Choosing an apron for the kitchen. What materials to make a modern apron in the kitchen. Artificial and natural stone

- the spaces between floor cabinets and wall cabinets - this, of course, ceramic tile 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, chipboard or glass is successfully replacing its old competitor.

It is obvious that ordinary materials - plaster, murals, whitewashing - are not suitable for decoration. kitchen apron. Here you need a durable material that does not absorb moisture and is not afraid of fire. For example, stone.

For wall decoration, both artificial and a natural stone. Moreover, the options are very diverse. So, for example, brickwork, protected from moisture by a special varnish, looks great in a loft or country interior. The laying of wild stone is 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 advantages and disadvantages:

• natural stone looks exceptionally impressive and expensive;
• the stone is not afraid of either open fire or any heating;
• its strength surpasses ceramics;
• but resistance to moisture and dirt is not always ideal. So, granite belongs to low-porous materials, but marble absorbs dyes perfectly, and it is very difficult to wipe it off 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:

• fire and heat resistance fake diamond 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 terms of 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. Do-it-yourself installation is undesirable, and when making it from natural stone, it is completely impossible.

Wood fiber materials

A common disadvantage of all types of this category is flammability. No matter how you treat chipboard, MDF and plywood with fire retardants, the material will burn, albeit reluctantly. However, if the kitchen has an electric or induction hob there is no such danger.

Chipboard and plywood are the most budget options for finishing.

Of course, they do not live up to the tile standard:

• Chipboard is afraid of moisture no less than fire. With constant dampness, the material swells and warps, and near the stove and sink, these factors are especially strong;
• the finish is lightweight and easy to assemble with your own hands;
• may have varied design- laminated with a film, often imitates wood, but can also reproduce stone.
• the apron laminated on the basis of a chipboard is short-lived.

In the photo - finishing from chipboard.

Compared to chipboard, 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 gas - do not need to be updated after a couple of years. kitchen standard MDF finishes supports.

MDF - stronger and more diverse in design. What are the options for an apron made of MDF - it’s even difficult to list.

How is described in the next video.

Unusual materials

Finishing material can be very different.

In the next video, you can see how an apron is assembled from a laminate.

Plastic panels

Along with the option of chipboard or completely free of cork, they are among the most budgetary. To be fair, the material has more disadvantages than advantages:

A separate group consists of panels made of acrylic glass or polycarbonate. They fall short of the standard of tempered glass, but are far superior to PVC plastic in strength and durability:

• acrylic and polycarbonate are also sensitive to high temperatures, 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, placing photo wallpapers 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 design.

You can pick up any photo wallpaper - with portraits, with an image, panoramic, and stick them to the wall in the usual way. Transparent plastic protects photo wallpapers from steam and moisture, and it is 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 a professional kitchen. The material embodies the standard of kitchen decoration, although less decorative:

• stainless steel panels do not burn and do not support combustion;
• products made of galvanized steel or coated with polymer dyes are absolutely resistant to water;
• chemically and biologically inert. This is the standard of hygienic material, which also easily tolerates any type of disinfection;
• the effect of "chameleon" on stainless steel is, of course, impossible, but the surface can be processed different ways changing color and texture. In addition, cladding with tiles, panels, and mosaics is possible.

The photo shows a stainless steel mosaic.

Recently, the copper finish of the kitchen apron has also come into fashion. This option is very exotic, but quite expensive.

They are made of tempered glass, and sometimes even triplex.

The standard of kitchen finishing material performs perfectly:

• 100% hygienic;
• does not burn and does not support combustion;
• indifferent to the action of moisture, and at the same time to all household chemicals;
• the design is exceptionally diverse: matte drawing, painting, engraving, photo printing, the arrangement of photo wallpapers behind the screen, surface structuring, combining photo wallpapers and a structural surface, toning, and so on. allows you to create panoramic and even three-dimensional images;
• in terms of strength, glass can and will yield to tiles, but not by much. In addition, tempered glass is safe: if damaged, it shatters into non-sharp cube-shaped fragments.

