Why stainless behind the hob
Gas hobs and busy cooking areas throw heat and grease onto the wall. Paint stains, grout darkens and tiles can crack near the burners. Stainless steel handles the heat, does not absorb grease and has no grout lines to scrub. In holiday rentals and guesthouses in Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and Sedgefield, that means faster cleaning between guests and fewer repair calls.
Grade and finish
For most indoor kitchens, 304 grade stainless is the standard choice. In homes right on the lagoon or the beach, where salty air finds its way indoors, we often recommend 316 grade for better resistance to tea staining.
- Brushed (satin) finish hides fine scratches and fingerprints best
- Mirror polish looks striking but shows every mark
- Patterned or textured sheet suits high-traffic commercial kitchens
A brushed finish with the grain running horizontally is the most forgiving option for family kitchens.
Thickness, edges and fixing
Splashbacks are usually made from 0.9 to 1.2 millimetre sheet. Thinner sheet can show waves on a long wall, so we bond it to a flat backing board or fold the edges to stiffen it. Folded returns at the ends give a clean finish without sharp edges. Cut-outs for plug points and switches are made in the workshop so they line up exactly. We fix splashbacks with suitable adhesive and, where needed, discreet mechanical fixings, then seal the joint to the countertop.
Restaurants and guesthouse kitchens
Commercial kitchens often need more than a small panel. We make full wall cladding behind cooking lines, stainless shelving above prep areas and matching corner trims. For food businesses we keep joints tight and sealed so there are no gaps where grease and moisture collect. Matching stainless shelves and rails can be added in the same order.
Care and quoting
Clean with warm soapy water and a soft cloth, wiping along the grain. Avoid steel wool and bleach. To quote, send us a photo of the wall, the width and height between countertop and cupboards, and the position of plug points. We measure on site across Knysna, George, Wilderness and Mossel Bay before cutting.
