What to make a kitchen apron inexpensively. Kitchen apron - do-it-yourself budget

Water, dust and other negative influences. To work wall there are a number of requirements, incl. high strength and practicality, ease of care, the ability to withstand moisture and high temperatures. In addition, the apron should have good external data, as it occupies a significant part of the kitchen. What materials can be used to finish the work wall in the kitchen, what are their main advantages, and what else should be considered when choosing a finishing material?

No. 1. What materials can be used to finish the apron?

To all the requirements for the material of the kitchen apron described above, it is worth adding that it must have the smoothest possible surface and be low-porous. Due to this, the ability of the material to absorb moisture decreases, and ease of maintenance, on the contrary, increases.

Today to organize the apron use the following materials:

• ceramic tile;
• mosaic;
• glass;
• PVC panels;
• natural and decorative stone;
• MDF panels;
• metal;
• plaster, paint and other materials.

Each of these materials has its own advantages, disadvantages and features, and then we will dwell on the characteristics of each of them.

No. 2. Ceramic tiles: timeless classics

Most of us still choose to finish the backsplash, and for good reason. This one of the best and most practical options, a it has a lot of advantages:

• high strength;
• heat resistance;
• ease of care;
• a huge assortment: you can choose a tile of any size, color and with any pattern;
• , which, with a certain skill, can even be performed independently.

With the help of tiles, you can create a variety of effects, for example, using a material of a certain color: decorative tiles you can select a zone near the stove or sink, and lay out the rest with simpler tiles. It should be noted that in relief ceramic tiles and dirt can accumulate in the tile joints, so it is better to choose the smoothest possible material, and make the joints thin or varnish them. When combining tiles above the work area and other types of finishes in the rest of the kitchen, it is better not to stop at one color. Working area better color separate from the dining area in the kitchen, thus performing spectacular zoning.

No. 3. Mosaic: room for imagination

It's all General characteristics mosaics, because it can be different types and made from different materials.

• ceramic mosaic repeats all the characteristics of ceramic tiles, only from tiles 2 * 2 cm in size you can lay out any patterns you like;
• glass mosaic perfectly shows itself in operation, as it is completely inert to the effects of moisture and fire. In addition, this material may slightly change color depending on the lighting conditions, which makes it even more unique;
• stone mosaic it is quite rare due to the high price, and caring for it is difficult;
• metal mosaic quite durable and practical, but you can’t hope for a variety of shades and colors.

Of the minuses of the mosaic can be noted the complexity of the installation process and, in some cases, the cost. A perfectly flat surface is needed, and it should be treated very carefully so that dirt does not accumulate in them. Otherwise, it is an excellent material for finishing an apron in the kitchen.

No. 4. Glass: unusual and spectacular

Glass has been used to finish kitchen aprons not so long ago, but in vain. This is an excellent material that meets all the requirements put forward for this area. Glass panels with a pattern printed on them are also called. They are made of thick tempered glass and decorated in various ways: sandblasted, placed inside a 3D polycarbonate material or using UV printing. Sandblasting involves the impact on the surface of the glass of small abrasive particles under high pressure, as a result of which it is possible to obtain a relief three-dimensional pattern, and for an even more effective result, some areas can be painted with colored enamels. With the help of UV printing, you can also get realistic beautiful images, and apply any ornaments and colors to glass.

Main advantages this method finishes:

• high strength, because tempered glass is used, which is difficult to break, and even with a strong blow it is not able to injure anyone, because it shatters into fragments with blunt edges;
• practicality and ease of care, resistance to aggressive detergents, while appearance surface remains unchanged for many years;
• absolute seamlessness of the coating, which ensures excellent hygiene, because dirt will not accumulate in the seams and microorganisms will not develop;
• a unique appearance, because you can apply absolutely any image: even fruits, even a picture, even your own photo.

As we see, glass panels, or skinali, have high performance and external characteristics, but are not used so often due to high material cost and work on organizing the apron in this way. Though glass apron and just wash, but you have to do it regularly, because all splashes and stains are clearly visible on its surface. It will be very difficult to change the image if desired, and you will have to completely think over the interior in advance, because if it turns out later that you need to organize railing in the area working area, then it won't work. But the glass apron can be very effectively illuminated, and it will acquire a 3D effect.

No. 5. PVC panels: cheap and practical

Use for finishing a kitchen apron is one of the cheapest ways organize the working area. In addition to the price, this material has many other benefits:

• ease of installation, because almost everyone can handle it;
• ease of care, the panels are very easy to clean and withstand even the effects of aggressive chemicals;
• moisture resistance;
• durability, and plastic does not lose its original appearance over time;
• ability withstand temperatures up to 115 0 С, but before buying it is important to inquire about the fire resistance of the material;
• seams between panels can be decorated with special corners, which can even be matched to the railing or kitchen furniture.

Plastic panels do not shine with a variety of colors: you can choose the right material for the interior of the kitchen, but it will be far from unique, and it is quite possible that you will find exactly the same in the neighboring kitchen. But it's not so scary. Much worse than plastic panels scratch easily so you have to be careful when handling them.

No. 6. PVC film - a temporary solution

If you need to make a quick and inexpensive temporary repair, then it makes sense to look at the PVC film. For a while, just before you do a normal repair, it can last just fine. Her main advantage is low cost. In addition, the range of colors of such films is simply huge: natural materials, landscapes, ornaments, etc. You can cope with the gluing of such material on your own, the film is resistant to mechanical damage, but on this it pros are running out.

This material is able to gradually fade under the influence of sunlight, it is afraid of high temperatures, and if damaged, it cannot be restored. It can be used as a temporary kitchen finish, but it is not suitable for permanent use.

No. 7. MDF panels: a budget and practical option

No. 8. Natural and artificial stone

A natural stone it is extremely rarely used to organize an apron, but if it is used, it is often granite. Although the material is moisture resistant, withstands high temperatures, it is heavy and expensive, and requires special care. Often a stone apron is created in continuation to.

Alternative to natural stone artificial analogue, which is inferior only in terms of strength, but wins in all other characteristics. Artificial stone can imitate any kind of natural, it looks great in the interior. In addition, it is moisture resistant, withstands high temperatures, stains of grease and various products will not leave a trace on it, and in terms of maintenance, it is quite simple. At the same time, its price and weight are much lower than that of natural stone, therefore the working wall can be safely finished in this way.

No. 9. Mirror: original but troublesome

The minuses of a mirror apron are probably more than pluses although the issue must be considered on a case-by-case basis. The ability to reflect and double the area of ​​​​a room can play a cruel joke: the amount of dirty dishes will also be doubled. There is often high humidity in the kitchen, so the mirror may fog up, and its appearance deteriorates. But the mirror will look much worse when splashed with water and grease. Of course, it is not difficult to wipe it and put it in order, but such a procedure with active cooking will have to be carried out constantly.