In the photo - photo wallpapers behind glass panels.

You can install glass with your own hands, although this requires experience and strength: they are very heavy and still fragile. It is easier to fix the glass tiles with your own hands, which many do.

It takes ~3 minutes to read

With the help of properly selected materials, their combination, overall dimensions and color scheme, you can highlight the working area in the kitchen. In this article, we will learn what to make an apron in the kitchen from, and also get acquainted with the sequence of the workflow.

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Features of arranging an apron from various materials

To pick up best option to equip the working area in the kitchen, you need to familiarize yourself with the strong and weaknesses each of the available materials. Wallpaper for this purpose is rarely used, because such products will soon become dirty and may become unusable from constant cleaning of the surface. As an exception - vinyl roll materials with additional protection glass or transparent plastic.

by the most budget option the use of a film with a decorative pattern is considered. It can be glued to the wall surface or fixed to the base with staples. The service life of such a product is limited, if necessary, it can be replaced with a new copy.

Ceramic tile

The most popular design option for an apron is the use of tiles. Ceramic tiles have several advantages over other materials:

• long operating period;
• high strength of the product;
• good water resistance;
• ease of care for the surface of the tile;
• relative inertness to the effects of chemicals;
• a wide range of products.

The design of the working area with tiles can be very diverse. The surface is often made in one color, although other compositions are used in practice, for example, with an ornament or with imitation brickwork. With the right choice of tile color, the user can visually expand the space in the kitchen.

For laying ceramic tiles work surface glue or cement-sand mortar is used. In order to perfectly align the apron, it is necessary to first repair all cracks, distortions and height differences on the base. With a separate installation of the working area, the tile can be attached to a chipboard sheet.

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Mosaic

The apron of the kitchen working area is often made of mosaic elements. These include:

• glass of various colors;
• natural or artificial stone;
• metal products;
• ceramic elements;
• acrylic or plastic.

Mosaic products are a set of individual elements that are connected into a single whole using paper or a special mesh. Unique appearance has a kitchen interior in which the countertop and backsplash are made of mosaics of the same color scheme.

The materials in question are expensive, so some users prefer to make a kitchen apron with their own hands from improvised materials. As the main elements, pieces of broken dishes, the remains of ceramic tiles and other similar products are used here. Installation of such a working area is lengthy and requires experience from the master.

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Artificial and natural stone

Many kitchen owners prefer to decorate the work area with expensive natural stone or an artificial analogue (porcelain stoneware, concrete and clinker tiles, large pebbles). These materials have a number of positive characteristics:

• resistance to sudden temperature changes;
• low level moisture absorption;
• ease of cleaning the surfaces of stone products, their hygiene;
• unlimited period of operation;
• environmental friendliness of the material.

The main disadvantages of the products under consideration are the complexity of installation, high cost and low level of maintainability.

Despite the presentable appearance, marble is not used in this case. The fact is that the surface of these materials can absorb moisture and unpleasant odors. Under the influence of an external aggressive environment, the structure of the stone will soon begin to collapse, and it will lose its decorative effect.

Second artificial material Porcelain stoneware is similar in technical characteristics to ceramic tiles, but differs from its counterpart in increased strength and wear resistance. Such products are rarely used for arranging a working area in the kitchen due to the increased mass and high cost. It is better to entrust porcelain stoneware laying to an experienced master.

To the question of how to finish the apron in the kitchen, there is another answer - large pebbles. Such products without sharp corners hide all the irregularities of the base surface. Stones are laid on glue or cement-sand mortar. The technology of mounting large pebbles is quite simple, any man can handle this work.

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Wood or MDF

Many users choose laminated MDF panels for decorating an apron, consisting of a substrate and plastic or laminate. The best option the device of the working area is considered to be the selection of the same color scheme as that of the working area. On the surface of the panel are fixed with liquid nails.

