What Is an Upstand in a Kitchen? Upstands vs Splashbacks Explained

Q: What does an upstand do?

Three things: - Seals the gap. Walls are rarely perfectly flat. The upstand covers any uneven gap between the worktop and the wall, giving a clean, finished line and stopping water from running down the back. - Stops crumbs and spills. Food, water and cleaning products inevitably end up at the back of the worktop. Without an upstand, they fall behind the cabinets where you can't reach. - Visual transition. The upstand gives a deliberate edge where the worktop ends and the wall (or splashback) begins. Without one, the wall paint or tile meets the worktop directly, which looks unfinished in most kitchens.

Q: Upstand vs splashback

The two terms get confused, but they're different things. - Upstand. A low strip, typically 100mm tall, running the full length of the worktop. Made from worktop material. Functional rather than decorative. - Splashback. A taller panel, often the full height between worktop and wall units (typically 400 to 600mm). Sits behind the hob and sometimes the sink. Designed to protect the wall from splashes during cooking and to act as a decorative feature.

5 days ago
3 min read

You're being quoted for a new kitchen and the spec mentions an "upstand". Or the worktop fitter is asking if you want one. It's one of those terms that gets used without much explanation.

We're Kettering-based kitchen fitters that design and fit kitchens across Northamptonshire. Here's a quick, plain answer to what an upstand actually is, what it does, and whether your kitchen needs one.

What is an upstand in a kitchen?

An upstand in a kitchen is a low strip of worktop material, usually 100mm tall, that runs along the back edge of the worktop where it meets the wall. It's made from the same material as the worktop and seals the gap between worktop and wall, preventing water and crumbs from falling behind the cabinets.

Kitchen with upstand matching the counter

What does an upstand do?

Three things:

Seals the gap. Walls are rarely perfectly flat. The upstand covers any uneven gap between the worktop and the wall, giving a clean, finished line and stopping water from running down the back.
Stops crumbs and spills. Food, water and cleaning products inevitably end up at the back of the worktop. Without an upstand, they fall behind the cabinets where you can't reach.
Visual transition. The upstand gives a deliberate edge where the worktop ends and the wall (or splashback) begins. Without one, the wall paint or tile meets the worktop directly, which looks unfinished in most kitchens.

Upstand vs splashback

The two terms get confused, but they're different things.

Upstand. A low strip, typically 100mm tall, running the full length of the worktop. Made from worktop material. Functional rather than decorative.
Splashback. A taller panel, often the full height between worktop and wall units (typically 400 to 600mm). Sits behind the hob and sometimes the sink. Designed to protect the wall from splashes during cooking and to act as a decorative feature.

A standard kitchen often has both: an upstand running the full length of the worktop, and a taller splashback behind the hob. They can be in the same material (a full stone splashback plus matching upstand) or different (a stone upstand plus a tiled splashback).

Standard upstand dimensions

Upstands are usually:

Height. 100mm is the UK standard. Some kitchens use 50mm or 75mm for a more discreet look, or 150mm for a more substantial feel.
Thickness. Typically 15mm to 30mm, depending on the worktop material.
Length. Cut to match the worktop runs, with mitred joints at internal corners.

The upstand sits on top of the worktop, flush with the back edge, and is sealed to the worktop with a thin bead of clear silicone.

Upstand materials

Almost any worktop material can be used as an upstand. Standard options:

Quartz or granite. The most common choice in modern kitchens. Matches the worktop exactly. Wipeable, durable, no joints.
Laminate. Cheaper option. Comes in matching pieces with most laminate worktops.
Solid wood. Suits country and traditional kitchens. Needs sealing and occasional re-oiling.
Solid surface (Corian and similar). Seamlessly joined to the worktop with no visible line. The most expensive option but the cleanest finish.
Tile. Less common as an upstand on its own. Some kitchens use tile from worktop upwards as both upstand and splashback in one piece.

Do you need an upstand on your kitchen?

Not every kitchen has one. The decision usually comes down to two things:

Are you tiling the wall? If the wall is tiled all the way down to the worktop, you may not need an upstand at all. The tile and grout do the job. Most kitchens with a tiled splashback still include an upstand for the worktop runs that aren't behind the hob.
What's the look you're after? Modern, minimalist kitchens sometimes skip upstands for a cleaner line where the worktop meets the wall. This works only if the wall is flawlessly straight and finished, and even then water-tightness becomes a concern over time.

In most kitchens, an upstand is the practical default. It's a small additional cost (usually £15 to £40 per linear metre on top of the worktop) for a clean finish and a sealed edge.

Get a quote for a new kitchen in Northamptonshire

If you're planning a new kitchen in Northamptonshire, speak to our team. We handle the design, supply and fitting, including worktops, upstands and splashbacks. Finance is available through Phoenix Financial Consultants if you'd rather spread the cost.