No. 10. Metal: ideal for high-tech style

The metal apron will only fit into interior in. Pros such a decision weight: durability, resistance to fire and water, chemicals . At the same time, you have to put up with the fact that on the metal all splashes are clearly visible, streaks, spots. They will need to be wiped down regularly to keep the finish looking its best, but it's not that difficult, especially since you can get rid of dirt pretty quickly.

Main disadvantage such a finish lies in its cold appearance, and there are very few possible colors. It is important to think over the interior of the kitchen very well so that such an apron looks really organic and stylish. Moreover, this material reflects light very well, so you need to think over the lighting system so as not to get a room with an abundance of glare and sunbeams.

No. 11. How to organize a kitchen apron in an original way?

kitchen apron can paint or, of course, with maximum water resistance, but if you cook something more or less often, then this option is not suitable, especially if we are talking about light colors.

In addition to all the methods described above to organize a working wall, there is also lots of unusual, creative options that will emphasize your individuality and make the kitchen unique. Here are just a few of them:

• use broken and whole pieces of ceramic tiles and dishes. First you will need to lay out all the fragments on the floor or on the table, and then carefully mount them on the wall. It comes out stylish and original;
• remnants of parquet may also come in handy. It is fixed on a sheet of moisture-resistant chipboard, for example, with a herringbone, and near the hob, a panel of transparent tempered glass is additionally mounted on top to secure the material in the most critical zone;
• wine corks- an excellent option for organizing the space of a kitchen apron, however, you will need a lot of them - about 1000 for an apron, 2 meters long. They can be cut in half lengthwise to be used more economically, and it will be easier to attach them in this way. You can cut the cork across, and also get the original effect. It is better to glue them not on the wall, but on a sheet of moisture-resistant chipboard, in order to further facilitate the dismantling process. Such an apron is covered with tempered glass in order to maintain the performance necessary for the working area with its original appearance. Finding so many traffic jams is not as difficult as it seems: you can ask around in bars and restaurants or even search on bulletin boards; seems wild, but if you cover them with a glass panel, then everything falls into place. You can use any

A kitchen apron is a special coating located near the working area and providing wall protection. However, the apron in the interior of the kitchen is not only a functional surface, but also important element kitchen interior decor.

Of course, moisture and grease accumulate on the wall along the workplace from regular cooking.

Accordingly, this zone should be made of materials that are as resistant to moisture, grease, chemicals and elevated temperatures as possible. At the same time, the apron should organically fit into the kitchen interior and be easily cleaned.

Therefore, when repairing a kitchen, the question often arises, which apron to choose for the kitchen? What finishing materials are best to use?

The classic option - tile

Tile for the kitchen on the apron is the most popular material. This is due to the fact that the tile has the following properties:

• Increased resistance to household chemicals;
• The absence of difficulties in care;
• Increased density, due to which fat is repelled;
• Increased resistance to temperature extremes and moisture resistance.

Its attractive appearance and a wide range of types, among which there are not only matte and glossy options, but also smooth, embossed surfaces of a wide variety of colors, shapes, patterns and sizes, make this material one of the most sought after.

Ceramic apron for the kitchen is practical and beautiful. With the help of tiles, you can make any kitchen interior fashionable and stylish.

Moreover, every year manufacturers release a huge number of new collections, not only in different colors, patterns and shapes, but also in textures. With the help of modern ceramic tiles, you can create original design kitchens.

Mosaic

The design, which uses a mosaic for the kitchen on an apron, looks elegant and luxurious.

At the same time, a rich variety of materials is used to finish the kitchen backsplash, including ceramics, pieces of glass, smalt and metal plates.

However, the creation of a mosaic panel in the working area of ​​​​the kitchen is not an easy task and, most often, only a specialist can do it.

At the same time, recently ready-made mosaic sets appeared on the market, which include a special mesh, using the mesh you can make an original mosaic-type apron yourself.

A natural stone

A huge variety of solutions for finishing the kitchen backsplash in the photo presented in the catalog allows you to implement any designer's idea, but natural stone stands out among them. However, to create an organic design, it is necessary that the countertop is also made of stone.

When deciding how to arrange an apron in a kitchen made of natural stone, first of all, you need to decide which stone is needed for decoration.

So, granite is distinguished by hardness and density, as well as a huge number of shades, starting from the most popular pink-gray, ending with a rare blue color. This material is characterized by increased strength, resistance to low temperatures and moisture resistance.

Another material that is widely used in finishing kitchen work areas is marble. This stone has a porous structure and a large number of microcracks. From the point of view of practicality, not the best material, however, its beautiful appearance makes it in demand.

When finishing aprons, it is rare to find such a material as basalt, because it is less attractive and heavy. However, he has excellent operational characteristics.

Tree

Recently, eco-friendly materials such as natural wood. When finishing aprons, the following types of wood materials are usually used:

MDF. It has increased resistance to microorganisms and fungi, is not subject to mechanical stress and is moisture resistant.

Laminate. It is easy to mount, looks attractive, but does not have moisture resistance.

Array. Its main advantage is that it can be used to make a luxurious design, however, this material is susceptible to high temperatures, prone to pollution and has low moisture resistance, this design solution can be seen in the photo of the kitchen apron in the catalog.

glass apron

An apron made of tempered glass will look elegant and sophisticated in the kitchen, which has increased impact resistance, fire resistance, resistance to mechanical and chemical stress, and it will not be difficult to take care of such an apron.

A glass apron is convenient in that it can be used in the interior not only as a simply transparent material that will emphasize the luxurious finish of wall surfaces, as in the photo modern kitchen with a fashionable apron from the catalog, but also to make a pattern on the glass, thereby making the design of the kitchen more interesting.

You can also use a combined method, in which two glasses are connected by a thin colored film.

Photos of new apron for the kitchen

An apron is a covering of a part of the wall between the upper and lower cabinets of a kitchen set. Its task is to protect the wall from moisture, hot steam, grease, splashes and any pollution. To make it easier for you to choose, we have compared the most practical and effective workspace finishes according to five important criteria. Professional advice on what to make an apron for the kitchen, comparison the best materials and real photos of beautiful aprons - in this article.

Correct dimensions

• Usually kitchen apron height varies from 45 to 60 centimeters. How high it should be in your case depends on the height of the household, the type of stove and the type of headset. It is more convenient for a low hostess to hang the upper modules lower, leaving 40-55 cm between the tabletop and the lower edge of the cabinets. The edges of the finishing material should go under the lower / upper cabinets for a couple of centimeters.