The main advantage of the products in question is the possibility of selecting the necessary piece of sheet, because the apron can go beyond the cladding. Splashes or dirty spots may appear on the decorative surface during work in the kitchen. They can be easily removed with ordinary glass cleaner and a sponge. Do not use abrasive substances for this purpose, because they can scratch the decorative surface.

The rapid wear of the MDF panel is associated with exposure to high temperatures. In areas near the slab, the coating often fades or deforms. Laminated panels have a low cost, if desired, they can be quickly replaced.

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Glass

Glass is considered the most popular material for decorating an apron, due to the following advantages:

• high strength indicators;
• long service life;
• ease of care;
• decorative qualities of the surface;
• wear resistance;
• water resistance of the material;
• chemical inertness;
• high level of fire safety.

V working area kitchens use triplex glass reinforced with a film or a tempered analogue. For decoration use plain or transparent models, products with the effect of a background pattern.

A non-standard constructive solution will be a sticker of a mirror on a chipboard plate. Such a detail can visually expand the interior space in the kitchen. It should be noted that the mirror will quickly get dirty, so this element needs daily care.

Not every user knows how to make a do-it-yourself kitchen apron from glass. It is fixed on glue or special fittings, while the thickness of the element should be greater than 5 millimeters. Non-hardened products are suitable for drilling, which allows them to be fixed on special rivets.

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Metal

Metal products, and specifically stainless steel, are used to create aprons when the kitchen is decorated in high-tech style. Such products are fixed on a glass surface with liquid nails. Such panels have a high shelf life, from the minuses it is necessary to allocate a small amount design solutions models.

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Apron under a brick

The working area with imitation of brickwork is made in various colors. The surface of such products can be smooth or textured. The material has the appearance of a tile; it is laid with dressing of seams like an ordinary brick. The main disadvantage of such an apron is the possibility of accumulation of grease and dirt in the working area, so the working area must be periodically cleaned of dirt. The material is suitable for any interior, it has good water-repellent properties and high strength.

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How to make an apron in the kitchen with your own hands

The installation process of the working area begins with the choice required material and surface preparation. Next, we will learn how to arrange an apron in the kitchen in detail.

Choosing an apron

Materials must be selected in such a way that the working area is as functional as possible. Decorative items should be well cleaned of dirt and dust. In addition, when buying a material, it is necessary to pay attention to its resistance to sudden changes in temperature, as well as moisture resistance.

The protective coating is fixed in the immediate vicinity of the stove or sink. Walls in these areas often suffer from waterlogging or grease splatter, which contribute to the formation of stubborn stains that cannot be removed. Cutting of vegetables or meat can take place in the working area of ​​the kitchen. When working, food particles can also get on the walls, so some users lay the apron throughout the entire countertop. In addition to functionality, the work area connects the kitchen furniture into a single whole, it should fit perfectly into the existing interior.

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We determine the dimensions

When determining the dimensions, you need to know in how many planes the working area is located. If the apron is located on two or three walls, then the user must find out the dimensions of each of the planes. The height of this design will be determined by the difference in the marks of the countertop and the kitchen facades hanging from above.

The length depends on the size of the headset, the location of the gas stove and the sink in the room. If plumbing and household appliances are located in the corners of the wall, then the user must also add 50-70 centimeters to the work surface. With a side fit, the apron is made straight.

For example, the length of a standard kitchen set is 3 meters, while the sink and stove are in the middle of the room. In this case, the height of the canopy from the floor level will correspond to 1.4 meters, the length is -3.5 meters. It is also necessary to make additional protection above the stove under the hood, the possible overall dimensions are 75 * 90 centimeters.

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Let's get acquainted with the installation process of the working area on the example of ceramic tiles. Such work is carried out according to pre-applied markings before installation. kitchen furniture. First you need to level the base, remove the height differences and repair the cracks.

