At a Glance
Glass splashbacks had a long run as the default in Perth kitchens, but tiled splashbacks have made a strong comeback. Tiles offer more design options, they are easier to repair if damaged, and they do not need the precise templating that glass requires. Whether you are going with tiles or considering the switch from glass, Perth kitchen splashback costs sit at $500–$3,350 per job.
What's Included in the Price
- Removal of old splashback if needed (glass panel, old tiles, paint)
- Wall preparation (cleaning, priming, patching)
- Supply and installation of splashback tiles to AS 3958
- Cutouts around power points and switches
- Grouting and silicone sealing along the benchtop edge and wall junctions
- Cleanup
The benchtop must be installed first. Tiles sit on top of the benchtop and are cut to fit against it.
What Affects the Cost
- Tile type. Perth homeowners are rediscovering subway tiles and feature ceramics after years of glass dominance. Subway tiles remain the most affordable option. Porcelain and large-format tiles are popular in open-plan Perth kitchens for their minimal grout lines.
- Kitchen layout. Perth homes typically have larger kitchens than inner-city apartments in Sydney or Melbourne. An L-shaped or U-shaped kitchen with 8–12m2 of splashback wall is common.
- Power point cutouts. Perth kitchens often have 4–6 power points along the splashback. Each cutout adds $30–$60.
- Glass splashback removal. If you are replacing a glass splashback with tiles, the glass comes off relatively easily but the wall behind often needs patching and priming. The silicone adhesive used for glass panels can be stubborn to remove.
- Pattern. Brick bond is the standard for subway tiles. Stacked vertical patterns are gaining popularity in Perth for a more contemporary look.
- Window reveals. Kitchens with windows above the sink need tile work around the reveals, adding cutting and finishing time.
A subway tile splashback behind the cooktop in a modern Baldivis kitchen sits toward $500. A full kitchen splashback in a Claremont renovation with designer porcelain, herringbone pattern, glass panel removal, 6 power point cutouts, and window reveal tiling pushes toward $3,350.
Perth-Specific Considerations
Perth's kitchen splashback market has some distinctive local trends.
Glass-to-tile conversion. Glass splashbacks were the default in Perth kitchens through the 2000s and 2010s. Many homeowners are now replacing them with tiled splashbacks during kitchen updates. The conversion is straightforward: the glass comes off, the wall is patched and primed, and tiles go on. The main consideration is that glass panels often have silicone residue that needs thorough removal before tiling.
Open-plan kitchen layouts. From Joondalup to Rockingham, Perth homes are known for generous, open-plan living. Kitchens are prominent in the living space, making the splashback a visible design feature. Large-format tiles with minimal grout lines suit these open kitchens and make cleaning behind the cooktop easier.
Alfresco kitchen splashbacks. Similar to Brisbane, Perth's outdoor lifestyle means many homes have outdoor cooking areas. Splashback tiles behind an outdoor BBQ or pizza oven need to handle heat, UV exposure, and occasional rain. Porcelain tiles with epoxy grout are the most durable choice.
Coastal suburbs. Cottesloe, Scarborough, Fremantle. Kitchens in coastal homes get higher humidity from sea air. While this is less aggressive than outdoor exposure, choosing tiles with low water absorption and using quality grout helps avoid premature grout staining.
Western suburbs premium. Claremont, Dalkeith, Subiaco. These suburbs see more designer and imported tile selections. Material costs can exceed labour costs for small splashback areas when premium tiles are chosen.
Hiring a Licensed Tiler in WA
In WA, tiling falls under general builder registration administered by Building and Energy (DEMIRS). Most standalone splashback jobs will not trigger registration thresholds, but if the splashback is part of a larger renovation, check whether the builder needs registration.
For any splashback job, look for:
- Public liability insurance
- Photos of recent kitchen splashback work
- A quote that itemises cutouts and window reveals separately
- Confirmation they will coordinate with your benchtop installer on timing
You can search the DEMIRS register for registered builders.
Red flags: A tiler who does not ask about your benchtop status, does not mention the need for power point cutouts in the quote, or gives a flat price without inspecting the kitchen.
How We Calculate
Estimates are based on surveyed trade rates for licensed tilers in the Perth metro area. All prices include GST. Figures cover the splashback tiling itself. Benchtop installation, electrical work, and full kitchen renovations are separate costs.