• As for the width, most often decorative coating cover the entire wall worktop- from edge to edge of kitchen furniture. If you wish, you can limit yourself to small protective inserts only in the sink and hob area.
• In a kitchen with a gas stove, the distance between the hob and the hood should be at least 75-80 cm. Consider this ledge in the design of the kitchen.
• Kitchen set apron without upper cabinets should be brought to the ceiling.

We select color and design

• Decide in advance which apron is better to choose for the kitchen - a bright accent or neutral, which will only become a backdrop for a beautiful set.
• A white backsplash (plain or with mosaic inserts, bright tiles and ceramic decors) is easy to combine with a kitchen of any color. Other neutral tones are also popular: milky, creamy, beige, light gray, champagne and ivory.
• A dark glossy finish is impractical: drops of water and splashes of grease on it will be especially noticeable.

Photos of kitchen aprons: top 5 best materials

Ceramic tile

The best option in terms of price, quality, durability and convenience. In the decoration of the apron, glazed wall tiles are more often used, less often thin and light porcelain stoneware. The most popular formats are 10x10, 15x15, 20x30 and 20x40 cm, as well as a different-sized "boar".

In the photo: an example of a stylish 10x10 cm tile apron with a patchwork pattern (Baiker collection from Bayker)

The tile has many decors for different tastes and any budget. The surface of ceramics can imitate the texture of stone, wood, metal, concrete.

When choosing a tile for the kitchen on an apron, take a closer look at its texture: rough and embossed is difficult to keep clean, so you should give preference to glossy smooth.

Price. Making a ceramic apron will cost more than plastic, but much cheaper than glass and acrylic stone. In addition to the cost of the material, do not forget to include the cost of leveling compound, glue, grout, sealant and craftsmen in the calculation.

Installation . Laying should be entrusted to a professional. The work area in a kitchen of any size is always the center of attention, and laying tiles flawlessly without experience is not easy. An important point: ceramics is for a long time. If the design does not like it, it will not be easy to change it.

Durability . Will easily last you 15 years or more.

Moisture resistance. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Care . ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Modern design ideas and photos of aprons for the kitchen from tiles in real interiors we have compiled below:

The original idea of ​​​​an apron on the wall in the kitchen-living room with a modern interior
Traditional decoration Provence style kitchen design

Options for a bright kitchen with an apron made of photo tiles

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Strained glass

When choosing a picture or photo in the catalog for an apron for a glass kitchen, consider the color of the facades

A beautiful and practical material, which in many properties is not inferior to ceramics. In the care of a glass apron is easier than it is commonly thought, and heat and moisture do not spoil its appearance.

The kitchen uses durable tempered glass 6 and 8 mm thick with different designs: transparent, painted, tinted, frosted and decorated with photo printing.

Price. Such a finish can hardly be called a budget one: glass panels with photo printing (skins) are noticeably more expensive than tiles and mosaics, not to mention plastic. In addition to the cost of manufacturing an apron, glass and the necessary fasteners, you will have to pay extra for the design (the photo from the catalog will probably need to be finalized), color proofs, installation, cutting holes for sockets and other services that are not obvious to an inexperienced buyer. Most inexpensive option- a transparent protective screen, the wall behind which can be painted with paint or pasted over with beautiful wallpaper.

Installation . The main advantage of a glass apron is the speed of installation and the absence of "dirty" work - the whole process takes a couple of hours.

Durability . Contrary to the fears of many, such an apron can decorate your kitchen for a long time without losing its attractive appearance. Some companies give a 5 year warranty. Of course, we are talking about quality product with UV printing with good ink.

Moisture resistance. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Care . ★ ★ ★ ★

Fingerprints, water and grease marks are more noticeable on glass than on tiles. But a smooth panel without joints is much easier to clean than to clean out numerous seams. It is enough to regularly wipe it with a damp sponge and soapy water and from time to time use a glass care product.

By choosing a light glass apron for a small kitchen (as in the photo), you will visually expand a small space

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Plastic

The best choice for economy class headsets and temporary repairs, especially if you are going to do it yourself.

A good assortment of inexpensive plastic kitchen aprons is available in Leroy Merlin, OBI and other construction hypermarkets.

There are two finish options:

• Furniture panel made of MDF, chipboard and fiberboard, lined with decorative HPL plastic - plain or with wood, ceramic, stone, mosaic decor.
• PVC wall panels. Flexible screens are attached to the wall with adhesive and aluminum profile. In terms of practicality and durability, they are inferior to MDF and chipboard: they are thinner, lose color faster, they cannot be installed in kitchens with gas hob- are deformed.

Price. The most budget option in our selection. A three-meter plastic panel in the same Leroy Merlin can be purchased for an average of 1.5-2.5 thousand rubles.

Installation. An important advantage of a plastic apron when repairing a kitchen is not complex installation that even a beginner can handle. It is easy to make holes for sockets and rails in it right during the installation process.

Durability . Of all the materials in our review, this type of apron has the shortest lifespan. Compared to other options, it will lose its “face” the fastest and is unlikely to last more than 3-5 years. But it is easy and inexpensive to replace.

Moisture resistance. ★ ★ ★

According to this indicator, it seriously loses to competing materials. But if you take a high-quality MDF apron and close the joints with the countertop with a plinth, you should not be afraid of problems.

Care . ★ ★ ★ ★

It is enough to wipe the plastic apron with a damp microfiber cloth or a soft sponge. Make sure that water does not flood the edges, otherwise the base of the plate may warp and swell.

MDF kitchen apron with photo printing is best complemented with neutral facades and plain finishes

The wood-look laminate worktop and backsplash are easy to combine with a white kitchen

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Mosaic

The contrasting finish of the mosaic apron will make the kitchen design bright and modern: the “chameleon” material looks different depending on the lighting and perfectly assembles the interior together.

Price. Compared to ceramic tiles and porcelain stoneware, mosaics are a less profitable option for decorating an apron. The installation work and the necessary materials will also cost more: you will have to buy special glue and grout. If you want to save money - choose a tile for a mosaic. It is cheaper and greatly simplifies installation.

Installation . Grouting numerous seams is a laborious process: it requires experience, time and great accuracy.

Durability . Will last for many years with no problems. Normal service life quality material- 20-25 years old.

Moisture resistance. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Care . ★ ★ ★ ★

See the photos below for examples of real mosaic kitchen aprons (glass, ceramic, stone, metal):

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Fake diamond

Most often, an apron made of artificial stone is combined with a countertop made of the same material.

Price. Perhaps the most expensive design option for the working area in our selection.

Installation . Requires the work of experienced craftsmen, but there will be no dirt during installation.

Durability . With careful handling, acrylic stone will last you a very long time, but micro-scratches appear over time. To the credit of the material, it is easy to restore: grind cracks and build up chips. After polishing it will be like new.

Moisture resistance. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Care . ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

You can learn more about this finishing material.

