The gold standard of the kitchen apron - the space between the floor cabinets and the wall cabinets - is, of course, ceramic tiles in all its diversity. The material is low-porous, does not absorb moisture and dirt, is strong, durable and hygienic. It would seem, why look for something else?
However, today an apron made of polycarbonate, laminate, particleboard or glass successfully supersedes its long-standing competitor.
Kitchen apron made of stone
Obviously, the usual materials - plaster, murals, whitewash, are not suitable for finishing a kitchen apron. Here you need a durable material that does not absorb moisture and is not afraid of fire. For example, a stone.
For wall decoration, both artificial and natural stone are used. Moreover, the options are very diverse. For example, masonry, protected from moisture by a special varnish, looks great in the interior of a loft or country. Laying wild stone in harmony with the rustic kitchen. Although more often, of course, a stone is used that can withstand polishing - granite, basalt, marble.
This solution has its own advantages and disadvantages:
- natural stone looks extremely impressive and expensive,
- the stone is not afraid of open fire or any kind of heat,
- its strength is superior to ceramics,
- but resistance to moisture and dirt is not always ideal. For example, granite is a low-porous material, but marble absorbs dyes very well, and it’s very difficult to wipe it from stains.
- unlike tiles, stone cannot be considered hygienic: it needs periodic thorough cleaning.
Artificial stone is attractive due to its much lower cost and extremely diverse design. There are a lot of finishing options - you can see an example in the photo.
Its features are as follows:
- in terms of fire resistance and resistance to heat, artificial stone is not much inferior to natural,
- the weight of the finish is much less, which facilitates installation,
- porosity is usually low, so it does not absorb dyes - this applies to high-quality material,
- in strength and durability, the material is inferior to its natural counterpart.
In any case, a stone kitchen apron is one of the most expensive products. DIY installation is undesirable, and in the manufacture of natural stone it is completely impossible.
Particleboard apron
Particleboard and plywood are the most low-cost finishes.
Of course, they do not reach the tile standard:
- Particleboard is not less afraid of moisture than fire. With constant dampness, the material swells and warps, and near the stove and sink, these factors act especially strongly,
- the finish is lightweight and easy to install with your own hands,
- can have a diverse design - it is laminated with a film, more often it imitates a tree, but it can also reproduce stone.
- chipboard laminated apron is short-lived.
In the photo - finish from particleboard.MDF apron
Compared with particle board, MDF seems to be a more practical option, since it is less afraid of moisture with the same, or even greater resistance to temperature extremes. So the panels near the stove - even the gas one - need not be updated in a couple of years. The standard kitchen finish MDF supports.
MDF - stronger and more diverse in design. What are the options for an apron from MDF - it’s even difficult to list.
- Laminated material most often reproduces the structure and color of wood with greater reliability than chipboard. The same material for the worktop and kitchen apron looks interesting.
- MDF coated with a film of acrylic - matte or glossy, is the basis of most modern headsets. However, some effects - the same "chameleon", are not available here.
- Acrylic-based MDF is a completely new material, as the reviews confirm. Insensitive to moisture and steam and with rich decorative features: bright gloss, pearl sheen, chameleon effect, photo printing with any image - just a short list.
In the photo - acrylic panels with the effect of "chameleon".
Fancy stuff
Finishing material can be very different types.
- Unusual for an apron in the kitchen is a solid wood finish. This option does not mix well with high humidity, steam and hot spray. Solid products, of course, are protected by special varnishes, but still this is a solution for an induction or electric stove.
In the photo - wood trim kitchen. An interesting option from the cork. Corks are bought in restaurants, cafes and other institutions, where they are simply thrown away, and fixed on the wall with ordinary glue. Corks are installed both vertically and horizontally. With a large number, corks can be selected in size and shade to make up a kind of mosaic. The material, of course, needs protection, so the corks on top are closed with tempered transparent glass and fixed through the corks to the wall. This option is made only by yourself.
In the photo - a mosaic of cork.
In the next video, you can see how to assemble an apron from a laminate.
Plastic panels
Along with the option of chipboard or completely free of traffic, they are among the most budget ones. In fairness, the material has more shortcomings than advantages:
- PVC apron - flammable and deformed when heated,
- the material is not afraid of moisture and does not interact with water, but is gradually corroded by salts dissolved in water,
- plastic is not subject to mold or rot, but does not stop the development of microflora,
- All types of photo printing are possible on the material - any drawings, images, etc.
