Are Stick-On Splashback Tiles Safe Near a Cooktop? Heat Clearance Explained

Keep stick-on splashback tiles at least 15cm from the centre of your back burner to the splashback area. That's STA's standard clearance recommendation, and it's about open flame exposure specifically — not general kitchen heat, which the tiles handle without issue.

What's the actual heat risk for splashback tiles?

It's direct exposure to open flame, not ambient heat from cooking. A splashback sitting well clear of the flame itself handles everyday cooking heat, steam and splashes without a problem. The risk only appears when a tile sits close enough to be in the direct path of an open burner flame.

What's the minimum clearance from a cooktop?

At least 30cm from the centre of the back burner to the splashback area. This is measured from the burner itself, not the edge of the cooktop, so measure to the centre of whichever burner sits closest to the wall before finalising your splashback layout.

Which range is best for behind a cooktop?

Composite tiles are the recommended choice for splashback areas directly behind cooking surfaces. At 4mm thick, they're made from a more durable material than the 2.5mm Vinyl range, giving more of a buffer in a high-heat zone.

Are stick-on tiles safe for the rest of a kitchen splashback?

Yes. Outside the direct flame-clearance zone, STA's Vinyl and Composite ranges are water-resistant and built for kitchen use — splashes, steam and general cooking heat are exactly what they're designed for. The clearance rule is a specific, narrow rule for the area right behind the burners, not a limitation on kitchen use generally.

What if your existing splashback is already closer than recommended?

Measure from the centre of your back burner before ordering. If your layout puts the tiled area inside that clearance, a stainless steel or heat-rated panel directly behind the cooktop, with stick-on tiles either side, keeps the rest of the splashback on-brand while respecting the flame clearance.

Explore the Composite Wall Tiles range built for kitchen splashbacks, or check the Kit Kat Tile range for a popular splashback finish. Order a sample kit to check the finish against your kitchen before committing.