Figured corian wall panel
Stone apron is more often chosen for classic kitchen 7 MORE PHOTOS CLOSE

You liked the expensive finishing material, and new renovation do you plan on doing it soon? Do not deny yourself the pleasure - you will admire the beautiful apron every day! Count different variants. Moreover, a typical kitchen needs very little decoration.

An apron for the kitchen is the second thing after furniture in importance, and the first in terms of functionality. It is from him that the convenience of the working area in the kitchen and its appearance will depend in the future. The kitchen apron is designed to protect the most polluted part of the walls, which is in close proximity to water and stoves.

There are a lot of materials from which such kitchen aprons are made, but ceramic tiles have been holding the lead for many years.

Ceramic tile

Thanks to their excellent performance ceramic tile is easy to clean, it is not afraid of high temperatures and is resistant to mechanical stress. Ceramic backsplash has one more indisputable advantage over competing materials: it has such a wide choice of both colors and textures that it is easy to create the illusion of any desired material.

A ceramic kitchen apron can perfectly imitate wood, leather, metal or stone. And no one will even guess that in front of him is a ceramic tile familiar to everyone.

Tiles are most often found in the interior, since their unpretentiousness in care and durability have already been proven, and no one will doubt their durability.

Advice! When choosing a tile, you need to take into account its texture. Too elaborate and complex texture will be more difficult to clean, and cleanliness in the kitchen is a guarantee of health.

There are no more special requirements for tiles. You can safely choose any color you like, combining textures and playing with shades.

Advantages of tiles

• Most of the collections on the market have stable characteristics to temperature changes, are not afraid of mechanical damage and do not lose color brightness. Unlike other materials, microcracks will never appear on a kitchen apron made of tiles.
• The tile practically does not need special care, it is enough to clean it regularly with mild soap solutions or special cosmetics. Ceramic tiles are not afraid of any pollution, due to the fact that a dense layer of glaze does not let through any ordinary liquid or caustic substances, and helps to clean without the slightest effort.

Disadvantages of tiles

• There are seams of porous material between the tiles. This significantly reduces the hygienic properties of ceramics. (See how to fix below.

Advice! In order to increase the hygienic properties of ceramics, smooth grouting of joints between ceramic tiles is carried out. Then it is additionally covered with a protective varnish.

Plastic

Plastic has an optimal ratio of cost, practicality and quality. In the production of plastic aprons, panels made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are used.

The main advantages of which are:

• pollution resistance and durability;
• strength;
• ease of installation;
• aesthetic appearance.

Advantages and disadvantages

• This apron is resistant to hot steam and moisture.
• The indisputable advantage is the relative cheapness in comparison with other analogues, for example, made of stone or tile.
• However, it should be borne in mind that when cleaning the worktop, the use of abrasive materials should be avoided, as this can lead to scratches and significantly spoil the overall good impression of the kitchen.
• It is also necessary to protect the panels from exposure to open fire, as this will lead to their irreversible deformation.

Cleaning and maintenance

• When choosing an apron, you should stop at a single sheet of plastic without seams, because dirt and grease accumulated in the seams are difficult to remove during cleaning and worsen the appearance.
• Maintenance and cleaning of a plastic apron does not require special detergents, since ordinary soapy water and a damp sponge are quite suitable, and ease of maintenance can save a lot of time when cleaning.

Material safety

• When choosing panels, pay attention to environmental safety raw materials, because in the manufacture of a high-quality apron, the same polyvinyl chloride should be used, which is used in the manufacture of dishes intended for storing food.
• If this requirement is met, you can not worry about the health and well-being of your household.

A plastic kitchen apron has a number of indisputable advantages over analogues from other materials, however, when making a final decision, in any case, you will have to be guided only by your taste, preferences and financial capabilities.

glass apron

Glass apron broke into the interior and took a leading position. With its help, a room for cooking and eating can turn into a design masterpiece, even if a professional was not standing nearby, and all decor elements were invented and discussed at a family council of people far from architectural innovations.

Someone can twist a finger at the temple and say with disdain that glass is a fragile material and glass aprons are an impractical and short-lived design. But this is far from being the case.

Today's technologies make it possible to endow glass with such properties that it will easily give odds to mosaic or ceramic coating. Moreover, the originality of the design, which distinguishes a glass kitchen apron from any other, will make all guests turn green with envy and gasp, because you can choose almost any pattern or image.

The main thing is that they meet certain quality requirements. If you want to look at nature every day, choose flower arrangements and landscapes; if you need a working mood - geometric patterns; and if you want something tasty - then definitely fruits or sweets.

Advantages of glass apron

• Skinali - made of durable six-millimeter sheet glass that has undergone special hardening.
• Such an apron does not require a long installation, the whole process takes only a few hours.
• It also does not need specific care: it is enough just to wipe it once a week with a sponge moistened with soapy water.
• The durability and practicality of skinali is optimally combined with its price.
• Photo printing applied to tempered glass does not fade over time, all colors continue to be bright and saturated.
• A drawing can create any style or organically fit into an existing one.

One single drawback

• Requires more frequent maintenance, as dirt on the glass is more visible.

Photo tiles

Anyone who wants to install a kitchen apron with a more modern look chooses a photo tile. Kitchen photo-tile is decorated with the landscape you like or archival family photo. So it is possible to emphasize the individuality and self-sufficiency of the interior, which, according to by and large, no longer requires other frilly details.

Important! It should be remembered that the phototile cannot be cleaned with substances with abrasive elements. Otherwise, microcracks or scratches may appear.

Advantages and disadvantages

• The advantages, of course, include the originality of the result. High-quality phototile is resistant to moisture, as well as to mechanical and chemical influences.
• One of the disadvantages of such a tile is its price. This tile costs a lot. The cheapest is a tile made using the "sublimation" method. This tile is quite bright, but quickly fades. Therefore, for a brightly lit kitchen, it will not be the best option. Either way, it won't last long.
• The disadvantage of phototiles is the possibility of delamination and cracking of the printed layer.

Mirror tiles

In the presence of a small kitchen space, the choice often falls on mirror tiles. This simple technique allows you to visually create the illusion of more space, as if it is expanding.

But caring for such an interior is much more difficult: any print, any drop of water or fat is easily applied and must be constantly washed.

Pros and cons

• Due to the property of reflection, mirror tiles expand the boundaries of the room, making it more spacious and bright.
• It is very difficult to care for such a tile. The tile is very easily soiled and any drop of water or grease is easily applied. Therefore, it must be constantly washed.
• There is another drawback to mirror tiles. Anyone who prefers to install railings and hang various jars and bottles on them should abandon such tiles, since all this doubled kitchen utensils will significantly burden the space. And the effect of visual volume is simply not achieved.

