Today we will talk about the most popular materials for decoration. working area, compare them and find out which apron for the kitchen is best suited.
You will learn the pros and cons of each coating, see the photo ready-made solutions in the interior of conventional materials and aprons made by hand from non-traditional elements.
Budget options
Apron for kitchen from PVC panels
PVC panels are now very popular, as they are inexpensive, and outwardly they cannot be distinguished from real tempered glass. But they don't look like that for long...
The surface quickly fades, is afraid of abrasives, as a result, it quickly scratches, acquiring a very shabby look.
In addition, PVC plastic panels are afraid of high temperatures, which means that it is completely undesirable to place them near the hob.
In a word, the option is cheap, but very bad and in the end it will cost you more than something more decent.
Apron for kitchen from wooden lining
The option is very cozy, inexpensive and looks just great. Such aprons look especially good in kitchens decorated in any of the country styles, for example, the same “Provence”.
Almost anyone can make such a coating and for this you do not need to involve professionals.
average price
Ceramic tile kitchen apron
The tile has always been, is and will be the best option both in terms of practicality and price.
We placed it in the middle price category, but as you understand, it can be different: both very cheap and unrealistically expensive. But in general, people are more likely to choose average prices.
There is no point in talking about the advantages of a ceramic tile apron, everyone already knows this. And of the minuses, it can only be noted that not everyone can put it on their own, and this doubles the price of the apron.
Kitchen apron made of finishing bricks
Real brick cladding became popular at a time when loft and grunge kitchen designs came into fashion, suggesting bare walls or other intentional carelessness of decoration.
The brick apron looks pretty nice, but do not forget that washing it is completely unpleasant! Fat and dirt eat into the structure, are absorbed, rub it for a long time and tediously.
But, if such a prospect does not bother you, why not? On extreme case when you get tired of washing it, you can close the wall with tempered glass.
And one more thing: you do not need to use a solid brick for these purposes. Sufficiently narrow, which is used specifically for outer cladding houses.
Stainless steel kitchen apron
Stainless steel is still an unusual option in the design of the working area of \u200b\u200bthe kitchen. But if you have a room interior in a modern style, we highly recommend paying attention to it. There are just a lot of pluses here, but there are no minuses in it.
Such an apron will cost quite inexpensively, it looks stylish, caring for it is simply elementary, and there is no question of durability!
Some are simply embarrassed by such a strict look and the “cold” of the metal. But if you look at the photo in the interior, it becomes clear that a stainless steel apron is appropriate in almost any kitchen, not only in the high-tech style, for example.
The only thing to consider when buying: do not take too much thin sheets, they will not hold their shape and an unpleasant rumble can be heard when touched.
Also, don't take too much mirror surfaces, since the glare from the sun and lighting will be very annoying.
In addition to smooth sheets, there are also corrugated, matte, and embossed sheets on sale. All in all, a good option and affordable, despite the fact that it looks extremely modern and expensive.
Acrylic kitchen apron artificial stone
Such an apron is very similar to natural stone, its price is very affordable, and for those who, by all means, want to design a working wall in the form of a rock, this will be a good choice.
No photo printing can guarantee such naturalness. But, deciding on such a purchase, do not forget about the obvious disadvantages of acrylic artificial stone:
- He is very afraid of scratches
- He is afraid of hot (from the neighboring stove it will not melt, of course, but if a spark gets on it, then a trace will remain)
- He is afraid of aggressive chemistry, from the use of which whitish spots remain on him.
But, with all this, acrylic stone slabs have one big plus: it is subject to restoration! True, if you treat the apron carelessly, then you will have to repair and patch it often, and this is not so cheap.
Expensive materials
Mosaic kitchen apron
A great option, but definitely expensive. In operation, no problems were found, such aprons serve for so long that they manage to get bored.
Among the shortcomings, it is only possible to single out that it is not always convenient to wipe greasy drops from thin crevices, therefore, it is advisable not to bring the dirt to the point that the dirt is firmly “ingrained”.
If you are interested in such a design, you can read about it in more detail in which lists all the pros and cons, as well as a lot of photos in the interior.
Marble kitchen apron
It is not so often possible to find a kitchen where such aprons are present, since this is an elite and very expensive type of coating. If you take a marble mosaic, it will come out a little cheaper than a solid slab, but it will be more difficult to care for it.
And despite the high cost, marble aprons have a big drawback: dirt and grease are absorbed over time and it is not very easy to care for them.
