Kirkwall · Highlands & Islands
Glass Splashbacks in Kirkwall
Our glaziers fit back-painted glass splashbacks in Kirkwall, using low-iron glass for pale colours so whites and creams look true to the sample you chose.
- KW15
- Guide from £225
Coloured glass splashback across Kirkwall
The wall behind a splashback must be flat, sound and dry so the adhesive bonds evenly. Old tiles are usually removed and the wall made good, because uneven surfaces show through the glass and can create stress points behind the panel.
Hob makers set minimum clearances between the hob and nearby wall surfaces, and gas hobs in particular can have specific requirements. We check your hob's installation instructions before ordering so the glass, its cut-outs and any joints sit where the manufacturer allows.
The price depends on the total glass area, the number of panels and joints, the number of cut-outs, the colour and glass type, and access to the wall. Low-iron glass, metallic or printed finishes and complex shapes add cost. See the guide prices for typical ranges.
Splashbacks are templated once the worktops, units and hob are fitted, not from kitchen plans. Worktop heights, wall angles and socket positions often move during installation, and the glass is made to the finished dimensions so edges line up and gaps stay even.
What you get
- Bonding with adhesive compatible with the painted back
- Back-painting to your chosen colour or finish
- Toughened glass made to template with factory cut-outs
- Survey and templating after worktops and hob are fitted

Local details for Kirkwall
- Postcodes covered
- KW15 and the surrounding area, including Thurso
- Coast
- Kirkwall is about 2 km from the coast or a tidal estuary, so salt air and wind-driven rain are worth planning for. Splashbacks sit indoors, so the coast affects them little, but kitchens in damp coastal homes can see condensation on cold external walls. The wall needs to be dry and sound before bonding, and good extraction helps keep edges and silicone clean.
- Daylight and sun
- In Kirkwall the midwinter sun reaches about 8° above the horizon at noon, with roughly 5.8 hours of daylight, rising to about 54° and 18.2 hours in midsummer. Glossy glass reflects light from windows and under-cabinet lighting, brightening a dark kitchen. Low winter sun hitting a glass wall can cause glare, so a satin finish may suit a splashback that faces a south-facing window.
- Access and setting
- Older rural homes often have uneven solid walls with lime plaster or stone, so the wall may need making flat before glass can be bonded. Where a range cooker is fitted, its heat and clearance needs are checked before ordering.
- Rules in Scotland
- Building regulations do not usually apply to this type of work, but we confirm anything that does in writing with your quote.
Guide prices in Kirkwall
| Typical job | Guide price inc VAT |
|---|---|
| Hob splashback, 900 × 750 mm | £225 – £285 |
| Run behind worktop, 2400 × 600 mm | £395 – £515 |
| Low-iron, 900 × 750 mm | £235 – £295 |
Choosing your glass splashbacks
Printed design
A digitally printed image or pattern on the back of the glass, sealed behind it so the front stays smooth and wipeable.
Metallic or sparkle finish
Back-painted glass with metallic or fine sparkle effects, adding depth and reflection without the upkeep of polished metal.
Satin finish
Acid-etched glass with a soft, low-sheen face that reduces reflections and glare, useful opposite windows or bright lighting.
Glass Splashbacks in Kirkwall: questions
How long does it take to get a glass splashback fitted?
After templating, made-to-measure splashbacks are usually ready within a few weeks, depending on the colour and finish. Fitting a typical kitchen takes part of a day, and you can normally use the kitchen again once we have finished. The silicone needs time to cure fully, and we tell you how long on the day.
What affects the cost of a glass splashback?
The main cost drivers are the total glass area, the number of panels and joints, the number of socket and switch cut-outs, the colour and glass type, and how easy the wall is to reach. Low-iron glass, metallic or printed finishes and shaped panels add cost. See the guide prices for typical ranges.
Can a glass splashback be fitted over existing tiles?
It is usually better to remove the tiles and make the wall good first. Glass needs a flat, sound surface for the adhesive to bond evenly, and grout lines, uneven tiles or loose tiles can show through or create stress points. Removing tiles also stops the glass standing too far forward of the worktop and sockets.
How do I clean a glass splashback?
Wipe it with a soft cloth and warm soapy water, or a non-abrasive glass cleaner, then buff dry for a streak-free finish. Grease behind the hob comes off easily because there are no grout lines. Avoid scourers, abrasive creams and blades, which can scratch the glass, and do not use cleaners that could seep behind the edges.
Do you cover Kirkwall for glass splashbacks?
Yes. We can quote for glass splashbacks across Kirkwall and the surrounding Highlands & Islands area, including postcode districts KW15, and nearby Thurso. Start with your postcode on the quote form and a glazier will arrange a free survey before giving you a written quote.
Get a written quote in Kirkwall
Free survey for new glazing, clear guide prices and one point of contact for every glazing job.