Upstand or splashback
An upstand is a short stone edging, commonly about 100 mm high, along the back of the worktop. It keeps splashes off the wall and covers any hairline gap. A splashback goes higher, up to the wall units or even the ceiling, usually behind the hob or sink and occasionally across a full wall. Many kitchens mix the two.
Cut-outs for sockets and switches
Stone is templated around every socket, switch and spur, so the electrics must be fixed in their final place before we arrive. If an electrician is moving sockets, book them before templating. We can also cut around window reveals, boiler pipes and extractor ducts.
Behind the hob
Quartz, granite and porcelain can all go behind a hob, but heat close to the stone matters. Follow the hob manufacturer's installation instructions for distance to the wall, and with gas hobs ask your Gas Safe engineer to confirm the clearance. Porcelain is the most heat-tolerant option for a splashback directly behind the burners.
No grout to scrub
With Cambridge's hard water, tiled splashbacks behind the sink gather scale in the grout lines. A stone splashback has one or two joins at most, so it wipes clean in seconds. Thin porcelain is a popular choice here because it is light and comes in large pieces.
Window sills and ledges
Offcuts left after the worktops are often big enough for a sill above the sink or a ledge along the splashback. Ask when you request your quote.
Questions we are asked
Can stone go over existing tiles?
It is better to remove the tiles. Stone fixed over tiles sits proud of the wall, and the edges look heavy. We can advise if removing them is difficult.
How high is an upstand?
Commonly around 100 mm, but it can be any height you like. Some people match the height to a window sill or socket line.
Do I need a separate quote for splashbacks?
No. Include them with your worktop enquiry and we will price everything together.