Materials, and how each behaves after a year of Indian cooking
| Material | Rate / sq ft | After a year of frying |
|---|---|---|
| Ceramic subway tile | ₹110–220 | Fine; the grout lines hold oil film |
| Large-format porcelain, 2 joints | ₹260–420 | Very good; little to clean |
| Matching quartz or granite slab | ₹550–900 | Best; wipes in one pass, no joints |
| Toughened lacquered glass | ₹380–650 | Good; shows smears, needs daily wiping |
| Stainless steel 304 sheet | ₹420–700 | Excellent behind the hob; marks visibly |
| Painted wall with a wipeable finish | ₹45–90 | Fails within months behind a hob |
The joint argument
Every grout line behind a hob collects oil vapour and turns dark within a year, and cement grout cannot be scrubbed clean without damaging it. That is why the money spent going from tile to a continuous slab is money spent on cleaning time rather than on looks. If tile is the choice, use epoxy grout — it adds ₹22–48 per sq ft and it is the difference between wiping and scrubbing.
Height and setting out
- Standard height is 600 mm — counter to the underside of the wall units. Where there are no wall units, run it to 1,200 mm or to the ceiling.
- Behind the hob, extend it to the underside of the chimney, which is higher than the wall units.
- Sockets in the backsplash should be planned on the drawing; cutting them into a slab afterwards is not possible.
- Seal the counter-to-backsplash junction with silicone, not grout — the two surfaces move differently.
Backsplash versus dado
Physically the same band of wall. In Indian quotations, dado usually means plain tiling priced as area work, while backsplash implies a designed surface — a slab, a large-format panel, a considered tile. The words matter because the rates differ by up to ₹700 per sq ft. Always check which one the line item is pricing and at what height. See modular kitchen design and kitchen renovation costs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best backsplash material for an Indian kitchen?+
A continuous slab matching the counter, if the budget allows — no joints, wipes in one pass. Otherwise large-format porcelain with epoxy grout. Ceramic subway tile looks good and costs least, but its grout lines will darken behind a hob.
What height should a backsplash be?+
600 mm from counter to the underside of the wall units, extended higher behind the hob to meet the chimney. Where there are no wall units, take it to 1,200 mm or full height for a cleaner look.
Can a backsplash be added to an existing kitchen?+
Yes, and it is one of the cheapest visible upgrades — ₹8,000–40,000 for a typical kitchen depending on material. The existing tile is either removed or, for a slab, the slab is fixed over it if the counter junction allows.
Is glass a good backsplash material?+
Toughened back-painted glass is hygienic, joint-free and easy to install over existing tile. It shows every smear and fingerprint, and any cut-out for a socket must be made before toughening — it cannot be drilled afterwards.