In a house or apartment, good owners practically do not have “secondary” premises, that is, those that can be left unfinished special attention. For example, the kitchen, although it does not belong to the residential area, they still try to arrange it so that it is pleasant to be in it. And besides, in our tradition, the kitchen often becomes a "home club" or a place for receiving the closest friends and girlfriends. So the decoration of this room is always given special attention.

One of the most “problematic” areas of kitchen decoration is the wall along the work surface of the kitchen table, above the stove and sink. Most often, it is made out by the so-called apron, which can be made from a variety of materials. When determining the parameters of this zone and choosing a material, it is necessary to adhere to certain rules. Therefore, when planning a holding, many owners of houses and apartments often wonder what it is better to make an apron from in the kitchen so that it fits well into the interior and is practical to use. Let's try to understand this problem.

Criteria for choosing material for a kitchen apron

It is no secret that various negative influences are exerted on the finishing of the lower part of the wall along the work surface, sinks and stoves. These include high temperatures from the hob, steam, splashes of water, fat, juices from vegetables and fruits. Mechanical effects are not excluded. And this suggests that the material for arranging the apron must meet a number of requirements.

Such requirements include the following:

• High temperature resistance, since the apron also runs along the hob or stove where food is cooked. Therefore, the heat comes not only from the stove itself, but also from the heated dishes.
• Moisture resistance of the material. Steam from cooking food, high humidity and direct splashes of water in the area along kitchen sink, - these factors should not be terrible for the finish covering the wall.
• Ease of cleaning surface of the finishing material. As you know, the working area in the kitchen gets dirty very quickly, so you have to wash it quite often. So that the cleaning process does not take much time and does not require much effort, it is necessary to choose a lining that will not absorb any substances, from fat to natural dyes of vegetables and fruits. In addition, it is easier to remove dirt and grease from a smooth surface of the cladding than from one with a relief pattern, so this should also be considered in advance.
• Hygienic cladding. This criterion can include both the environmental qualities of the material, as well as the ease of cleaning mentioned above and the absence of the possibility of accumulation of greasy and dirty deposits. The trouble is that these layers become a favorable environment for the reproduction of various microflora, including pathogenic bacteria that are dangerous to human health.
• Decorative finish- this is also an important criterion for evaluating the material for the apron, as it sets the design solution for the entire room. The first thing you pay attention to when entering the kitchen is the apron, as it takes pretty big the area of ​​the wall located approximately at eye level. It is very important to think over the optimal color of the finish - it should not strain your eyesight, and the pattern on it, which will be pleasant first of all to the hostess who spends more time in the kitchen than all other family members.

Varieties of materials for a kitchen apron

Not so long ago, there was simply a special variety of materials for decorating the wall of the kitchen working area. As a rule, paint, wallpaper or, in best case, a one-color ceramic tile that was in great short supply. Today, the range of finishing materials is so diverse that, having come to a specialized store, you can get confused when choosing best option. Therefore, it is worth considering different types of finishes and analyze their advantages and disadvantages.

Ceramic tile

Ceramic tiles have long been traditional option for decorating a kitchen apron. It has not lost its popularity even today, especially since the assortment of tiles in specialized stores is constantly growing. The demand for this material is due to its characteristics, which fully meet the criteria for choosing a cladding for a kitchen wall.

Practicality ceramic cladding undeniable, as it has numerous advantages, which include the following:

• moisture resistance . Ceramics has a low porosity, so its structure practically does not absorb moisture - this explains the inertness of the material to the effects of water and steam. If moisture does not linger inside the material, then there is no favorable environment for the reproduction of various bacteria that are harmful to the human body.
• Ease of cleaning . On the glossy surface of this finish, dirt does not linger, the material does not absorb odors, grease, natural coloring substances contained in fruits and vegetables. Therefore, drops of various substances that have fallen on the surface can be wiped off quite easily with using an ordinary damp kitchen sponges. Last resort, household chemicals can be used to clean the surface. The only substance that can damage the surface of ceramic tiles is hydrofluoric acid.
• Weight of ceramic tiles . The manufacturer calculates the weight of the wall tile so that it can easily rest on a vertical surface on a special tile adhesive. Therefore, the process of laying the material is not particularly complicated, and even women's hands can do it.
• Duration of operation . Ceramic tiles can be scratched or chipped only with considerable effort. This material will be destroyed only with a sharp mechanical impact, for example, from a strong accented blow with a metal object.
• Inert to high temperatures . Ceramic tiles do not melt and do not burn when exposed to high temperatures, which is especially important for its location along hob.
• Environmental friendliness . The material, even when heated, does not emit hazardous to humans and environment evaporation.
• Variety in color, pattern and linear dimensions . Today on sale you can find tiles that have different sizes. Moreover, if you remove the exact parameters from the wall surface, then you can choose the cladding in such a way that the amount of waste is minimal. In addition to sizes, you can easily choose the desired color, as well as the pattern and texture on the surface. As you know, a tile can be absolutely smooth or have a certain relief, but everyday care is much more difficult with a relief.
• Variety of style solutions . Modern ceramic tiles are made for laying them in rooms decorated in various styles. So pick her up according to this criterion it won't be hard either.

The material itself has few drawbacks, of course, if it is made in compliance with all technological requirements. But improperly sealed seams between the tiles of the apron can cause moisture to penetrate under the cladding, which can lead to its delamination from the vertical surface. In addition, poorly executed will become a "shelter" for numerous bacteria, mold and fungi.

Therefore, when finishing, it is necessary to take seriously not only laying tiles on the wall, but also seal all the seams between it with the highest quality.

Now, having dealt with the advantages of the material, it is worth considering some of the nuances. This is best done using the example of ready-made aprons, arranged in different styles and from tiles of different sizes and colors.

Prices for ceramic tiles

ceramic tile

• An apron decorated with one-color ceramic tiles is a fairly popular option, as it gives the surface neatness, does not require pattern adjustment and is suitable for any style of kitchen. Therefore, if you want to change the wallpaper or kitchen furniture, the lining of the apron can be left intact if it matches the color scheme for the new design. Colors such as white, beige and black usually go well with any color of furniture and finishes in the rest of the walls in the kitchen.

The disadvantage of a single-color apron is its soiledness, that is, even very slight pollution immediately appears on it. It will have to be wiped down every day after cooking is completed, as every drop will be visible on such a surface.

If a tile of the same color is chosen, then it is better if its surface is smooth, otherwise, over time, it will accumulate in the recesses of the relief pattern difficult to wash out mud mixed with grease.

• Using several colors of tiles in the design of an apron is an equally popular option. However, in this case, the task is complicated by the fact that the shades of the composition must be in harmony with each other. On a light-colored tile, as well as on a one-color apron, all the drops that have fallen 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 lining will look sloppy, and it will be more difficult to clean it.