At the next stage of work, it is necessary to determine the nature of the location of the tiles on the surface. The tile is laid in a straight or diagonal position, selecting a pattern and mounting a border, if this element is provided. Next, we make markings on the wall, determine the position of the upper and lower borders. At the bottom we fix a metal profile that will fix the bottom row of tiles.

We start the installation of tiles from the center and consistently move to the edges. To ensure that the gaps between the individual elements are the same, we install plastic crosses. After fixing the tile on the surface, these elements are removed. Grouting is carried out two days after the completion of the main work.

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Conclusion

Whatever material is chosen for the apron device, the wrong work technology can ruin the entire surface. In this regard, it is necessary to carry out careful measurements of both the working area and specific materials. The work is carried out with great care, the result will be a beautiful decorative surface in the kitchen.

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Ceramic tile

Ceramics. For several millennia, people have been using objects made of baked clay. With the development of civilization, this wonderful material also evolved. To date, ceramic tiles are durable, beautiful (with many options for colors, shapes and sizes), practical building material. It is possible to use it to make a variety of panels or even ornaments.

Laid out ceramic tiles on a kitchen apron will last a long time, pleasing your eyes, but unfortunately, there may be drawbacks. They can arise both through your fault and through the fault of an unscrupulous seller. The weak point of the ceramic tile kitchen backsplash is the tile joints.

If you are greedy or the seller slipped the grout of the wrong quality, colonies of bacteria and fungal spores can form in them, as well as successfully develop. And this, unfortunately, a big problem. Therefore, when choosing a tile, do not forget about the careful selection of grout.

To process the seams, you need to use a waterproof grout that protects the seams from excessive moisture, is easy to clean and does not allow fungus and mold to develop on its surface.

It is not difficult and can be performed even by a beginner in the construction and repair business. Unlike other ways to decorate a wall in the kitchen, it is better to lay ceramic tiles even before installing kitchen furniture, due to the fact that a large number dust and dirt from the installation process.

Fake diamond

The main advantage of artificial stone is the variety of shades and their combination. The panel of this material can have a matte or glossy surface, with a uniform structure and interspersed - as in natural stone.

The canvas of the artificial stone panel does not have cracks and pores inherent in other building materials, therefore it will not retain moisture and grease inside.

Also, a kitchen apron made of artificial stone does not deform from an excessive level of humidity or from an elevated temperature, which is important for the working area of ​​​​the kitchen.

The material prevents the development of bacteria and fungal spores. It has no seams, even the connection with the countertop will be microscopic.

Many people like it when the countertop and kitchen apron are made in one color scheme, and if you consider that you can also mount a sink made of the same material into the countertop, the effect will become breathtaking - as if the entire monolith is made of one huge piece of stone.

Finishing is easy to restore. If the surface is scratched (acrylic artificial stone is subject to minor mechanical damage), it can be sanded and no defects will be visible.

Such a composite building material will suit any interior style, from classic to hi-tech.

As for the shortcomings, it is probably only one - a very high cost.

Glass

They make a glass apron for the kitchen mainly from tempered, heat-resistant glass, at least 6 mm thick. Having received such specifications, glass becomes 6-8 times stronger than usual, endures frequent temperature changes, which is typical of the working area behind the hob.

On glass, the length of which can reach 3000 mm, an image is transferred from the manufacturer's catalogs or your own high-resolution photo. As a result of a special technology, the images applied to the inner surface of the glass do not lose color even under direct sunlight.

Hygienic and resistant to fats, alkalis and acids. The glass backsplash prevents the development of bacteria and fungal spores on the kitchen wall.

Installing an apron in the kitchen is easy. made on glue, frame or mechanical fasteners.

glass Wall panels are durable finishing material, little susceptible to damage from mechanical stress.

Glass kitchen apron is very easy to clean. True, it is necessary to wash more often, since any contamination on the glass is very noticeable.

