Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to the most common questions about our splashback and tiling services across Wellington and surrounding areas.
Using the price calculator
What are tile patterns?
In the price estimation calculator, choose the tile pattern or bond that’s closest to what you’re looking for. Standard patterns are included in the base rate, while more complex designs are slightly more expensive.
Some of the most commonly used tile patterns for kitchen and bathroom splashbacks are:
- Stack Bond
- Half Offset (Brick Bond)
- One Third Offset
- Herringbone
- Mosaic Sheet
If you’re unsure, we’re happy to recommend a pattern that suits your tiles, layout, and space.
What are the different tile types?
Most tiled splashbacks in New Zealand use porcelain or ceramic tiles. On our calculator, both are priced the same, so there’s no need to worry about correctly identifying which type you have.
Porcelain
- Dense, hard and water-resistant, usually with a consistent colour throughout.
- Very durable, ideal for kitchens and bathrooms.
- Large format tiles, such as Kerlite, Laminam (by Laminex NZ), Maxfine, and Slimtech, are porcelain tiles with a lightweight fibreglass backing.
Ceramic
- Softer and lighter than porcelain, with a glazed surface and biscuit-coloured body.
- Suitable for standard splashbacks and walls.
- Still very durable, but slightly less water-resistant than porcelain.
Stone
- Includes Carrara and Calacatta Marble, Travertine, Limestone, and other decorative stones.
- Each piece is unique, giving a premium, natural look.
- Installation requires careful handling, cutting and sealing.
Glass
- Often supplied as mosaic sheets and may include metal or decorative finishes.
- Installation and cutting of glass tiles requires extra care to prevent chipping.
How do I calculate the area?
To calculate your splashback area:
- Break the area into simple sections.
- Measure the width and height of each section in metres.
- Multiply the width by the height to get square metres.
- Add the total of each section together.
If measuring is tricky or your layout is complex, don’t worry —send us the measurements you can get along with some photos. We’ll review them and provide a fixed quote, so you know exactly what to expect.
Can I use the calculator for other tiling work?
No, the price estimation calculator is designed specifically for tiled splashbacks.
Other tiling work such as floor tiling, wall tiling, shower areas, bathroom renovations, fireplace hearths, outdoor tiling, and re-grouting or repairs are all priced differently.
For these types of jobs, please send us a quick message or give us a call for a free, no-obligation quote. We’re happy to help with any questions.
Products
Why do you recommend epoxy grout?
Epoxy grout is more expensive than cement-based grout. However, it offers many advantages that make it the best choice for a splashback:
- Water-resistant – prevents water penetration, stopping mould and bacteria.
- Easy to maintain – doesn’t require resealing like cement grout.
- Durable – withstands abrasions, chemicals, and everyday wear.
- Stain-resistant – simple to clean with just soap and water.
- Flexible – handles slight movement without cracking, ideal for kitchens and homes in Wellington.
We recommend epoxy grout for a long-lasting, premium finish. If you prefer a more budget-friendly option, we can use cement-based grout with a sealer.
What grout colour can I choose?
We use Mapei Kerapoxy or Mapei Kerapoxy Easy epoxy grout, available in a variety of colours. Your choice will be confirmed on-site after the tiles are laid.
Colours that are readily available in Wellington include:
What silicone colour can I choose?
The Mapei Mapesil silicones are available in the same colour range as the grout (shown above). You can choose the silicone that matches your grout or a shade that blends nicely with your bench top or walls.
Neutral cure silicone must be used on stone bench tops. We use Mapei Mapesil LM silicone, which is available in the same colour range.
Will my splashback need tile trim?
In some cases, a tile trim is needed to finish edges neatly, depending on your tile layout and the surrounding surfaces. We’ll always advise you on the best option for your project.
The standard trim is matte aluminium, but a few other colours are available if you want a different look.
The Process
Will you come out to quote my job?
Normally, an on-site visit isn’t required for splashbacks or small tiling jobs. Email us photos, measurements, and tile details for a fixed quote. For complex or unusual jobs, we may recommend a site visit.
How long will it take to install the splashback?
Most splashback installations take around 2 days from start to finish. This gives the tiles time to set properly before the epoxy grout is applied, which is important for a strong, long-lasting finish.
We focus on doing the job right, not fast. While this careful approach may not always be the cheapest option, it ensures your splashback looks great and will last for years.
When will I be able to use my sink or stove top?
Each evening, you can use your bench, but take care not to bump the tiles. Keep surfaces dry, as grout and silicone won’t adhere properly if wet. Wait 10 days after grouting before using chemicals to clean the splashback.
Do you remove existing splashbacks?
Yes. We can remove old tiles or temporary splashbacks installed for compliance. Just let us know when sending through details of the job that a bit of demolition is needed.
What if my walls aren’t straight, or there are holes?
Minor wall waves are common in Wellington homes and can usually be corrected with tile adhesive.
For seriously warped walls or intricate patterns and mosaics that require very straight surfaces, we can plaster the walls to ensure they are perfectly even.
If there are any holes or imperfections, just send us a photo, and we’ll assess and patch them as needed.
Do the tiles go behind the rangehood or are they cut around it?
When the tiling reaches the bottom of the rangehood, there’s no need to remove it. We will cut the tiles to fit and seal the joint with silicone.
If the tiling extends above the rangehood, we recommend taking it down. We will tile and grout the wall, leaving holes for the fixings, and then reinstall the rangehood.
This approach future-proofs your splashback—if the rangehood ever needs replacing, a new one can be fitted directly over the tiles without any issues.
About us
Do you do other tiling work?
While tiled splashbacks are our speciality, we also take on a wide range of other tiling projects, including small tiling jobs, repairs, bathroom floor and wall tiling, and feature tile installations. We are qualified waterproofers and can also install underfloor heating where required.
If you’re unsure whether your job is suitable, still get in touch. A quick email with photos is the easiest way for us to review your project and give clear advice.
What locations do you cover?
SplashBack Kings services the Wellington, Kapiti Coast and Horowhenua regions. We also travel as far north as Palmerston North.
Our main service areas include:
- Wellington
- Johnsonville
- Lower Hutt
- Upper Hutt
- Tawa
- Porirua
- Paraparaumu
- Waikanae
- Ōtaki
- Levin
- Palmerston North
We also service surrounding suburbs and towns within these regions.
How long has Splashback Kings been operating?
SplashBack Kings was founded in 2019 by Chace Harley, following 20 years of high-end tiling work across the Wellington region.
In 2024, Leighton and Jess Walker took over the business, maintaining the same standards, methods, and specialist focus on kitchen splashbacks and detail-driven tiling. Both have many years of high-end tiling experience and were part of the SplashBack Kings team from the early years.
Information
What is the average cost of a tiled kitchen splashback in New Zealand?
In New Zealand, especially in Wellington, a tiled kitchen splashback typically costs between $900 and $1,600 installed, not including tile supply.
Most standard kitchen splashbacks are around 1 to 2.5 m², so pricing mainly depends on the size and complexity of the job.
Key factors include:
- Tile size, type, and layout
- Number of cuts required (such as corners, power points, and edges)
- Surface preparation needed
- Grout type, sealing, and finishing requirements
Use our splashback calculator for a quick estimate, or contact us for a free, no-obligation quote.
Still have questions?
Feel free to get in Touch