If you're ordering a glass splashback for the first time, thickness is one of the most common questions. Go too thin and you risk fragility. Go too thick and installation becomes a headache. So what's the answer?

The short version: 6mm toughened glass is the right choice for most kitchens. Here's everything you need to know about why.

So, here's everything you need to know about how thick should a glass splashback be

What Thickness Options Are Available?

Glass splashbacks are typically available in three thicknesses:

• 4mm — thin, lightweight, and not recommended for kitchens
• 6mm — the industry standard for residential kitchen splashbacks
• 8mm or 10mm — thicker options available from some suppliers, primarily used in commercial settings

At Choose Your Print, all our glass splashbacks are manufactured from 6mm toughened glass. This is deliberate — it's the thickness that consistently delivers the right balance of strength, weight, and finish.

Why 6mm Is the Right Choice

6mm toughened glass has become the industry benchmark for good reason. It's rigid enough to withstand everyday knocks, heat and moisture, while remaining light enough to be fitted securely to a standard kitchen wall without additional structural reinforcement.

It also sits flush and clean against the wall. The edge thickness is substantial enough to look premium when polished, but not so heavy that installation becomes difficult for a confident DIYer.

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Is 4mm Glass Suitable for a Kitchen Splashback?

No. 4mm glass introduces unnecessary fragility, particularly near heat sources like hobs and cookers. Even when toughened, 4mm glass is more likely to crack under thermal stress and everyday impact. Most reputable manufacturers do not supply 4mm glass splashbacks for use in kitchens.

What About 8mm or 10mm Glass?

Thicker glass does exist, but it's not automatically better for a kitchen environment. The key downsides are weight and installation. A 10mm panel weighs significantly more than a 6mm equivalent, requiring more robust fixings and potentially additional wall preparation. It also costs considerably more without offering any meaningful advantage in heat resistance or durability for typical home use.

Thicker glass does produce a more substantial polished edge, which can create a premium look if the edge of your splashback is exposed and visible — but for most kitchen installations where panels sit close to units and worktops, this advantage is negligible.

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Does Thickness Affect Heat Resistance?

This is an important point that often gets misunderstood. Heat resistance in glass splashbacks is determined by the toughening process — not by thickness. A properly toughened 6mm panel handles the same heat as a 10mm panel. What matters is that the glass is genuinely toughened and installed with correct clearances from your hob.

As a general guide, you should maintain a minimum gap between the rear of the hob and the face of the splashback. The Glass and Glazing Federation provides industry guidance on safe installation clearances for glass near heat sources.

Does Thickness Affect the Look?

For colour and printed splashbacks, it does slightly. Thicker glass means more visible depth at the edges. With 6mm glass, polished edges look clean and contemporary — particularly if the edge of your panel is visible at the side of your kitchen run.

For printed glass splashbacks — where an image is applied to the reverse side of the glass — 6mm produces sharp, vivid results. The glass depth adds dimension to the print without distorting colour.

What About Weight and Fitting?

A 6mm panel is manageable for most confident DIYers, particularly at standard kitchen sizes. It adheres securely using specialist mirror and glass bonding adhesive, with no need for drilling or fixings in most cases.

Go up to 8mm or 10mm and the weight increases enough to make fitting noticeably harder, particularly for larger panels. It often necessitates additional wall plugs or professional installation.

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The Practical Answer to how thick should a glass splashback be?

For the vast majority of kitchens, 6mm toughened glass is the correct thickness. It's what the industry recommends, what most reputable manufacturers supply, and what delivers the best combination of appearance, durability and ease of installation.

At Choose Your Print, every splashback in our range is manufactured from 6mm toughened glass — whether you're choosing from our premium colour collection or uploading your own image for a completely bespoke design. All panels are precision cut to your exact measurements, with polished edges included as standard.

FAQs

How thick is a standard glass splashback? The industry standard is 6mm toughened glass for residential kitchens.

Is thicker glass safer near a hob? Not necessarily. Heat resistance is determined by the toughening process, not by glass thickness. A properly toughened 6mm panel is safe for use near hobs when installed with the correct clearance.

Can I get a 4mm glass splashback? Some suppliers offer 4mm options, but they are not recommended for kitchen use due to reduced rigidity and greater susceptibility to thermal stress.

How heavy is a 6mm glass splashback? Approximately 15kg per square metre. A typical 900mm x 750mm panel weighs around 10kg — manageable for most DIY installations.

Are all glass splashbacks toughened? They should be — and all Choose Your Print panels are manufactured from toughened safety glass as standard.