• A tile that has a pattern traditional for stove tiles is perfect for those housewives who prefer to clean the apron once or twice a week, since small dirt on such a finish will be almost invisible. However, this type of tile can have a smooth surface or an embossed version. A smoother surface will stay cleaner longer and 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 will have to choose between a feeling of comfort and an optical "expansion" of space.

• Mosaic tiles have become an increasingly popular finish for kitchen backsplashes as well as bathrooms in recent years. This type of tile can be one-color, two-color or multi-color, and the cubes different color usually located on the canvas area almost randomly.

The 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 one, mosaic panels have a certain flexibility, since small fragments are fixed on a fiberglass mesh or fiberglass. Therefore, you perform gluing the material quite quickly, and can be carried out not only on even, but also on curved surfaces, as well as on uneven walls, somewhat hiding their flaws.

The advantage of this version of the tile can also be called the fact that it does not have to be cut, resorting to some special tools. It is enough to have ordinary scissors on hand, since it is easy to cut off a fragment of the required size from the main canvas with them, because you will have to cut not the tile itself, but the base on which it is fixed.

After the mosaic tiles are 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 grout of the selected color.

The mosaic version can be used to decorate the entire space of an apron or in combination with ordinary tiles, as a frame for a composition or interspersed with 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 gets dirty rather quickly and is difficult to clean. When laying tiles of large sizes, this drawback is minimized.

Mosaic tiles prices

mosaic tiles

• Finishing the apron with ceramic tiles with the installation of a thematic panel between them, one or more, always looks elegant. The main thing is that in color, pattern and relief, the composition fits well into overall design kitchens.

In specialized stores you can find various options similar panels and tiles that go with them in the complex. Laying the cladding purchased in the kit is much easier, as the manufacturer provides all the sizes of the necessary parts, so you do not have to cut the whole tile, adjusting it to frame the artistic insert. It is important to choose an option that will be in harmony with the chosen style for, only in this case, such a finish will look harmonious.

The panel and tiles for it can have both a smooth and embossed surface. When choosing a relief, you must be prepared for daily cleaning of grease and dirt.

If you are thinking of just such an option for designing an apron, then you need to inquire in advance about the prices for such artistic inserts. Very often they are even more expensive than the rest of the wall cladding.

The variety of options for ceramic tiles that can be found on sale does not allow us to cover all the options with a description. Therefore, the design decision is usually chosen by the hostess of the house. Well, the ease of use and cleaning, as well as all the "pros" and "cons" of this popular material, were indicated above.

Natural and artificial stone

Some homeowners, when planning the design of the kitchen, prefer natural or natural ceramic tiles to ordinary ceramic tiles. fake diamond. This category of materials includes porcelain stoneware slabs, polished blocks of natural rocks, gypsum or concrete tiles imitating the texture and color scheme natural stone. It should be noted that some of the options used to arrange the apron perform their functions perfectly, but some materials are not recommended.

For example, porcelain stoneware, large pebbles, polished in natural conditions, as well as clinker tiles, have row positive qualities , fully complying with the requirements for materials for arranging an apron:

• Resistance to high temperatures, as well as to their differences.
• Moisture resistance - indicator moisture absorption is porcelain stoneware, 0.05%, clinker tiles 0.2÷0.3%. Therefore, natural stone, as well as fired and glazed clay, is not afraid of either steam or water.
• The hygiene of the material, since it is easily cleaned, it does not create favorable conditions for the development of colonies of pathogenic bacteria.
• The durability of the stone finish - it will serve smoothly until the hostess gets bored.
• Aesthetic appearance allows you to use these materials in various style solutions.
• Ecological purity of natural materials.

The few but important "cons" include the high price of these finishing materials, low maintainability, as well as the rather complicated installation of stone cladding.

But marble slabs - on the contrary, are not recommended to be used for decorating a kitchen apron, despite their external attractiveness. The external impression is deceptive, and marble is a very porous material, so it will absorb moisture, kitchen dirt, and odors. Under the influence of a complex of negative influences facing stone begins to collapse, and its appearance loses its presentability.

Prices for porcelain stoneware slabs

porcelain stoneware

• Porcelain stoneware is an artificially created material from natural ingredients with the use of some additives, due to which its strength is many times higher than this parameter of natural granite. Porcelain stoneware is rarely used for facing an apron, since the price for it is quite high. In addition, the plates made from it have a very solid mass, which greatly complicates their laying on vertical surfaces. Therefore, most often when choosing for finishing this particular material, in the absence of experience independent cladding they don’t carry out - they trust its masonry to experienced craftsmen.

• It looks very interesting on the wall such material as large pebbles that do not have sharp corners. If such a cladding is used, then the owners have the opportunity to hide the unevenness of the wall surface, since the stones are embedded in concrete mortar or adhesive composition made from cement. Technology arranging an apron made of a round stone of this size- quite simple, and it is quite possible to do it yourself.

The process includes several steps:

- Cleaning the wall from the old cladding.

- Application of notches on the cleaned surface - so that the solution has increased adhesion to the surface.

- Processing, which will create good adhesion for materials, and protect the wall from fungal infection.

- Application, on the wall of the solution. It is best to use a ready-made adhesive used for laying tiles. The layer thickness should be about 10 mm.

- Stones are pressed into the solution applied to a small section of the wall, so that only one side of the laid fragment remains on the surface.

— The stones are stacked tightly to each other.

- At the beginning of the setting of the solution, its excess must be removed from visible side stones with a damp sponge. The seams between them can be smoothed by hand in rubber glove by soaking it in water.

- After the glue has completely hardened, the stone apron must be primed again.

- Then the apron is covered with a heat-resistant transparent or black varnish, which is used for painting metal furnaces.

- Varnish applied to pebbles will make its color more juicy, and will also significantly reduce the time it takes to clean it from trapped grease and kitchen fumes.

It should be noted that natural stone may have different color shades, but they are all perfectly combined with each other. Due to such harmony, the apron will look aesthetically pleasing and original.

If desired, tiles imitating natural stone can also be used for lining the apron. This material is most often made of gypsum, which perfectly absorbs moisture. Therefore, when using such a material and striving to keep it in its original form for the longest possible time, it is recommended to impregnate the tile with a primer and then varnish it. In addition, it is best to protect the masonry from the hob with heat-resistant glass, which will be much easier to clean from greasy drops and fumes than artificial stone.

Glass kitchen aprons

A high-quality kitchen apron is often made of heat- and shock-resistant glass, which has large enough thickness. In recent years, glass has become increasingly popular for decorating the entire kitchen interior and splashback in particular. And this can be easily explained by the fact that this type of finish combines all the qualities that are necessary for the specifics of the kitchen.