In the photo - photo printing on plastic panels.
A separate group is made of acrylic glass or polycarbonate panels. They do not reach the standard of tempered glass, but they far surpass PVC plastic in strength and durability:
- acrylic and polycarbonate are also sensitive to high temperature, although to a lesser extent,
- the panels are very light, their installation is simple and takes a minimum of time,
- the material replaces glass and is also decorative: tinting, photo printing, placement of photowall-paper behind a transparent screen and so on are possible here. The last option - photo wallpaper behind glass - is one of the most common types of decoration.
You can pick up any photo wallpaper - with portraits, with a picture, panoramic, and stick them to the wall in the usual way. Transparent plastic protects the photo wallpaper from steam and moisture, and it’s difficult to distinguish them from photo printing at first glance.
In the photo - photo wallpaper behind an acrylic apron.
Metal finish
Stainless steel is an attribute of professional cuisine. The material embodies the standard of kitchen finishes, although less decorative:
- stainless steel panels do not burn and do not support combustion,
- galvanized steel products or coated with polymer dyes are absolutely water resistant,
- chemically and biologically inert. This is a standard of hygiene material, which, moreover, easily tolerates any type of disinfection,
- the effect of a “chameleon" on a stainless steel is, of course, impossible, but the surface can be processed in different ways, changing the hue and structure. In addition, tiling, panels, and mosaics are possible.
In the photo - a mosaic of stainless steel.Recently, copper trim on the kitchen apron has also come into fashion. This option is very exotic, but quite expensive.
Glass aprons
They are made of tempered glass, and sometimes even triplex.
The standard kitchen finish material performs perfectly:
- 100% hygienic
- does not burn and does not support burning,
- indifferent to the action of moisture, and at the same time to all household chemicals,
- the design of glass panels is extremely diverse: matte painting, painting, engraving, photo printing, the location of the photo wallpaper behind the screen, surface structuring, the combination of photo wallpaper and structural surface, tinting and so on. Photo printing on glass allows you to create panoramic and even three-dimensional images,
- in terms of strength, glass can and will yield to tile, but not by much. In addition, toughened glass is safe: when damaged, it splits into non-sharp fragments of a cubic shape.
In the photo - photo wallpaper behind glass panels.You can install glass with your own hands, although this requires experience and effort: the panels are very heavy and still fragile. It’s easier to fix the glass tile with your own hands, which many do.
Kitchen apron requirements
Apron - the space of finishing materials between the upper and lower cabinets in the kitchen, must meet the following requirements:
Aesthetics. When deciding what it is better to make an apron in the kitchen, first of all, one should take into account its appearance, kitchen design, and the compliance of furniture.
There are some nuances in choosing an apron color palette. When deciding how to choose the right color, take into account that the panel with bright colors catches your eye in the first place, so it will require too careful care. For a kitchen apron, the best option is to choose a not too noticeable neutral color to match the furniture, with an interesting texture. If there are several colors in the kitchen, the apron can be made more contrasting in color (if the kitchen is red and black, choose an apron for the kitchen in white, white with red - black).
Wear resistance
The apron material, like no kitchen surface, is constantly exposed to moisture, chemicals, abrasive detergents.
Practical materials are important for modern kitchens, as they are easy to clean, and they can withstand high temperatures and are moisture resistant.
Kitchen apron materials
The large number of materials used to decorate the kitchen often makes it difficult to answer the question of what to make an apron on the work wall.
Also an important additional factor influencing the decision is the ability to make a kitchen apron yourself - all construction work is quite expensive and may exceed the cost of the materials themselves.
Ceramic tile
Ceramic tile is the best choice for any kitchen, has a lot of advantages
One of the most common types of finishing for an apron, has practically not lost its position with the advent of more modern finishing materials. To finish the working areas of kitchens, tiles with a glazed surface are mainly used - tiles, sometimes mosaics are used - small squares (about 20 mm.) Of ceramic tiles glued to a grid the size of a standard tile (for example, 300 by 300 mm.).
Features
- Decorativeness. Tile occupies a leading position among all finishing materials in a variety of colors, patterns, shapes, sizes, and allows you to choose an apron for your kitchen by design.
- Moisture resistant. Ceramic tiles are absolutely not exposed to moisture, can be in water for a long time.
