How to measure for a glass splashback

To measure for a glass splashback, mark where the glass starts and stops, measure the width at the worktop and under the wall units, and measure the height at both ends. Order to the smaller figure each time. Then measure every socket to its centre from the same two edges, allow for any upstand, and tell us whether the glass goes behind the hob.

What do I need to measure?

• The width of the run at the worktop and again at the underside of the wall units.
• The height from the worktop to the underside of the units, at both ends.
• The centre of every socket, switch and outlet, from the same two edges.
• Anything that raises the bottom of the glass: an upstand, a tile trim or a curved worktop edge.

You need a steel tape measure, a pencil, and a camera or phone. Our measuring pack has a record sheet to write it all down.

How do I measure a splashback step by step?

1. 1

   Step 1: Decide where the glass starts and stops

   Mark the two ends in pencil on the wall. A splashback can run wall to wall, stop at the edge of the hob, or finish at a return. Take every other measurement between those two marks.

2. 2

   Step 2: Measure the width at the worktop and under the units

   Wall units are rarely dead in line with the worktop. Measure the run at both levels and order to the smaller figure.

3. 3

   Step 3: Measure the height at both ends

   Measure from the worktop to the underside of the units at the left end and again at the right. Worktops are not perfectly level, so use the smaller of the two.

4. 4

   Step 4: Allow for the upstand

   A tile trim, a stone upstand or a curved worktop edge raises the bottom of the glass. Measure from the surface the glass will actually sit on, and tell us what that surface is.

5. 5

   Step 5: Locate every socket and switch

   Measure to the centre of each one from the same two edges every time, usually the left end and the worktop. Give the size of the plate too. The plate and the box behind it are different sizes, and the cut-out is sized to the box.

6. 6

   Step 6: Say whether it goes behind the hob

   The pane behind a hob takes direct heat. Tell us the hob type and how close the glass sits to it, and we specify the pane to suit.

How much gap should I leave at each end?

A splashback sits between two surfaces rather than inside a frame. Leave 2 to 3 mm of shadow gap at each end and let the silicone take it up. We cut to plus or minus 2 mm, and every order is confirmed with a dimensioned drawing before anything is made.

What mistakes should I avoid?

• Measuring to tiles that are coming off. Measure the wall that will be there when the glass goes on.
• Measuring before the worktop is in. The worktop is the bottom datum. Without it, the height is a guess.
• Mixing up your reference edges. A socket measured from the left on one sheet and from the right on another ends up as a hole in the wrong place. Write the two edges down.
• Ordering one pane for a long run. A long pane has to get through the door, round the stairs and onto the wall in one piece. Over about 2.4 m we usually split the run, and plan the joint.

All holes and cut-outs are made before the glass is toughened. Toughened glass cannot be cut afterwards, so check every socket position on the drawing before you confirm. See holes, notches and cut-outs and drawings and checks.

What should I send with my order?

• The two widths and the two heights, in millimetres.
• A sketch or photo with every socket marked, and which two edges you measured from.
• Whether the run is one pane or more than one.
• The colour or finish, and whether it goes behind a hob.

The full method is in our splashback measuring guide. For colours and glass choices, read glass splashbacks. For general tips, see measuring an opening.

Where to go next

• Enter your sizes: open the splashback configurator
• Splashback measuring guide
• Measuring pack
• Glass splashbacks

Questions we get asked