In the rest - unpretentious coating, not afraid of scratches, not afraid of aggressive chemical substances. But in fairness, many other coatings that are easier to care for have the same characteristics.
A marble apron has the right to exist only if you need to emphasize the status of the home.
Apron for kitchen from natural stone
The stone can be anything: from pebbles collected on the shore with your own hands to unrealistically expensive onyx slabs.
Here the choice is yours. As for the characteristics of any stone, only one thing can be said: it behaves in much the same way as marble, that is, dirt and grease tend to be absorbed.
To partially avoid these problems, you need to choose boards that are coated with a durable, glossy finish, since any natural stone has a porous structure.
Be sure to ask the seller how the plates were polished and what additives were used to protect against moisture.
Kitchen apron made of quartz agglomerate
The material is relatively new to the kitchen aprons market, although it has been successfully used for the manufacture of countertops for a long time. Agglomerate is not an artificial stone, such as acrylic.
This is a quartz crumb, which through pressing, vibration and adding a small percentage binding resins was turned into a monolithic slab.
The stone comes out extremely durable, devoid of any porosity and moisture inherent in a natural array.
Caring for it is very simple, the agglomerate is not afraid of any mechanical damage and reacts negatively only to the strongest acids (as they corrode the binding resins). Just an eternal apron that will serve you all your life, and then your grandchildren.
It has a lot of colors and such a stone looks natural. It is absolutely impossible to distinguish it from natural. A good choice, word. Feel free to recommend!
Glass kitchen apron
Heat-resistant glass is not cheap, but it looks very stylish. With its help, you can realize any fantasy and display any image: from a mirror image to your own self-portrait.
As for the operation - the material is good and does not cause any complaints in any way. It is durable and easy to maintain.
Fancy DIY aprons
Pebble kitchen apron
If you live by the sea, then for you this option will come out budget, while being extremely original! You just need to drive to the shore and bring pebbles. And then fix it on the wall, covered with a small layer of tile mortar.
As for the care of such a surface, it cannot be called the simplest due to the fact that the plane is not smooth. And one more thing: if you poorly fixed the pebbles, then they will fall out at the moment when you rub the apron with a rag.
But it looks like this work wall just great! Look here please:
Splintered kitchen apron
A variant in the style of "hippie" practically. Naturally, it is very budget. But there is one “but” here: if you have bad taste, then you should not take on such work, as the result will be deplorable and sloppy.
To harmoniously match the shards, you need to have an understanding of color and feel the compatibility of textures. But if you succeed, then the guests will be delighted, 100%!
The assembly process itself is simple: the fragments are attached to some kind of base, such as cement mortar or gypsum plaster. The latter option is more preferable, as it is light, so bright glasses will look more contrasting and fresh on it.
Wine cork apron
The appearance of such a coating is very interesting. But, a cork is a cork: the material is porous and very soft.
Therefore, if you want such a working wall, you will have to cover it with transparent plastic on top, otherwise, in just a couple of months, the apron will look untidy and it will be simply impossible to wash it.
Kitchen apron with slate paint
Very very interesting solution in terms of design. In addition, a piece of the board above the desktop is practical: at any time you can write something down without being distracted from cooking. You can also leave notes to your family if you need to remind them of something urgently!
Making such an apron is very simple: take a smooth piece of plywood, cut a strip out of it right size, fasten over the countertop and paint with special slate paint in 3-4 layers.
Such paint is not cheap, but you can save money: cover the first two layers regular paint, and already the upper ones - slate.
See how cozy and original these aprons look in the interior.
Well, our review has come to an end, and we figured out which kitchen apron is better. We wish you a successful completion of the repair!
Finishing the kitchen is very diverse. But whatever it is, you always want to somehow highlight the working wall - an apron (otherwise the surface between the lower and upper tiers kitchen set called "sleeve"). Firstly, this is necessary for hygiene reasons, since this part of the wall is most prone to pollution, and secondly, the original kitchen apron will bring a pleasant variety to its design.
Information about what are kitchen aprons, and which option is better to choose, are provided in abundance by manufacturers of building and finishing materials and specialized stores. Aprons made from the following materials are currently relevant:
It is better to choose different types of aprons for the kitchen, materials for their manufacture, having previously studied the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed options.
Ceramic tile. The popularity of this type of finish is due to the variety of options. You can choose any size from 6 × 12 cm to 18 × 48 cm. A wide selection of colors, shades, patterns allows you to realize any idea, up to the creation of paintings and panels.