- Heat resistance. The material is non-combustible, not afraid of prolonged exposure to high temperatures, does not change its properties when heated - this makes it the most popular in the area of cooking surfaces.
- Easy to care. The tile is easily washed from any pollution using the simplest detergents.
- Hygiene The easy-to-care, perfectly smooth surface of the tile made it the most used material in places where high cleanliness and sterility are required (sanitary facilities, bathrooms, medical treatment rooms and operating rooms).
- Durability. Ceramics and its decorative glazed coating are very hard, wear-resistant materials that do not lose their performance properties for decades.
- Chemical resistance. All chemicals used in everyday life do not adversely affect ceramics.
- Self installation. In some cases (the presence of smooth walls, the absence of sockets and complicated trimming), you can lay out an apron for the kitchen from ceramic tiles yourself without using an expensive special construction tool. In most cases, high-quality installation will be difficult to do without the involvement of specialists; work will be quite expensive.
- Maintainability. It is quite simple to replace the broken tile by carefully knocking it out of the wall together with the tile glue.
Many homeowners have followed the rather fashionable direction of recent times - they arrange an apron for the kitchen from mosaics, while forgetting about its main purpose - the decoration of uneven surfaces.
When used in the working area, a surface is obtained consisting of a large number of rather wide seams (2 - 3 mm.) With a porous rough surface, which is unhygienic and impractical to use - the seams are poorly washed from dirt and in most cases darken and change their course Colour.
Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain tiles have ceramic properties, but do not have a wide selection of colors.
It can be said that porcelain tile occupies an intermediate niche between ceramic tiles and natural stone. It is made by firing a mixture of quartz sand, clay, kaolin, feldspar with the addition of dyes, the main dimensions are 300 by 300 mm. or 600 to 600 mm.
Porcelain has all the properties of ceramics, laid like ordinary ceramic tiles, in contrast to it does not absorb water, due to its high wear resistance is mainly used for flooring.
A distinctive feature of porcelain stoneware tiles is its color throughout the entire depth, usually in color these are monophonic tones of a not very wide color spectrum. Recently, a technology has been developed for coating porcelain tiles with a pattern that imitates wood, leather, stone, metal - this has made a kitchen apron made of porcelain stoneware more competitive from an aesthetic point of view.
Glass apron
The glass finish looks very elegant, and it can also be made with any pattern you like.
The most popular surfaces for a kitchen apron today, an excellent alternative to its main competitor - ceramic tiles. It is made of tempered glass with a thickness of 6 - 8 mm., Which is five times stronger than usual, can be transparent, frosted or with a pattern applied to a vinyl film or by photo printing.
What should be the kitchen apron?
When carrying out repair work, special attention must be paid to the working area, which is often prone to contamination and mechanical damage. A kitchen apron is one of the most important elements of the working area in the kitchen, which is located above the countertop on the wall. This zone will experience a large number of the following negative effects that must be considered:
- high temperature
- mechanical damage,
- water vapor
- water drops,
- splashes of fat
- juice of sour fruits and vegetables.
Given the negative effects, the material for the apron must meet the requirements of:
- resistance to high temperatures,
- high decorative indicators,
- moisture resistance
- ease of care
- excellent hygiene and sanitary characteristics.
The essence and characteristics of an ideal apron
The protective screen may cover the entire wall or part of it
Apron - This is the coating of all or part of the working wall between the countertop of the kitchen unit (sink, stove) and the upper cabinets. It serves to protect the walls from water, pollution, oil splashes, hot steam and acts as a decorative finishing element.
Standard apron height - from 45 to 65 cm, but at the request of the customer, he can even completely cover the wall. In the area of the stove, the panels are made taller, because the minimum distance from the hood to the hob should be 75 cm.
Cladding length, as a rule, equal to the length of the entire headset, but in order to save money, you can close only sections of the wall above the sink and hob.
An ideal apron that will last a long time and be convenient to use, has the following characteristics:
- has a smooth surface
- waterproof and slightly porous
- easy to clean
- heat resistant
- high strength
- aesthetically pleasing
- creates a color accent in the interior
The most popular finishing materials
The most common materials: tile, plastic, MDF and mosaic
Modern functional solutions allow you to use almost any materials and textures to equip the working wall.
