Alternatives to tiles in a kitchen

summery

Has anyone got suggestions as to what I can use instead of tiles as a splashback to sink and cooker please? I want to avoid tiles as I don't really like them, the grout gets discoloured after a while and I need to avoid the costs associated with laying them as I would have to pay someone to do it. Would wood tongue and groove panelling, heavily varnished, survive life behind a sink? (I assume it wouldn't be safe to have this behind the cooker even though it is electric). Ideas would be appreciated.

MrsE_2

Glass!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Coloured glass is the new splash back & it looks beautiful.

I'm sorry I didn't discover it before I had my kitchen fitted.

Becles

I've seen stainless steel splashbacks in Comet etc., but they're expensive.

Have seen clear glass used on a DIY show. It was a country style kitchen with a pretty floral wallpaper, so the clear glass meant the pattern wasn't broken up.

Volcano

You can get stainless steel sheeting cut to size from a sheet metal company, cheaper than kichen shops and you'll get it the correct size too.