The advantages of glass cladding include its following qualities:

• Absolute moisture resistance of the material.
• Ecological purity.
• Heat resistance.
• Inertness to temperature changes.
• Elegant and effective appearance.
• Variety of patterns and colors.
• Hygienic material - it absolutely does not absorb odors, grease and dirt.
• The ability to use the material in any from existing kitchen interior design styles.
• The durability of the material, ate to protect it from a concentrated shock load.

The disadvantages of this material include its high cost and rather large weight, which greatly complicates the installation of the glass panel. In order for the work to be done correctly, and the apron was not damaged during its installation, it is recommended to entrust this process to specialists.

In addition, panels are most often made to order. At the same time, the master should be provided with the most accurate parameters of the product, as well as information about what material the wall of the house is built from - this is necessary to determine the type and attachment points of the apron. In the absence of correct data, during installation work installing a glass panel can be quite difficult.

Due to the fact that the aprons offered for sale are made of ordinary and tempered glass, this factor must be taken into account when choosing it. Products made from ordinary thick glass are less reliable, since the material can burst when heated to high temperatures. Tempered glass is designed specifically for high heat.

To ensure complete safety of the working area, a glass apron is most often made of whole piece glass, which also requires some skill during installation work.

Prices for kitchen aprons

kitchen apron

There are several different types of glass aprons according to the design solution:

• Clear glass . This version of the apron is protective and is used to close decorative finishes wall along the worktop. Thus, the wall cladding will be clearly visible, but protected from contamination. Glass, which has the necessary hardening, is easy enough to clean from any contaminants, except for burnt sugar. Using this version of the glass apron, the wall can be decorated with any material, even paper wallpaper you like.

The advantage of a transparent glass panel is that the cladding located behind the screen can be changed during the next cosmetic repairs, changing the style of the kitchen interior. To do this, the apron is temporarily dismantled, removing the fasteners, cleaning the wall of the old coating, then revetting the surface with new material. After that, the glass apron returns to its place. And again - the temporary dismantling and return of the panel to its place is best left to professionals.

If there is no desire or opportunity to install a glass transparent apron along the entire countertop, then you can fix it only near the hob, since most of all greasy spots and vapor falls on the vertical surface of the wall during heat treatment. You can do the same in the area with a kitchen sink.

• Apron made from frosted glass , which is often called satin, can also be used in combination with wall cladding. But the base finish in this approach should have a bright color so that the outlines of its patterns appear through the glass surface. The outlines will not be clearly visible, and thus the effect of soft blurring of the lines of objects depicted on the cladding will be created.

Such a kitchen apron looks quite original and aesthetically pleasing, therefore it is able to decorate any kitchen design option.

If the space between the glass and the wall allows, then small elements with a bright color can be placed in it, for example, artificial flowers or branches with a bright color. green or yellow leaves. In this case, discreet lighting will also be useful, which is able to highlight the contours of decorative objects.

It is best to turn the frosted side of the glass towards the wall, as it is very difficult to remove dirty stains and drops of any origin from it.

The cost of frosted glass is approximately twice the price of its transparent version.

• Glass apron having one color. The color design may vary, be bright or "muted", pastel - these characteristics are selected depending on the desire of the customer and the intended design solution in the design of the kitchen. A single-color version of the apron, especially if it has a light color, will visually expand the space of the room, as part of its area and interior items will be reflected in its surface.

Decorating with color can be done using a film glued on the back of the glass or by coloring it. Moreover, the coloring is carried out using a special technology, which consists in applying special enamel to the glass, after which the panels are exposed to high temperatures, that is, the hardening process takes place. After this treatment, the glass becomes stronger and more durable. Colored tempered glass is otherwise called stemalite.

The disadvantage of this material is that all dirty and greasy drops will be clearly visible on it. Therefore, if you plan to maintain perfect cleanliness in the kitchen, then a single-color glass apron will have to be washed almost daily.

• Illuminated glass aprons - This is a spectacular design of the kitchen space. To illuminate a film with a selected pattern or photo collage pasted on the back surface of the glass, LED devices are used that are specially designed for this purpose. They are embedded in profiles located at the top and bottom of the panel. Highlighting creates the effect of expanded space and becomes decorative element that draws the eye. At the same time, all other surfaces with kitchen accessories located on them remain in the background and are secondary.
• In addition, it often creates special comfortable conditions for cooking work, illuminating the countertop.

Naturally, this option, due to the installation of electrical appliances, will have a higher cost.

• Glass aprons decorated with photo printing Yu. This option is one of the most popular, as it has a special aesthetics. And besides, many photos and drawings used to decorate the panels can visually expand the small space of the kitchen. The technology for designing transparent panels consists in gluing a film onto the glass from the back, that is, the side of the film facing the wall, on which the selected image is applied using special equipment.

The advantages of this option include a variety of choices of drawings and photographs, as well as the possibility of highlighting such panels, which will make them even more decorative.

The disadvantage of panels with photo printing is that if they are accidentally damaged, you will have to change the entire composition completely. While when choosing a one-color option in a similar situation, the damaged part of the glass can often be cut out and replaced with a separate fragment of the same color.

• Mirror glass apron can be arranged from large panels, mirror mosaic tiles, as well as medium-sized tiles with various shapes. The originality of this design is undeniable, but the mirror surface will have to be cleaned almost daily, just like transparent glass. Any pollution on it also gives a reflection, which exacerbates the effect of sloppiness.

In addition, a reflective surface can be called an “extreme” option, since not every person’s psyche is able to withstand a constantly moving image, which will be necessarily noticeable with peripheral vision.

However, due to the reflection in the mirror of the entire room, even a cramped kitchen will visually appear much larger than it really is.

Aprons made of plastic panels

Recently, special plastic panels have appeared in hardware stores designed to create a kitchen apron. They are usually made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

Prices for plastic panels

plastic panels

On the market you can find panels that have one color, with a pattern or photograph printed on them, as well as imitating mosaic tiles. In their original form, the panels look quite attractive, and due to their low price, they attract increased attention from consumers. But it should be noted that this is often a misleading impression, since this material is precisely in the appendix to kitchen conditions has many disadvantages. However, it is quite suitable for those homeowners who are limited in funds or who often like to change the design of the premises of an apartment or house.

Plastic panels produced in several forms. Firstly, it can be the special sheets mentioned above specifically for arranging an apron. Secondly, PVC lining can also act in this capacity, which many homeowners also use to decorate the wall of the working area. Whichever version of PVC products is chosen, it must be said that it will show itself over time, most likely not from the best side, simply because of its physical-operational characteristics.

To figure out why experts do not advise choosing plastic for installation in the kitchen, and especially in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe desktop, stove and sink, it makes sense to take a closer look at their "pluses" and "minuses".