Most popular today:
- ceramic tile
- mosaic
- fibreboard (MDF)
- glass
- mirror panels
- PVC panels
- natural and decorative stone
- metal sheets
- plastic
- laminate
- wallpaper, plaster, paint
Ceramics
Most often, the working wall in the kitchen near the sink and stove is covered with ceramic tiles
The most practical choice and the most common - ceramic tiles or small-sized porcelain tiles.
- easy to clean
- heat-resistant, not afraid of water and temperature changes (ideal for gas stoves)
- pollution is not too noticeable
- a large selection of colors, decorative elements and design solutions
- durable
- environmentally friendly - does not emit toxic fumes when heated
- hygienic (bacteria do not accumulate on its surface)
- this material can be embossed or flat, matte or shiny, contain 3D effects. Tiles can imitate natural surfaces (stone, glass or wood) or be a separate decorative element
- complexity and duration of installation - without certain skills to make a beautiful apron from a tile with your own hands will not work. Attention should be paid to grouting the joints between the tiles, it should be moisture resistant and not subject to contamination.
When choosing tiles measuring 10 by 10 cm, you can veneer the apron in the form of geometric or abstract shapes. More massive ceramic elements (15 by 15, 20 by 30, 20 by 40 and a "boar" of equal size) allow more attention to be paid to the picture, not the texture.
Ceramic finish is:
- plain (It goes well with other elements of the interior, but pollution is visible, especially if the tile is rough)
- multi-colored (shades should be harmoniously combined among themselves, forming a composition)
- with decorative panels (makes semantic emphasis and takes away the main attention)
Mosaic
Mosaic is expensive, but durable and gives an elegant appearance to the room.
One of the most beautiful and elegant options due to the unusual design is mosaic.
- long life
- perfect color matching options
- heat resistance
- moisture and steam resistance
- it is most convenient to use a mosaic based on fiberglass or fiberglass mesh: it is more flexible, allows you to hide all the irregularities of the walls and easily glues to the wall
- quite expensive service that is difficult to do on your own
- in addition, contamination can accumulate in the seams between the elements of the material, a fungus will appear. For prophylaxis, seams are rubbed with epoxy grout.
MDF is an inexpensive but impractical way to protect your work wall from dirt and moisture.
- wood panels - the most budget
- and easy to install. They are either installed by the craftsmen free of charge when installing the kitchen set, or the owner mounts them on staples, glue or liquid nails on their own. This is perhaps the only advantage of the material.
- wood melts from temperature, may catch fire
- deformed from moisture and exposure to chemicals. Thus, the panel will not last long and at the end of its life will look unpresentable
- formaldehydes are used in the production of MDF, so the material cannot be called environmentally friendly. When the panels are heated near the hob, toxic substances will be released into the air.
Glass
Glass protective screen allows you to show imagination and creativity in the design
- A relatively new and original way to protect a working kitchen wall is to cover it with a glass panel. She is easy to clean
- not affected by temperature, moisture or cleaning agents
- This material goes well with any color and texture of the kitchen, it can be decorated with acrylic paint. Under transparent glass, you can put different wallpapers, photo printing or even photos from a family album, making the design of the room really unique
- glass can be simple, heat resistant or impact resistant, but in any case will be impractical. All splashes, palmprints and fingerprints are visible on it, it must be constantly wiped
- such aprons are quite expensive and require special knowledge in installation
- glass is also a rather massive material when mounted on a vertical surface, so increased attention should be paid to the reliability of the fasteners to the wall
Can be used:
- clear glass (ideal for cooker and sink areas)
- frosted glass or satin (allows you to create original design solutions)
- colored glass panel (the desired shade is obtained by coloring or gluing the film)
- apron with photo printing
Mirror
Mirror panels in the kitchen visually expand the space, but are impractical to care for.