Positive qualities: strength, moisture and heat resistance, hygiene, wide choose. Disadvantages: complex cladding technology, the need additional materials- cement mortar or special glue. Careful leveling of the wall is required.
Mosaic. Mosaic decoration has been used for a long time, but with the advent of new opportunities, it was undeservedly forgotten. IN Lately gaining popularity again, as it is very beautiful and suitable for any type of cuisine. Mosaic is ceramic, glass, smalt, metal, mirror.
Advantages: strength, possibility creating various drawings. The disadvantage is a long and laborious installation process, a rather high cost.
Plastic. It is produced in the form of panels, sheets and ready-made standard sets. An apron made of plastic is aesthetically no worse than one made of expensive material; any pattern is easily applied to it. Such an apron can be made by hand
.
Pros: moisture resistant, easy to clean, affordable price, simple installation. Cons: not strong enough, prone to deformation during high temperature, toxic when burned.
MDF. An MDF kitchen apron is also a fairly popular option, it is often used because of its environmental friendliness, because MDF boards are made from sawdust using modern technologies.
Advantages: moisture resistance, strength, simple assembly, low cost. Disadvantages: if not fastened correctly, it can be deformed, unstable to some reagents, nitro-paint and aggressive alkaline compounds should be avoided.
Fake diamond. There are several varieties of this material: ceramic, gypsum, molded concrete, polyester. However, for finishing the kitchen, experts advise using acrylic artificial stone.
Pros: does not absorb moisture, grease and dirt, since it has no pores, has smooth surface without seams, polished, presented in a variety of colors and shades. Cons: undesirable use of abrasive detergents, requires the application of a special protective agent, high price.
Mirror surface. The mirror visually expands the space, creates the effect of additional lighting. Suitable for all styles, this is a practical and original solution.
Positive qualities: the surface is moisture and heat resistant, durable, environmentally friendly and hygienic. Negative: sensitive to mechanical damage, needs daily care without abrasive products, difficult to install, has a rather high price.
Metal. Decor kitchen apron metal - a new trend in kitchen design. The use of brushed or decorative stainless steel is suitable not only for high-tech and industrial style, but also for others. modern styles and classics. It can be combined with plastic, glass, wood, it will be appropriate to combine with and brick lining.
Pros: looks stylish and spectacular, long-term operation. Feature: requires daily care.
Kitchen apron made of laminate. There are two types of laminate: moisture resistant (wood and plastic) and waterproof (completely made of plastic). Laminate can imitate any material - wood, tile, natural stone. Thus, finishing the working wall with laminate is suitable for the realization of any idea and for any style.
Advantages: moisture and vapor resistance, long-term operation, decorative effect, low price. Disadvantage: low-quality laminate can emit formaldehyde, you need to choose an environmentally friendly type (E1).
Glass kitchen apron. The use of glass in the interior of the kitchen is an avant-garde and very fashionable solution. Tempered glass (stalinite) is used for the manufacture of countertops, aprons and even dining tables. Combining these items in one style and one color scheme forms a complete composition. Modern technologies(triplex) allow you to put on the glass not only any pattern, but also three-dimensional 3D paintings or photographs. The technique of applying photo printing is called "skinali".
Advantages: environmental friendliness, hygiene, long term exploitation, resistance to moisture and high temperature, wide choice, decorative, novelty. Cons: need frequent washing, scratch susceptibility, high price. Not suitable for every style.
You can decorate the working area of \u200b\u200bthe kitchen with the help of natural stone and wood, but such options have many disadvantages. The stone gets dirty easily and constantly needs to be cleaned, natural wood, despite protective coatings, is afraid of moisture and steam, the same thing happens with chipboard panels. Therefore, it is better to pay attention to other materials, because they can imitate any texture.
Optimal color solutions
Before choosing an apron for the kitchen by color, you need to take into account the size of the room, the degree of illumination, the color of the furniture set, personal color preferences, etc. There are certain design techniques for selecting best options. This color circle, into which a square or triangle is inserted, their angles indicate the best color combinations. The law of three colors is also applied according to the formula 60/30/10, that is, 60% - the main color, 30% - additional shades, 10% - bright strokes and accents.
This brightness can be achieved through various kitchen attributes. By the way, making accessories with your own hands is a modern, popular trend, it will make the kitchen unique and cozy.
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 spectacular options finishing the working area according to five important criteria. Professional advice on what to make an apron for the kitchen, comparison the best materials And real photo 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 along the worktop - from edge to edge kitchen furniture. If you wish, you can limit yourself to small protective inserts only in the sink and hob area.