MDF

MDF kitchen aprons are created using Hot Coating technology (hot facing). The polymer adhesive composition is melted to a viscous state, and then applied with a layer of a certain thickness to the MDF surface. A thermoplastic protective layer painted with the necessary shades is applied to the cooled surface.

Kitchen apron made of MDF is resistant to scratches, direct sunlight and moderate mechanical stress. Laminated surface withstands drops temperature regime and exposure to virtually any household chemical product.

As in the case of sheet skins on a kitchen apron made of other building materials, the absolute evenness of the wall is not required. Installation can be carried out on adhesive compositions, frame structures or using mechanical fasteners.

PVC

Plastic panels are made from polyvinyl chloride, then PVC. Boards or sheets of finishing building materials have a wide range of colors, and if with PVC white color everything is clear, then color drawings on products are applied in several ways:

• thermal film - a building material painted in this way becomes more durable and resistant to mechanical damage;
• laminate - a building material of this type has a poor choice of color palette in relation to other types, but at the same time it is the most durable, withstands mechanical loads quite resistant and is less prone to damage;
• direct printing of a pattern - a board painted in this way does not tolerate even minimal mechanical impact on its surface.

All types of coating can be both glossy and matte. Also, panels can have different dimensional indicators.

• rack panels - their appearance resembles a "lining" made of wood;
• tiled panels - this type of finishing building material has the same connection method as slatted panels, but in appearance it even more resembles ceramic tiles;
• sheet panels - sheets have dimensions - length up to 2440 mm, width up to 1220 mm, thickness up to 6 mm.

Most often, sheet panels are installed on a plastic PVC kitchen apron.

Metal

The modern hi-tech style requires modern materials for finishing the kitchen. As well as possible, a stainless steel apron will suit this style.

The unequivocal advantages of metal skinali are Fire safety and long period of operation.

Kitchens stylized as antique furniture, of course, are more suitable for copper or brass panels.

Metal kitchen aprons can be solid, made in a single panel or assembled by separate tiles of various sizes.

By the way, in the latter case, it is possible to combine tiles of different metals.

Not all household chemicals are suitable for the care of metal surfaces, and this is perhaps the only drawback, except for the very high cost.

Conclusion

What to make an apron for the kitchen? We think we have fully answered this question. Now it all depends on your preferences, the design of the kitchen set and the interior of the room as a whole. Good luck in your endeavors.

The apron protects the walls in the working area from grease and dirt, steam and heat, while it is always in sight and is the first to catch the eye when entering the kitchen. Therefore, it must be, firstly, simply indestructible, and secondly, beautiful. In this article we will tell you what aprons are, what are the pros and cons various materials, as well as which apron to choose for the kitchen in design and size.

Overview of materials

Ceramic tile

Ceramic tiles are the most popular material for finishing an apron.

Pros: easy to clean, durable, resistant to moisture, fire, alkalis and acids. Tiles are eco-friendly and inexpensive. Among ceramic tiles there is a wide variety of shapes and sizes, textures and designs, and there are a great many ways of laying. The tile can be combined with any countertop, organically fit into both modern and classical interior. If desired, wall tiles can be laid independently.

Cons: a tile apron has a weak point - seams. If the tile itself is cleaned once or twice, then you have to mess with the grout and periodically update it. Another disadvantage is that the laying process is quite messy and requires a level base.

Selection Tips:

• Light tiles + light seams - an impractical combination, as over time the seams darken and look untidy.
• To make the backsplash easy to clean, give preference to a smooth matte tile, rather than glossy and / or embossed.
• To seal the seams of the tile backsplash, you need to use a waterproof grout designed for kitchens.
• For classic kitchens square small-format tiles are more suitable, as well as tiles with a pattern under majolica .

• The most versatile option for designing a kitchen apron is a boar format tile.