- beautiful way to close the work wall in the kitchen
- visually expands the space
- inconvenient to use
- fogs up from steam, makes all streaks and splashes more noticeable. It is necessary to wash such an apron daily to maintain a neat appearance of the room
- chips and cracks from rough handling can easily appear on the corners of such panels, therefore this material is used less often than others. Used as solid panels on the entire side surface or small-sized tiles that are laid out in a mosaic way
A rock
Stone finish is one of the most environmentally friendly
- looks elegant and restrained, especially if the apron is made of the same stone as the countertop
- natural or artificial, the material tolerates wet cleaning
- temperature differences
- exposure to abrasive or aggressive chemicals
- stone protective screen will last a long time and is absolutely environmentally friendly
- this facing method is financially costly
- to close the working wall with stone, the services of professionals will be required. It is possible to install an apron on your own beautifully and correctly, only having special skills
This type of cladding includes:
- industrial polished natural blocks
- concrete tiles
- pebbles
- clinker tile
- granite with imitation of natural materials
Laminate
Laminate as a protective and decorative panel in the kitchen is easy to install and care
- can serve as a good alternative to expensive finishes. Laminate is durable
- easy to clean
- It looks like a single canvas without seams and joints
- it is also easy to install: it is attached to the wall with brackets, with glue or “liquid” nails
- it will look bad only if the edges look out
- as well as in the tile area, where it can melt and deform under the influence of high temperatures
Comparison of different materials
Choosing a kitchen screen is a responsible but enjoyable task
The material of the kitchen apron is selected depending on what parameters the customer considers key:
- practicality and ease of care
- immunity to moisture
- resistance to high temperatures
- possibility of self-installation and dismantling
- durability
- appearance
- the cost of materials and installation work
Comparison of all parameters of different materials is presented in the table.
| Material | Practicality | Heat resistance | Moisture resistance | Easy installation | Service time | Decorative |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ceramics | ||||||
| Mosaic | ||||||
| MDF | ||||||
| Glass | ||||||
| Plastic | ||||||
| Mirror | ||||||
| A rock | ||||||
| Metal | ||||||
| Laminate |
Thus, cheapest option - lining the working kitchen wall with plastic, MDF or laminate. Will cost the most mosaic, stone and Italian ceramics.
The original choice will be the use of glass, metal or mirrors, but you need to be prepared to constantly clean them from contamination.
In order to make the protective screen in the kitchen both practical and beautiful, decoration materials are often combined.
Interesting solution - close the apron made of natural stone or pebbles in the area of the stove and sink with glass panels. Another option is a combination of ceramics in the active cooking zones and MDF above the dining area.
What to do in the kitchen instead of an apron
The protective screen in the kitchen can be made from improvised materials: it will last a long time and will be unique
If for some reason the working wall in the kitchen cannot be protected with an apron, then you can choose alternatives:
Color matching
Light shades of the cover plate will fit in any kitchen unit
When the choice of material for facing the working wall has already been made, the next step - decide what color apron is best to choose. Here you can follow the simple rules for combining shades and color matching.
Universal cladding colors - white, cream, beige. Least practical - dark shades, any pollution is visible on them.
So, looks good in a white kitchen a dark apron or color. When choosing, you need to consider that even minor impurities will be clearly visible on glossy surfaces. Therefore, it is better to consider the matte options. Cream, gray and beige shades of an apron in a white kitchen will look restrained, but a little boring.
Perfect for gray kitchen bright color schemes, mosaic, saturated shades. White finish of the working wall will also look beneficial, but only if you use easily washable materials (tiles, glass).
Very dark color kitchen unitFor example, it is better to shade the wenge with a light apron, so the kitchen will look more airy. The nobility and restraint of the natural color will shade all shades of green, red, orange, but in warm colors and without interspersed with another color.
The easiest way to choose aprons for kitchens from IKEA - they are usually made of natural materials and have a color close to natural shades. In this case, the winning option is to play in contrast or choose an apron of the same color, but a tone lighter / darker.
Also need take into account the degree of illumination of the room. If there is not enough light in the kitchen, it is better to make the walls and an apron as light as possible. Spaces flooded with sunlight can be decorated in any color.
Kitchen style selection
The decoration of the working wall either supports the uniform style of the kitchen, or sets the tone for the overall design
Modern interiors are in the same style.when each design element is designed to complement and shade the others. In the kitchen, an apron can either set the tone for the whole atmosphere, or, conversely, spoil even the most thoughtful design.
The best combination of kitchen and apron style collected for convenience in the table.
| Style | Material |
|---|---|
| Loft | Italian ceramic tiles, decorative brick or stone |
| Eclecticism | Mosaic, glass, metal panels |
| Kitsch | Mirror panels, mosaic in abstract style |
| Mediterranean style | Photo printing on MDF, a panel from a ceramic tile |
| Victorian style, "antique" | Tiles with imitation of natural materials or with printed art plots |
| High tech | Tempered glass, metal, panels with a drawing on vinyl |
In addition to the space above the sink, stove and countertop, some prefer to protect the wall above the dining area. At the same time, materials and color combinations are used similar.
