Tiled splashbacks look great for the first six months. Then the grout starts going grey between the tiles, cooking grease gets into the joints, and no matter how hard you scrub, it never looks quite clean again. PVC splashback panels solve the whole problem. Seamless, waterproof, wipe-clean — a damp cloth is all you need to keep them looking new.
Best part: they fit straight over your existing tiles. No hacking off the wall, no dust, no waste skip — just a fresh, seamless kitchen wall in one afternoon.
| Factor | Ceramic Tiles | PVC Splashback Panels |
|---|---|---|
| Grout lines | ✗ Yes — mould magnet | ✓ None — seamless surface |
| Fits over existing | ✗ Must hack off first | ✓ Straight over sound tiles |
| Cleaning | Scrub grout with toothbrush | Wipe with damp cloth |
| Fitting time | Tiler for 2 days + drying | 2–4 hours DIY |
| Labour cost | £300–500 tiler bill | £0 — DIY-friendly |
| Water resistance | Grout joints leak over time | 100% waterproof surface |
PVC panels are ideal for kitchen walls, behind sinks and worktops. Behind gas or electric hobs, always fit a piece of heat-resistant glass between the hob and the panel — PVC softens above 60°C and will warp with direct hob heat. Full guidance in our Kitchen Splashback Care Guide.
Yes — as long as the tiles are clean, dry, degreased and firmly fixed (no loose or hollow tiles), panels bond straight over them. Fill any grout lines deeper than 3mm with filler first for a flat surface.
Wipe with a damp cloth and mild washing-up liquid. No grout means nowhere for grease, tomato sauce or coffee splatter to hide.
Behind gas or electric hobs, always fit a heat-resistant glass panel between the hob and the PVC. PVC softens above 60°C — direct hob heat will warp it. Behind sinks and worktops, panels are perfect.
Nationwide UK delivery. Panels are packaged flat and edge-protected. Choose your preferred delivery date at checkout.
Use our free Panel Calculator — enter your wall dimensions and it works out the panel count in 30 seconds. Or call us on 020 4634 5400 and we'll do the maths.