- in the kitchen with gas stove distance between hob and the hood should be at least 75-80 cm. Provide this ledge in the design of the kitchen.
- Kitchen set apron without top 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. 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:
original idea apron on the wall in the kitchen-living room with modern interior
Traditional kitchen design in Provence style 
Options for a bright kitchen with an apron made of photo tiles 
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 strained glass 6 and 8 mm thick with different design: transparent, dyed, 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 much 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. The most inexpensive option is 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 a quality product with UV printing with good inks.
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 wipe it regularly with a damp sponge with soapy water and use glass cleaner from time to time.
By choosing a light glass apron for a small kitchen (as in the photo), you will visually expand a small space 
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. Most a budget option in our selection. three meters plastic panel in the same Leroy Merlin can be purchased for an average of 1.5-2.5 thousand rubles.
Installation. Important advantage a plastic apron when repairing a kitchen is a simple 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 
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 with ceramic tiles and porcelain stoneware mosaic - a less profitable option for designing an apron. Laying work will also cost more, and necessary materials: 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):
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 work 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 . ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
More about it finishing material You can .
Figured corian wall panel 
Stone apron is more often chosen for classic cuisine 
In the process of repairing the kitchen, few people pay attention to trifles, nuances and details. Often they think globally, taking care of proper waterproofing, sewerage and choosing the color of future furniture. Without this, of course, nowhere, but negligence in relation to trifles can turn into disastrous consequences.
Such “optional” things often include kitchen aprons. This is not the kind of wardrobe item that the hostess ties over clothes so as not to get dirty. We will talk about the space between the lower and upper tiers of kitchen furniture.
This zone of the wall is often “forgotten” to be ennobled with materials resistant to temperatures and moisture, because of which the plaster can simply crack and crumble. Often everything is limited decorative plaster, wallpaper or paint.
Materials for a kitchen apron
It is worth recalling that the kitchen is not decorative room. Everything here should be as functional as possible. Splashes of juice from a bottle, grease from a frying pan, and water from a sink are common. The same can be said about the elevated temperature from the hob.
One way or another, the operation is partially “reflected” on the space of the apron in the form of splashes, stains and other far from aesthetic elements that are extremely difficult to remove by conventional means.
The main property of the apron is durability, hygiene and durability. So you secure the wall and save on future repairs. In addition, the apron can be given almost any texture using various building materials, which we'll talk about.
Often used elements such as:
- tile/tile
- mosaic
- steel
- glass
- a natural stone
- fake diamond
- tree
- plastic
Remember that for MDF, plastic, tiles and mosaics, it is additionally worth purchasing a special plinth that is attached between the wall and the countertop. So you save yourself from moisture and dirt getting into the cracks of the surfaces.
MDF panels
Probably the cheapest and economical way wall finishes. Some manufacturers offer ready-made kitchens, the design of which is initially supplemented with protective plates of the required dimensions.
Even if you order the panels separately, they will not really affect your condition. The advantages of the material are obvious: cheapness, imitation of any texture, a variety of colors and more. They are not demanding on installation, so mounting such an apron is not difficult.
It is believed that MDF is resistant to mechanical stress and aggressive cleaning. household chemicals. But in reality, the decorative laminated coating quickly loses its marketable appearance, even in a gentle mode.
Tiles and tiles
Another representative of the classic "collection" of materials. This method of finishing requires careful pre-training laying walls.
The installation process is the same as for ordinary tiles, but the quadrature is limited to a verified area that needs to be closed.
The tile is practical in every respect, because it is not afraid of temperatures, liquids, or chemicals. It looks much more expensive than MDF, and you can “play” with the design.
Some tile manufacturers even create customized landscapes that look great in almost any room. The main thing is that such a move does not stand out from the general ensemble of the room.
Separately, it is worth mentioning mosaic, as a subspecies of tiles. These are small tiles with a diameter of 1.5-2 cm, glued onto a mesh base. Due to their structure, they can “adjust” to any wall texture, but most often they are mounted on a flat, pre-prepared surface.
The process is quite laborious, since after laying it is necessary to carefully seal and wipe the seams so that moisture and debris do not get into them.
Mosaic
Steel
If you want a loft or high-tech kitchen, or are trying to recreate a nautical design, then steel will help you like no other. The main thing is that it is pre-hardened and, of course, does not rust.
This material has several advantages:
- hygiene;
- durability;
- practicality;
- resistance;
- ease of installation.