Important details
Illumination of the working wall is not only a functional, but also a decorative solution
Choosing a beautiful apron between the kitchen cabinets, you can provide and backlight which will make the fulfillment of routine duties more pleasant and convenient.
It may look like:
- low-power bulbs mounted in the bottom of kitchen cabinets
- LED strip along the entire length of the cladding
- small halogen lamp above the work area
- fluorescent light
The most interesting thing is the backlight in combination with glass panels. Depending on whether you use warm light or cold, a kitchen apron will look different. Color highlighting will help to bring originality to even the most modest finish.
During the installation of the apron, you must provide places for socketsthat you will definitely need in the kitchen.
- Separate output for electric stove, hood and dishwasher
- Double or built-in sockets in the working area (for connecting kitchen appliances)
- Equipped with a protective cover for the outlet near the sink (if installation is not possible elsewhere)
Apron anglewhere its two parts on adjacent walls converge, must process sealant, most often epoxy glue. Some materials (plastic panels, laminate) allow you to round the corner, creating a smoother effect.
What materials are best used to protect the walls in the kitchen is described in the training video
VIDEO: apron for the kitchen, choose the material DIY repair
What to make an apron in the kitchen: choose a durable and beautiful option (150+ Photos & Videos) + Reviews
Today you can choose a protective apron on the kitchen wall for every taste and different financial possibilities. The main thing is that the material is practical, original and high-quality. Finishing a kitchen is not just a routine stage of repairing a room, it is a choice of space in which a significant part of the life of the owner of the house will take place.
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Ceramic tile prices
The disadvantage of a one-color apron is its soiling, that is, even very slight pollution immediately appears on it. It will have to be wiped every day after cooking is completed, since every drop will be visible on such a surface.
If a tile of the same color is chosen, it is better if its surface is smooth, otherwise over time in the recesses of the relief pattern, hard-washed dirt mixed with fat will accumulate.
The original solution is tiles of the same size, but in different colors, and even laid diagonally
- Using several tile colors in the design of the apron is no less popular option. However, in this case, the task is complicated by the fact that the shades of the composition should be in harmony with each other. On a tile of light colors, as well as on a one-color apron, all the drops that got on the finish during cooking or washing dishes will be visible. If you do not immediately clean the surface of the apron, then the drops will darken and dry, and subsequently the cladding will look sloppy, and it will be more difficult to clean it.
The apron is laid out with tiles with a pattern traditional for tiles. Very comfortable, but visually the room “shrinks” - A tile with a pattern that is traditional for stove tiles is perfect for those housewives who prefer to clean the apron once or twice a week, as small impurities on this finish will be almost invisible. However, this type of tile may have a smooth surface or embossed version. Staying clean longer and a smooth surface will be easier to clean.
Tiles decorated in this way will bring a special comfortable atmosphere to the kitchen, but visually make the space smaller. Therefore, you have to choose between a sense of comfort and optical "expansion" of space.
An apron of fine mosaic tiles is one of the modern trends in decoration
- Mosaic tiles in recent years has become an increasingly popular finish for kitchen aprons, as well as for bathrooms. This type of tile can be one-color, two-color or multi-color, and cubes of different colors are usually located almost randomly on the canvas.
Glued mosaic tiles immediately in large stripesThe popularity of this finish lies not only in its neat appearance, but also in the relative ease of installation. The fact is that, unlike the traditional, mosaic panels have a certain flexibility, since small fragments are fixed on a fiberglass mesh or fiberglass. Therefore, gluing the material is fast enough, and can be carried out not only on flat, but also on curved surfaces, as well as on uneven walls, somewhat hiding their flaws.
The advantage of this version of the tile can be called the fact that it does not have to be cut, resorting to some special tools. It’s enough to have ordinary scissors on hand, since it’s easy to cut a fragment of the required size from the main canvas, because you will have to cut not the tile itself, but the base on which it is fixed.
After the mosaic tile is glued to the wall, it is necessary to wait for the glue to dry. After that, the seams between the mosaic elements are filled with a trowel of the selected color.
The mosaic version can be used to decorate the entire space of the apron or, in combination with ordinary tiles, as a framing of the composition or interspersing fragments of different sizes and shapes.