• To diversify a simple tiled apron, decorative inserts as in the photo below, borders and mosaic accents will help.

Mosaic

Mosaic can be made from ceramic, porcelain stoneware, glass, smalt, stone and metals, and sometimes from all of these materials at the same time. Mosaic for sale already folded on a grid-matrix.

Pros: strength (especially smalt mosaics), the possibility of facing a curved or simply not too flat surface, the ability to compose a complex and unique artistic composition.

Cons: a large number of seams, high price (higher than for ceramic tiles), a little more complexity and high cost of installation, especially when laying a complex pattern.

Selection Tips:

• If you want to save money, use mosaics in combination with ceramic tiles, as, for example, in this interior in the photo below.

Combined mosaic and tile kitchen apron

• Mosaics can be replaced by “mosaic-like” tiles, which are both cheaper and easier to install.

Artificial and natural stone

Most often, tiles (slabs) made of natural / artificial granite or marble about 2 cm thick are used to finish the apron.

Advantages of granite: due to its density and hardness, granite is durable, not afraid of fire and temperature changes, does not absorb moisture and dirt. The color of a granite apron can have a very different shade - gray-pink (the most common and inexpensive), yellow, blue, brown, red, black and almost white.

Cons of granite: high price, the need for professional installation. Granite purchased from an unscrupulous manufacturer may be radioactive.

Advantages of marble: marble apron is perhaps the most beautiful. Domestic marble can be relatively inexpensive.

Cons of a marble apron: marble has a high moisture absorption, which is why it absorbs grease and dirt. Shine is lost over time, and some stains, for example, from rust or beet juice, may simply not be washed off.

Advantages of artificial stone (agglomerate): ease of care, strength, seamlessness of the finished apron, a variety of colors and textures, the possibility of restoration.

Cons of artificial stone: high price (higher than porcelain stoneware, ceramics, glass).

MDF and chipboard

It is not practical, not safe and expensive to use wood for finishing an apron, so it is replaced with budget imitations - MDF or laminated chipboard. The thickness of such an apron can be from 4 to 15 mm. As a rule, MDF and chipboard are matched to the countertop.

Pros: the ability to design an apron to match a wooden or stone countertop, low price, easy and quick installation even on a curved wall, ease of maintenance.

Cons: MDF and chipboard are not suitable for finishing the area behind the stove (especially gas), firstly, because of the high flammability, and secondly, because of the sensitivity to aggressive cleaning. Therefore, these materials are combined with a stainless steel insert or a glass screen. Another disadvantage of the MDF / chipboard backsplash is the presence of seams between the sheets, which are closed by moldings and corners, which complicates the cleaning of the kitchen and does not look too good.

Metal

Pros: Matte and slightly textured stainless steel is very easy to maintain. Neither scratches, nor grease, nor cleaning products are terrible for her. Stainless steel apron is very durable and wear-resistant.

Cons: polished (not matte) steel, although very beautiful, is too impractical, because it easily leaves fingerprints, stains from water drops and scratches. In addition, a metal apron is only suitable for modern kitchens.

glass apron

To decorate the kitchen apron, they use not simple glass, but tempered glass, as it is stronger on impact and safer. If you try hard and break the glass, then it will not break into sharp fragments, but into small and smooth pebbles. A glass apron is hung on special dowels with decorative plugs.

Cons: the glass apron is only made to order exactly under individual sizes, you won't be able to cut it at the installation stage. Installation is carried out only by professionals. Another significant drawback of glass is its high cost (from 5,000 rubles per square meter).

Pros: a glass apron can be washed even with a brush and by any means, it does not scratch, is not afraid of fire, sunlight, temperature changes. Service life - about 10 years. Clear glass can be installed over "fragile" finishes such as wallpaper or painted walls, photo collage or posters, brickwork or wood.

And glass is an excellent basis for photo printing. Such an apron is called skinali.

