Kitchen walls take a beating. Carts, racks and mop buckets chip corners, splashes stain drywall, and grease soaks into paint. Stainless steel sheet metal, corner guards and floor panels protect surfaces and make cleaning easier. This guide explains what to use where and what to ask before you buy.
Shop the equipment in this article: Coldline diamond plate floor panel overlay, Work table with undershelf and 1.5 inch backsplash and sheet metal. Freight is included on every order.
Why Protect Walls and Corners
Damaged walls are more than cosmetic. Chipped drywall and exposed studs are hard to clean and can harbor pests and moisture. Inspectors often note walls and corners that are not smooth, durable and easy to clean. Stainless steel protection gives you a surface that can be washed and holds up to impact. Confirm what your local health department expects for wall finishes in each area.
Corner Guards
Outside corners are hit most often by carts, dollies and racks. A stainless corner guard wraps the corner and takes the impact instead of the wall. Install them at every busy corner on cart routes, near the dish area and around walk-in entrances. Guards are usually attached with adhesive, screws or both. Seal edges if you want to keep water out.
Outside corner guard 2 x 2 x 72, heavy duty wall edge protector
Wall Panels Behind Equipment
Behind cook lines, dish tables and sinks, stainless wall panels protect against grease and water. Panels behind cooking equipment must also meet clearance and fire rules for your equipment and hood. Your hood installer and fire marshal can tell you what is required behind gas equipment. Always follow manufacturer clearance guidance.
Floor Panels and Walk-In Protection
Walk-in cooler floors and door thresholds take heavy traffic from carts and hand trucks. Diamond plate floor overlays add a durable surface and grip.
Coldline diamond plate floor panel overlay
Backsplashes on Tables and Sinks
The simplest wall protection is a backsplash on the equipment itself. Work tables and sinks with a backsplash stop food and water from running down the wall behind them.
Work table with undershelf and 1.5 inch backsplash
EKQ-UD3S underbar drainboard, 20-gauge type 304 with 3 inch backsplash
Choosing Gauge and Grade
Sheet metal thickness is measured in gauge, where a lower number means thicker metal. Thicker material resists dents better in high-impact spots. Stainless grades differ in corrosion resistance. Type 304 is common in food contact and wet areas. Type 430 is often used for wall panels and trim in dry areas. Match the material to the moisture level and impact of each location.
Installation Tips
Clean and dry the wall before installing. Use construction adhesive rated for metal, plus mechanical fasteners where impact is heavy. Seal seams and edges with food-safe sealant where water is present. Keep panels level and plan cuts around outlets and plumbing before you start.
Cleaning
Wash stainless with mild detergent and warm water. Wipe with the grain. Avoid steel wool and chlorine bleach, which can scratch or pit the surface.
Questions to Ask Before You Buy
- Which corners and walls take the most hits?
- Is the area wet, greasy or dry?
- Is the wall near cooking equipment with clearance rules?
- Adhesive, screws or both?
- Do my tables and sinks already have backsplashes?
Next Steps
Browse sheet metal and work tables with backsplashes to protect your walls. Questions? Contact Express KitchQuip and we will help you pick the right size and configuration.
Models in this guide at a glance
The models linked above are listed here with the main points from each product page, so you can compare them side by side before opening the full listings.
- Brand: Express KitchQuip
- Maximum Impact Protection: Engineered to absorb high shocks from carts, equipment, and heavy foot traffic, eliminating costly drywall repairs.
- Commercial Grade Durability: Crafted from top-tier, corrosion-resistant stainless steel built to withstand both indoor and outdoor environments.
- Sleek Modern Aesthetic: Features a clean, brushed metallic finish that effortlessly blends with contemporary, industrial, or commercial interior designs.
Coldline Diamond Plate Floor Panel Overlay
- Brand: Coldline
- Designed for Coldline walk-in cooler and freezer boxes
- Diamond plate overlay for commercial floor panels
- Textured surface for improved traction
- Warranty: 5-Year Compressor / 1-Year Parts & Labor
Stainless Steel Work Table with Undershelf & 1.5″ Backsplash
- Brand: Express KitchQuip
- Stainless Steel Work Table
- Durable 18-gauge steel
- Storage Galvanized shelf
Express KitchQuip Underbar Drainboard – 20-Gauge Type 304 Stainless Steel with 3″ Backsplash, NSF Certified (model EKQ-UD3S)
- Brand: Express KitchQuip
- Commercial underbar drainboard in 20-gauge Type 304 stainless steel with a corrugated top, 3″ backsplash and 9.
- Galvanized legs with adjustable bullet feet, H-brace, and a 1″ x 1.
- 5″ IPS drain included.
Before you order
- Measure the space and every doorway on the delivery path, and compare them with the dimensions on each product page.
- Check the spec sheet for power, gas or water requirements and match them to what your building has.
- Compare capacity with your busiest day rather than your average day.
- Read the warranty terms for the brand before you order.
Delivery, warranty and payment
- Delivery: delivery within the continental US is included in the price on the product page, and freight orders include liftgate service.
- Warranty: each product carries its manufacturer warranty. Terms by brand are on our warranty page.
- Financing: lease-to-own financing through Clicklease is offered on items of $500 and up. See how financing works.
- Quotes: buying for a business and need a written quote? Call +1-877-558-2253 or use our contact page.
Not sure which model fits?
Call +1-877-558-2253 with your space, power supply and daily volume, and we will help you narrow it down.