The obvious disadvantages of this type of finish include a large number of seams, the sealing material of which is rather quickly contaminated and difficult to clean. When laying large tiles, this disadvantage is minimized.
Types of materials
For many decades, people were limited in their choice of building and decoration materials and used paint, wallpaper or ceramic tiles to finish their kitchen surfaces. In the past few years, the situation has changed radically. In modern building stores you can see a huge range of products, which differs not only in appearance, but also in properties and characteristics.
For the apron of the kitchen, different materials are suitable.
Pvc panels
An inexpensive product that is made from polyvinyl chloride. This product has a wide range of shades, and some models can be decorated with a graphic pattern. Unfortunately, they are distinguished by:
- fragility
- low resistance to steam, heat, mechanical damage, moisture and grease,
- the inability to use abrasive cleaners and hard brushes,
- the frequent appearance of fungi and mold in crevices near the wall,
- toxic substances release.
There are qualities:
- wide range of colors
- availability,
- low price,
- the ability to use a single piece of fabric,
- ease of installation
- quick replacement of deformed sections,
- light weight
- no need to pre-align the wall,
- the ability to combine with other types of finishing materials.
Steel
An expensive type of finishing material, which is very rarely used in budget repairs due to the high price range. In addition, it is not possible to use abrasive cleaners. However, steel is characterized by:
- resistant to high temperatures, mechanical damage and burnout,
- immunity to pollution and odor accumulation,
- ease of care
- moisture inertness,
- durability and strength
- resistant to mold and mildew.
MDF coating
A beautiful material, the texture of which resembles a tree and harmoniously combines with all styles. Positive sides:
- reliability,
- ease of installation
- durability.
Adverse factors:
- formaldehyde resins
- high flammability
- mold and mildew in humid conditions
- Use of the material is allowed only with a protective coating.
Fashion trends
In order for the kitchen to correspond to the chosen stylistic direction, before the repair it is necessary to carefully study all the latest fashion trends and choose the most suitable for yourself. Gathering new ideas and finding out which ones are relevant right now will help specialized magazines and consultations of professional designerswho will surely pick up the necessary solution. Each type of finishing material can be used for different stylistic decisions. There are many trends in fashion.
For design solutions, for example, the popular classic ceramic tiles are great.
- One-color design - A simple and neat option that does not require material selection and is performed as quickly as possible. The one-color apron is harmoniously combined with all styles and types of kitchen furniture. Subsequently, for a general cosmetic repair of the kitchen, it will be enough to simply change the wallpaper, which should be combined with the color of the apron. However, such an apron is easily soiled, regular cleaning is necessary.
- Using multiple colors at the same time - A new trend, for the implementation of which you need to carefully approach the selection of shades. All colors used should be in harmony with the kitchen furniture and wallpaper. The disadvantage is visual reduction in space.
- Mosaic application - A modern direction, which is becoming increasingly popular annually. In this coating, you can combine one, two or more colors. Advantages - ease of maintenance, the use of a minimum number of tools, the ability to combine with other finishing materials. The weak point is the presence of a large number of tile joints.
- Combination of tiles and thematic panels - An unusual design solution, the use of which requires practical and theoretical knowledge. All materials must be harmoniously combined with each other and create a common composition. Such decor is notable for its high price and complexity of work.
When using artificial or natural stone, designers recommend paying attention on a completely new material: coarse pebbleswhich has no sharp corners. Pebbles not only have high aesthetic indicators, but also helps to remove all the bumps in the kitchen surface.
Fixation of the material can be carried out both in a chaotic and planned manner, and the process of performing the work will not cause difficulties even for novice masters.
Glass aprons - The latest trend in the construction industry. Designers have developed a large number of fashionable ideas for using this material.
- Transparent surface - protective layer, under which there is a decorative surface. This coating can protect all types of materials that cannot be used in the kitchen. You can use surfaces of any size, it is possible to change the internal pattern if necessary.
- Matte finish - satin. It is mounted at the time of surface coating. To make the basic pattern look clear and beautiful, you need to choose patterns with bright contours and outlines. Sometimes designers leave a gap between the base of the wall and the glass cladding to place decor elements in the voids and spectacular lighting. It has a high cost, difficult to clean.
- Solid color coating - An original solution that allows you to visually expand the space. This type of surface can be either matte or glossy, and can also have any color.