A glass apron is made not only in the form of solid sheets, but also in the form of tiles that can be folded in traditional ways, for example, in a herringbone pattern as in the next interior.

plastic apron

Plastic wall panels are a good solution for a super-budget renovation or kitchen design in a rented apartment or cottage.

Pros: the main advantage is the low price, which allows you to often change the look of the apron. Plastic is easy to clean, mounted independently and even on a curved wall.

Cons: plastic apron is not compatible with gas stove. It is also prone to scratches, abrasion and fading from sunlight. The service life of plastic is only a few years.

• In Ikea, you can purchase a double-sided panel that is installed in special profiles. Such an apron can be changed independently at least every day.

How to choose the color and design of the kitchen apron

Here are some tips to help you choose the right backsplash design and fix some of the kitchen's flaws:

• Most often, an apron is selected under the countertop and they are made either from the same material, for example, stone, or from materials that are as close as possible in color and texture. What else can you navigate when choosing the color and pattern of a kitchen apron? On the color and pattern of facades, walls, floors, curtains and other interior elements.

Blue apron supported by blue accents

The design of the kitchen apron echoes the wallpaper and facades

• A dark apron is the most impractical. Against such a background, dust, drops of water, splashes of grease will be especially noticeable.
• Choosing bright color or a colorful pattern for decorating an apron, remember that the interior should be decorated in a neutral way.
• Want to visually expand a small kitchen? Then design the apron so that it has as many horizontal lines as possible. For example, it can be skinali striped or ceramic tile boar.
• To increase the space and enhance the lighting of the kitchen will help and mirror apron. True, it is suitable only for those who rarely cook and rely on a beautiful appearance, because the mirror is very difficult to keep clean.

• Food looks most appetizing on a warm background, for example, orange, red, yellow.

Determining height and dimensions

The standard height of the kitchen apron is 60 cm, which is convenient for people of medium and tall height. However, if most households are not tall, then it is better to make an apron 45-55 cm high. We also recommend slightly lowering the height of the apron if the upper cabinets open up with door closers. After all, if opening such doors is not difficult, then in order to close them, you have to stand on a stool or do it in a jump.

For a kitchen set, partially or completely without wall cabinets, an apron can be arranged in a standard height or oversized. For example, it can reach the ceiling or occupy about ¾ of the wall. Below are examples of aprons for kitchen sets without wall cabinets.

A kitchen apron is an integral functional and at the same time decorative detail of the interior. In the modern market of building and finishing materials, there is a growing demand for plastic kitchen panels. It should be noted that materials with plastic, including laminated MDF, are in an affordable price category, while there is a significant plus in performance, this is acceptable moisture resistance. Experienced finishers for optimal protection of kitchen walls recommend materials made from tempered glass and are in many ways superior to tiles. It should be noted that tempered glass is characterized by unpretentiousness and the possibility of implementing attractive design ideas. Below we give the arguments of experts about which apron for the kitchen is better to choose: plastic or glass. It will be useful for you to get acquainted with interesting facts.

How to make an apron in the kitchen professionally?

Correct calculation of the size of the apron

When marking the dimensions of the apron, it is necessary to add a couple of centimeters in the right places. This approach is needed so that the protective wall finish goes not only under the countertop, but also under the floor and hanging kitchen cabinets.

lilac design

mirror apron in a minimalist interior

Seam sealing

The kitchen apron should have a flat, smooth surface, excluding noticeable seams. The fact is that particles of dirt and moisture, as a rule, penetrate into the joints, and the cleaning process is quite laborious. To prevent such problems, it is worth using a silicone-based sealant.

mirror apron made of small elements

apron of mirror tiles in two rows

Adding a plinth

The place of contact between the apron and the countertop needs proper protection. For this purpose, a plinth is taken, and in addition to it, the aforementioned silicone sealant. If this point is neglected, then water will inevitably enter the area where the floor cabinets are installed. In such furniture, the back walls are usually represented by a wood-fiber sheet; in a humid environment, it has the property of being abundantly overgrown with mold, deformed and swelled.