So, in favor PVC panels can be given the following arguments:

• The material has the most affordable price of all named materials.
• Plastic panels designed to decorate the apron can be solid, that is, not have seams.
• Installation of PVC cladding is extremely simple, and any novice builder or the homeowner himself can handle it. There is nowhere easier - the cladding is most often glued to the wall on "liquid nails".
• Plastic is easily cut with a regular clerical knife with replaceable blades. It will not be difficult in it, according to pre-made markings, to cut holes for an outlet or for removing cables and pipes.
• A damaged panel can be easily replaced with a new one. To do this, when purchasing material, it makes sense to buy one extra product, since later you may not find the finish of the desired color and pattern. Moreover, the price allows you to have more than one spare panel - it would only be where to store them ...
• All material is quite insignificant.
• Plastic panels perfectly hide all the bumps and flaws in the wall. You can even hide behind them electrical cable, fixing it in the shtrabe with the same "liquid nails".
• The pattern and color of the panels are sufficiently stable, so they can be subjected to wet cleaning using soft sponges or cloth.
• PVC is not afraid of moisture.
• A variety of shapes and design solutions allow you to choose the option that suits your particular style.
• PVC panels go well with transparent glass, which can be used for protection by installing in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe hob, as well as the sink, so that splashes do not leave marks on the surface of the finish.

To the moments in which PVC panels lose most finishing materials include:

• A very short period of operation, which in the best case is no more than five years. Although some manufacturers report ten years to customers, it must be borne in mind that the appearance of the material after the first few years of operation in the kitchen becomes very unpresentable and differs significantly from new panels.
• The material significantly loses to "competitors" even in its original state. It should be noted that in the photo in the brochures, the panels look much better than in life. “As far as they look and cost, they are so durable” - honest sellers of this product often say so.
• Any PVC panels are not recommended to be installed near the hob without heat-resistant glass protection. Everything is very simple - when heated above a temperature of 70 ÷ 80 degrees (and this is quite a bit), they simply deform.
• Plastic is not a strong enough material, and it can be mechanically damaged simply by careless movement.
• The paint and pattern can be easily removed if hard brushes or detergents containing abrasive additives are used when cleaning the panels.
• Due to the fact that the panels do not adhere tightly to the wall surface, very favorable conditions are created in this gap for the formation of mold colonies, especially in the washing area.
• If separate panels are used for finishing, and not whole leaf, then when exposed to moisture, their edges may simply begin to peel off from the wall.
• When heated (and in the kitchen this is inevitable), the material can emit fumes that are not useful for humans and the environment into the surrounding air.
• Plastic absorbs both odors and greasy fumes. Over time, an indelible yellowness may appear on it.

Knowing all the “pro” and “contra” arguments regarding PVC panels in terms of their use on a kitchen backsplash, you can easily draw conclusions for yourself whether you personally need such a finish.

Steel kitchen aprons

The arrangement of a kitchen apron with steel embossed sheets can be found infrequently. The cost of such a finish is quite high, and, frankly, not all housewives like it. However, it should be noted right away that such an apron goes well with the hob and other stainless steel kitchen accessories.

Many people think that steel surfaces are only suitable for modern minimalist, techno or high-tech styles. This is not entirely true, and the illustration below can serve as proof of this. Steel panels for aprons can have various embossed patterns that can be selected in accordance with the chosen design style of the kitchen.

If desired, steel surfaces can be inscribed in different styles, linking them with some furniture and decorative accessories for decorating the room. In addition, this material has excellent performance characteristics that fully meet the requirements for finishing in a kitchen.

• The material is not afraid of high temperatures, does not deform and does not burn out.
• Steel does not absorb any substances that can get on the apron during cooking, does not accumulate odors.
• The panels are easy to clean with water, with or without household chemicals.
• The material is inert to moisture. Getting on the apron, the drops just flow down.
• Steel sheets have high strength, so it is quite difficult to damage the cladding by negligence.
• On the surface of steel panels with regular care, a favorable environment for pathogenic bacteria or mold will never be created.
• Perhaps, according to many, the steel surface cannot be called aesthetic enough, but its appearance cannot be reproached for carelessness.

disadvantages steel panels can be called the following factors:

• Apron, this material must not be cleaned metal kitchentough washcloths, as you can scratch the surface. It is also not recommended to use detergents containing abrasive components to clean polished stainless steel.
• High price for steel panels.

MDF panels as a kitchen apron

MDF panels are widely used in the design kitchen interiors. But you should better understand how they are suitable for arranging a kitchen apron.

This type of material imitates natural wood and looks quite presentable on the wall, especially when they are in harmony with other surfaces and room accessories. The panels are suitable for almost any style - it is only important to choose the right color shade.

Like all materials, MDF has its positive and negative sides, which you must be aware of when deciding to design an apron in the kitchen with these panels.

Prices for MDF panels

mdf panels

So to virtues This material has the following properties:

• Material strength. It is very difficult to violate the integrity of the panel by accident, as they are not afraid of mechanical stress.
• If the panels are carefully cleaned every day, then caring for them will not become burdensome.
• The surface of the material has a good resistance to moisture.
• Easy to install panels on the wall.
• At correct operation MDF and in the absence of any emergency, the finish will last for many years.

The disadvantages of this cladding include the following points:

• MDF panels cannot be called a completely environmentally friendly material, since most manufacturers use formaldehyde resins in its manufacture, which emit fumes throughout the entire period of operation of the finish. Such secretions are especially active when the material is heated, and it is almost impossible to avoid this in the kitchen.
• MDF boards have a fairly high degree of flammability, so they require additional protection from the high temperatures that inevitably occur near the hob.
• MDF is made from compressed cellulose fibres. Therefore, if moisture gets on an unprotected special film the end of the panels, the material may begin to warp and delaminate. In addition, in the humid environment of wood, 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 decoration.
• MDF is not recommended to be cleaned with a hard metal brush, as stripes are bound to remain on the surface of the material.
• Acrylic-coated panels are more resistant to external influences, however, and they quickly lose their original appearance.

Find out with 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 way for arranging an apron. However, if there is a desire and financial opportunity to change the finish to a more reliable one at any time, then you can try to veneer the MDF wall along the working area.

In conclusion, I would like to note that the apron is equipped not only from finished panels, tiles or stone. Some craftsmen prefer to get creative with this process and use improvised materials. For example, bottle caps made from natural material or ordinary plastic of different colors, which are embedded on the wall into the solution. In general, if you want to save money, fantasy often turns on, and if there are no problems with finances, then the material for the apron can be easily picked up at a hardware store. At the same time, it is important to take into account all the recommendations, take into account the characteristics of the finish, which must meet the criteria presented above.

At the end of the publication, we suggest watching an interesting video review with examples of kitchen aprons from various materials. Perhaps this will help you make the right choice.

Video: Kitchen apron - a key area for finishing the room