual interest. This is a very good look for a modern home and for something simple and uncluttered. However, if this is not quite to your taste, note that glass splashbacks and benchtops come in a wide variety of styles; the glass can be cut into small tiles of virtually any shape, so they can be short and wide, which would add length to the kitchen's appearance, or they can even look like mosaic tile. No matter your style or preference for the kitchen, you can find glass benchtops and splashbacks to suit your individual taste.

Glass splits or cracks easily

It can be easy to think that a glass benchtop is very delicate and needs some gentle handling, but this isn't the case. The glass used for any kitchen surface should be toughened, laminated or otherwise treated so that it's very strong and virtually impossible to break. It will also resist burn marks and scratches from knives and other tools, so you can often prep food, set down hot pans and otherwise use the benchtop without worrying about damaging the glass.

Glass is heavy and will damage the walls

It is true that a long piece of glass used for a splashback will be heavy and will typically require two people to install, so it's not a DIY job. However, the connectors used for the glass are often attached right to the wall studs, just as you would attach a heavy shelf or kitchen cabinet. These connectors will also disperse the weight of the glass evenly over its surface. Your walls shouldn't be at risk of damage with a glass splashback, and a glass benchtop shouldn't be any heavier than any other material used for this surface. Your contractor can note if there is any added bracing needed for older kitchens with weak frames and flooring, but this typically is not a concern.


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