apron of mirror tiles in one row

gray beige glossy apron

practical apron

Needed in the kitchen suitable materials. Traditionally, when developing an apron, unglazed ceramic tiles and other porous finishing materials are immediately excluded. When choosing a material, it should be taken into account that fat and moisture are firmly fixed in the pores, surface care is complex, it has a favorable environment for the vital activity of bacteria and dangerous mold.

ceramic tile apron with decor

apron made of small ceramic tiles with patterns

Glass kitchen apron

Expensive tempered glass is a practical and aesthetically attractive material. Such a coating has a number of properties similar to time-tested tiles. The glass apron is extremely easy to clean from dirt, moisture sticking and constant temperature changes do not spoil the coating. The purchase of glass material will cost more than tiles, mosaic wall material, chipboard with plastic and MDF. When calculating the cost of the apron, one should also take into account expensive installation using special fasteners, a specific process for creating holes for railings and sockets.

The skinali apron is ideally fastened with fasteners specially designed for this purpose, without the need to level the wall and even remove the old tile. If glue is used to attach the material to the wall, the wall will need to be leveled, the surface dry and clean.

Attaching glass material to the wall does not involve dirty work, it is carried out quickly. The installation of the apron can only be started after it has been installed kitchen set. Masters carry out the work carefully, it usually takes 2 hours.

glass with large flowers on a dark background

glass with forest scenery

Apron for kitchen made of glass has the following positive qualities:

• long-term operation without damage;
• excellent moisture resistance;
• easy care.

Quality material with UV printed image with good ink has a 5-year warranty. The complete opposite is the budgetary glass imitation coating, made of plexiglass with a pattern on the film. It is necessary to emphasize that grease and water stains and stains are hardly noticeable on the glass backsplash, in this respect the material wins against the background of mosaic or ordinary tiles. A smooth surface without joints is easy to clean, which cannot be said about an apron with an abundance of seams.

glass with white swans on a blue background

glass with green apples and leaves

Plastic kitchen apron

Description, surface preparation and installation of material

We continue to talk about which apron for the kitchen is better to choose: plastic or glass. Next, we describe the properties plastic trim. This option can be called economical. There are several types of material, the most popular are practical boards made of MDF, fiberboard or chipboard, covered with a layer of plastic. The surface imitates wood, mosaic tiles, stone surface. As an alternative, you can choose another type of plastic apron - polycarbonate. Resistant to mechanical and wet factors, MDF boards are inferior to artificial or natural stone covering, mosaic finishing, ceramic tiles, but are sold at an affordable price.

Wooden bars act as the base of the apron, the panels do not adhere to the wall. It follows from this that surface leveling is not required.

MDF panels are easy to work with, installation is accessible to beginners. It is not difficult to create holes for railings and sockets.

fruit plastic apron

plastic apron with bright colors

Main characteristics of the material

Apron for kitchen from plastic panels has the following advantages:

• material durability;
• moisture resistance;
• easy care.

It is noticed that high-quality material from MDF and plastic can serve without problems for several years. True, the service life is less than that of glass and tiles. plastic apron based on MDF is more resistant to a humid environment than chipboard panels, but loses in this sense to stone, mosaic, tile and glass backsplash. To avoid damage, it is worth thoroughly processing the edge, hiding the joints with the countertop with a high-quality skirting board. Housewives note simple surface care: a smooth and even apron has no joints, it is well washed with a sponge or soft microfiber.

plastic apron with large white flowers

plastic apron with coffee beans

In addition to the considered options for finishing a kitchen backsplash, today the following are common: ceramic tiles, natural stone, natural wood, metal, artificial stone or marble, laminate panels, postforming sheets of chipboard and plastic, mosaic tiles, mirror material, plexiglass and panels with built-in lighting .