Frequently asked Questions

Our process generally takes three visits.

• DAY 1 - LAY THE TILES

Most kitchen splashbacks will be laid within a day. Large or complicated splashbacks will take longer.

• DAY 2 - GROUTING

Once the tiles are set they are epoxy grouted. This takes a few hours for the average splashback.

• DAY 3 - SILICONE SEALING

Once the tiles and bench have dried from the grouting clean up, the splashback perimeter can be siliconed. This normally takes less than a hour.

Although it is more expensive and difficult to use, we recommend using epoxy grout for all splashbacks. It has a number of advantages over traditional cement based grouts.

• EPOXY GROUT IS WATER RESISTANT

Because of its non-absorbent surface, it prevents water getting through the grout and behind the tile. This stops the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew.

• EPOXY GROUT IS EASY TO MAINTAIN

Epoxy grout does not need a tile and grout sealer. Cement based grouts will be sealed by the tiler after the installation but it is then left up to the home owner to reseal the cement based grout each year.

• EPOXY GROUT IS DURABLE

Epoxy grout becomes incredibly strong and can withstand abrasions, breakage, and harsh chemicals. While cement grout will need to be replaced with time, epoxy grout often becomes stronger than the tiles themselves.

• EPOXY GROUT IS STAIN RESISTANT

Unlike porous cement grouts that are prone to permanent staining and discolouration, staining on epoxy grout is easily wiped off with soapy water.

• EPOXY GROUT IS FLEXIBLE

Epoxy grout offers superior flexibility compared to cement based grouts. Its ability to handle slight movements in the tiled surface without cracking or crumbling makes it advantageous in environments with temperature changes, such as kitchen splashbacks, or in areas prone to structural movement, like Wellington.

​We use Mapei Kerapoxy, epoxy grout. Mapei is an Italian company known worldwide for manufacturing high quality tiling products.

On the first visit, when the tiles have been laid we will confirm your grout colour choice.

Colours that are readily available in Wellington include:

The Mapei Mapesil silicones are available in the same range of colours as the grout (see above). You can choose the silicone that matches your grout or choose a shade that blends nicely to 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.

Each evening you will be able to use the bench, but take care not to bump the tiles after they have been laid. Also we ask that they are kept dry. Both grout and silicone will have difficulty adhering if the bench or tiles are wet.

It's recommended to wait 10 days after grouting before using chemicals to clean the splashback.

Splashback Kings covers the Wellington, Kapiti and Horowhenua areas

• Wellington City

• Lower Hutt

• Upper Hutt

• Porirua

• Paraparaumu

• Otaki

• Levin

There are many but here are some examples of patterns commonly used for tiled splashbacks:

Stack Bond
Half Offset (Brick Bond)
One Third Offset	​
Herringbone
Mosaic Sheet

Yes. If your old tiles need to come off or a temporary glass splashback has been put up to gain code of compliance, we can remove these for you, just let us know prior.

Occasionally during removal the Gib will get damaged, but this can be patched up.

Don't worry, it's common for houses in Wellington to have walls that are not straight. Minor waves in the wall can often be mitigated in the tile adhesive.

However if a wall is seriously warped or you have an intricate tile pattern that requires a very straight wall, we can plaster them up to ensure they are nice and straight.

The same goes for any holes that are in the wall, just let us know and we will patch them up.

Although installing tiled splashbacks is our specialty, we will do other tiling work. Send us a message or give us a call to discuss your project.

When the tiles only come up to the bottom of the rangehood, there is no need to take it off the wall, we will cut the tiles to fit and then silicone the joint.

However if the tiling goes up past the rangehood it generally best to take the hood and duct cover off the wall. We will then tile and grout the wall leaving holes for the fixings and then reinstall the rangehood.

This future proofs the tiled splashback, if the rangehood breaks down and needs to be replaced, a new one can be installed over the tiles.

We have experience with a wide range of tiles, including:

• Large format tiles - Keralite, Laminam, Maxfine, Slimtech

• Natural stone - Carrara, Marble, Travertine

• Full bodied porcelain

• Mosaic tiles including glass metal stone

• Handmade glazed ceramic