A laundry splashback is more than a decorative feature—it protects your walls from water, detergent spills, and daily wear while enhancing the overall look of your laundry. For homeowners across Sydney, whether you’re in a compact terrace in Newtown, Redfern, or Balmain or a spacious family home in Ryde, Castle Hill, or North Shore, understanding the costs of installing a laundry splashback is crucial for planning a functional and stylish laundry renovation.

This guide explores cost factors, material options, installation considerations, suburb-specific insights, and tips to maximise both value and aesthetics.

1. Why Install a Laundry Splashback?

Splashbacks offer both functional and aesthetic benefits:

• Protects walls from moisture and stains: Especially important in humid Sydney suburbs like Glebe, Marrickville, and Petersham.

• Easy to clean: Smooth surfaces such as tiles, acrylic, or glass allow for quick wiping of detergent splashes and water marks.

• Enhances design: Complements cabinetry, benchtops, and flooring to create a cohesive look.

• Adds value: A professionally installed splashback contributes to the resale appeal of your home.

• Versatility: Can be customised with colour, texture, or pattern to reflect personal style or match your kitchen and bathroom renovations.

2. Factors That Affect Laundry Splashback Costs

Several key factors influence the overall cost of installing a laundry splashback in Sydney:

2.1. Material Choice

The material you choose significantly impacts the cost:

• Ceramic Tiles: $40–$100 per m²

  • Classic, durable, and widely used.

  • Easy to replace individual tiles if damaged.

  • Popular in Newtown and Redfern terraces due to affordability and variety.

• Porcelain Tiles: $70–$150 per m²

  • Denser and more water-resistant than ceramic.

  • Ideal for high-use laundries in Ryde, Castle Hill, and North Shore.

• Glass Splashbacks: $250–$600 per m²

  • Sleek, modern look with reflective surface.

  • Easy to wipe clean but requires professional installation.

  • Favoured in luxury homes in Mosman, Vaucluse, and Double Bay.

• Acrylic Panels: $150–$350 per m²

  • Lightweight, versatile, and comes in a wide range of colours.

  • Cost-effective alternative to glass.

• Natural Stone (Marble, Granite, Quartz): $300–$800 per m²

  • Premium option, highly durable, and visually striking.

  • Often chosen in high-end renovations in Mosman and Vaucluse.

2.2. Size of the Splashback

Splashbacks are typically 60–70cm high from the benchtop to the bottom of the cabinetry, but height and length can vary:

• Standard 600mm height: Cost-efficient and suitable for most laundry setups.

• Full-height splashback: From benchtop to ceiling; increases material and installation costs.

• Custom shapes or cut-outs: Around sinks, windows, or cabinetry can add $100–$300 extra.

Smaller inner-city laundries in Balmain or Marrickville may only require a 1.2–1.5m run, whereas larger homes in North Shore or Castle Hill may need 2–3m of splashback.

2.3. Labour and Installation Costs

Professional installation ensures durability, perfect alignment, and a polished finish:

• Tile installation: $50–$120 per m² depending on complexity.

• Glass or acrylic installation: $120–$250 per m² including cutting and securing.

• Natural stone installation: $200–$400 per m² due to weight, cutting, and specialised adhesives.

• Preparation work: Wall smoothing, waterproofing, or priming adds $50–$100 per m².

Sydney homeowners in older terraces in Redfern, Glebe, or Ashfield may face additional preparation costs due to uneven walls.

2.4. Design and Customisation

• Patterned tiles: $50–$200 extra per m² for mosaic or intricate designs.

• Back-painted glass: Custom colours can add $150–$300 per m².

• Edge finishes: Polished, bevelled, or rounded edges on stone or glass add $50–$100 per m².

• Integrated features: Soap dispensers, splashback lighting, or inbuilt shelving increase costs but enhance functionality.

3. Typical Costs of Laundry Splashbacks in Sydney

Material Installation Cost Range (per m²) Notes & Popularity Ceramic Tile $90–$220 Affordable, easy to clean, popular in inner-city terraces Porcelain Tile $120–$300 Durable, ideal for family homes in Ryde, Castle Hill Acrylic Panel $150–$350 Lightweight, versatile, good for modern apartments Glass $250–$600 Sleek, reflective, common in Mosman, Vaucluse, Double Bay Natural Stone $300–$800 Premium, durable, visually striking, luxury homes

Suburb-specific insights:

• Inner-city terraces (Newtown, Redfern, Balmain): $150–$500 total for a compact splashback, typically ceramic or acrylic.

• Family homes (Ryde, Castle Hill, North Shore): $400–$1,200 total for a mid-range splashback in porcelain or acrylic.

• Luxury homes (Mosman, Vaucluse, Double Bay): $1,200–$3,000+ for glass or stone splashbacks with customised features.

4. Tips for Budgeting and Planning a Laundry Splashback

1. Measure accurately: Length and height of the splashback directly affect material costs.

2. Choose the right material: Balance aesthetics, durability, and budget; consider moisture resistance and cleaning ease.

3. Factor in labour: Professional installation ensures longevity and reduces risk of water damage.

4. Consider suburb-specific pricing: Inner-city apartments may require less material but higher labour due to access restrictions; family homes may have larger areas but easier access.

5. Coordinate with cabinetry and benchtops: Matching materials and finishes provides a seamless, high-end look.

6. Include preparation costs: Uneven walls, old paint, or damp areas can increase expenses.

7. Plan for future proofing: Opt for easy-to-clean and durable materials to save on maintenance costs.

5. Benefits of a Professional Splashback Installation

• Durability: Correctly installed splashbacks last decades without warping or staining.

• Visual impact: Professional alignment and finishing provide a polished look.

• Moisture protection: Waterproofing prevents mould and damage in humid areas.

• Time-saving: Experienced tradespeople complete the job efficiently.

• Increased resale value: High-quality splashbacks enhance overall property appeal.

6. Summary

A laundry splashback in Sydney is both a functional necessity and a design feature. Costs depend on material choice, size, labour, preparation, and customisation:

• Ceramic tiles: $90–$220 per m²

• Porcelain tiles: $120–$300 per m²

• Acrylic panels: $150–$350 per m²

• Glass splashbacks: $250–$600 per m²

• Natural stone: $300–$800 per m²

Suburb-specific guidance:

• Compact terraces (Newtown, Redfern, Balmain): $150–$500 total

• Family homes (Ryde, Castle Hill, North Shore): $400–$1,200 total

• Luxury homes (Mosman, Vaucluse, Double Bay): $1,200–$3,000+ total

A well-chosen and professionally installed splashback elevates the appearance of your laundry, protects your walls, and complements cabinetry, benchtops, and flooring for a cohesive renovation.

Visit www.mb9.com.au to find out more information about kitchen, bathroom and house renovation services from MB9 Australia Pty Ltd.