- Illuminated glass apron - An unusual and practical design, which is an independent art object. Special lighting devices are mounted in the upper and lower profiles. Visually increases the space, creates comfortable conditions for cooking. However, it has a high cost, difficult to install.
- Glass coating with photo printing - the most popular option, which is able to decorate any room. The use of modern equipment allows you to produce and paste on the back of the panel various images that can visually expand even the smallest kitchen space.
It makes it possible to use any kind of graphic images, but will have to make a complete replacement of the picture when even minimal damage appears.
- One of the latest trends in the world of kitchen decoration is mirror mosaic. It will visually increase the volume of the room, but will require daily cleaning, will constantly reflect moving objects.
How to choose?
To make the right decision when choosing the right type of apron for the kitchen, The following parameters must be considered:
- size range of materials used,
- type of stove
- type of furniture
- general style of cuisine.
Professional builders recommend when calculating the size of this kitchen element take into account the spacing under the lower and upper cabinets, the distance between the stove and the hood. If the design of the kitchen does not include the installation of hinged furniture, then the apron should reach the very ceiling.
When installing economy class materials, owners should understand that this finish will not be safe and durable, and it is better to choose better products.
Interesting ideas
Making your kitchen has long ceased to be boring. Modern designers offer a huge number of interesting options and creative ideas that will help make the food preparation area not only practical, but also beautiful. Before starting the transformation of the kitchen space, it is necessary to objectively evaluate all the advantages and disadvantages of the implemented idea.
- Creating a single color composition of a kitchen apron and furniture is a new trend in the world of decor. The selected graphic image extends to the entire working area, all elements of which become a single whole. The irreplaceable material for this solution is glass panels (photo 1).
- Bright and rich colors on the background of the white kitchen are always in demand and relevant. Especially if the green tone is selected (photo 2).
- Modern people who are not afraid of experiments can pay attention to a metal mosaic (photo 3).
Look at the video below for what materials are available for an apron in the kitchen.
Prices for MDF panels
So to merits This material includes their following qualities:
- Material strength. It is very difficult to violate the integrity of the panel by accident, since they are not afraid of mechanical influences.
- If the panels are carefully cleaned every day, then care for them will not become burdensome.
- The surface of the material has a good moisture resistance.
- Easy installation of panels on the wall.
- With the proper operation of the MDF and in the absence of any extraordinary circumstances, the finish will last for many years.
Imitation of natural wood - a big "plus" for any decorationThe disadvantages of this cladding include the following:
- MDF panels cannot be called completely environmentally friendly material, since in its manufacture most manufacturers use formaldehyde resins that emit fumes throughout the entire period of operation of the finish. Such discharges are especially active when the material is heated, and in the kitchen this is almost impossible to avoid.
- MDF boards have a fairly high degree of combustibility, therefore, require additional protection from high temperatures, which inevitably occur near the hob.
- MDF consists of compressed cellulose fibers. Therefore, when moisture gets on the end face of the panels that are not protected by a special film, the material may begin to warp and delaminate. In addition, in a moist wood environment, a favorable environment for the appearance of mold or fungus is quite capable of creating. This often leads to the appearance of whole affected foci, which begin to spread to other areas of the finish.
- MDF is not recommended to be cleaned with a hard metal brush, since strips will necessarily remain on the surface of the material.
- Panels with an acrylic coating are more resistant to external influences, however, and they quickly lose their original appearance.
Learn how to make an apron in the kitchen with your own hands with a step-by-step guide, from our new article on our portal.
Summing up the characteristics of this cladding, we can conclude that it is not the best option for arranging an apron. However, if there is a desire and financial opportunity at any time to change the finish to a more reliable one, then you can try to revetment the MDF wall along the working area.
In conclusion, I would like to note that the apron is equipped not only with ready-made panels, tiles or stone. Some craftsmen prefer to approach this process creatively and use improvised materials. For example, bottle caps are made of natural material or ordinary plastic in different colors, which are embedded in a solution on the wall. In general, if you want to save money, imagination is often included, and if there are no problems with finances, then the material for the apron can easily be picked up at a hardware store. At the same time, it is important to take into account all the recommendations, to take into account the characteristics of the finish, which must meet the above criteria.
At the end of the publication, we offer to watch an interesting video review with examples of kitchen aprons from various materials. Perhaps this will help to make the right choice.