There are also downsides. In particular, steel aprons will be inappropriate in small rooms, because the air gap between the panel and the wall will resonate well, causing an annoying "metallic" sound. Any cooking will be reflected by an increased hum and knock.
It is more appropriate to use it pointwise, to protect the wall near the stove and sink. All other surfaces are easier to decorate with the same tiles. The only exception is the initially conceived "steel" concept, but this is a matter of taste.
Glass
This material became popular not so long ago as all the others, but quickly took root and won its niche. Such kitchen glass is called skinali.
It is a sandwich panel with a thin film between the layers. The second name is triplex.
They can be both transparent and textured, with drawings. To do this, the print is initially applied to the film, after which it is pressed against two sheets of tempered glass.
The finished painting looks very beautiful and unusual.
Often, skinali is mounted on an unplastered wall to simulate a rough brickwork or sloppy plaster, only without the characteristic minuses.
As for the cons. Despite the heat-resistant surface, washing this pleasure is quite problematic, since stains for glass are a common thing. Treat triplex cleaning in the same way as cleaning windows, there is no other way.
A natural stone
Those who can afford such material will certainly not exchange for tiles and MDF. The same applies to lovers of ecology, as well as admirers of Provence, boho and the modern Middle Ages.
The advantages of agglomerates do not need scrupulous consideration. It is enough that minerals are not much inferior to precious stones like emerald in terms of strength, and the service life of the surface is calculated in decades.
It is enough to recall the marble fireplaces of the 18th-19th centuries to understand what is in front of us.
There is also no need to talk about heat resistance and immunity to water. The surface of the same marble and granite has its own hydrophobicity, however, experts additionally open the stone special glue, which seeps into the pores, preventing moisture from “pulling on”.
Perhaps this is the only type of aprons, under which you need to choose the color and texture of all furniture, as well as decor. The finished ensemble looks extremely impressive.
The kitchen is the main room in the house most of representatives of the beautiful half of humanity. According to statistics, women spend "behind the stove" about three years of their lives. In addition, 45% believe that a spacious and well-equipped kitchen is the main advantage of any living space and in order to keep it clean, it is simply necessary to have such protective coating as an apron for the kitchen.
The main qualities of an apron for the kitchen
The location of the apron is the section of the wall between the countertop and the bottom wall cabinets where grease, water and other contaminants constantly get during cooking. In this regard, it must necessarily meet the following requirements:
- Wash off quickly and easily.
- Protect walls from dirt, dust, fumes and grease.
- Meet sanitary standards.
- Be reliable, convenient and beautiful.
- Harmoniously fit into the overall interior of the room.
What are aprons?
There are several types of aprons for the kitchen, and each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages, as well as features for installation and maintenance.
MDF or laminate panels for the apron
This type of decoration of the kitchen space has become widespread due to its properties such as:
- low material cost
- wide range of colors
- ease of installation of panels
- does not require special surface preparation
- easy replacement of damaged areas
However, the panels also have their disadvantages:
- poor mechanical resistance
- the material is combustible and therefore is a fire hazard
- deforms with excessive moisture
Installation of this type of finish is made on dowels and does not require special training.
At the end installation work it is necessary to close all open end sections of the panels with special rails. This will prevent the MDF from swelling and give the finish a finished look.
Ceramic tile apron
A ceramic kitchen apron is the most common cladding option. Such popularity is explained by a large set of advantages of this material:
- Prostate care.
- Lots of different design options.
- Resistant to temperature extremes and detergents.
- Ease of selection for any finishing material.
- Choice of solutions for different budgets.
There are two ways to lay tiles. The first is to lay it out before . With this method, you need to have a project plan, and lay the tiles no later than two days before installing the kitchen set, as the glue must dry. This option implies strict adherence to the project, otherwise there may be a mismatch of the apron with open areas walls.
The second option involves laying tiles after installing the headset. This method gives an accurate idea of the location of the apron, which eliminates the risk of miscalculation in its size and, as a result, the formation of cracks and gaps.
In order not to damage the facades of wall cabinets and tables, before laying tiles, they must be removed and hung only after completion of work.
Mosaic tile
An apron mosaic tile is a set of small pieces that are laid out in a specific pattern. This protection has the same advantages as ceramic tiles. However, another plus is its colorful and bright surface, which, if necessary, will easily hide dirt in case of lack of time for cleaning.
The most popular for its manufacture are such materials: ceramics, glass, mirror glass, metal, smalt. Mosaic can be purchased as a separate tile, from which you can then independently lay out a unique pattern, or as a finished canvas with an original pattern.
Also, the mosaic coating well hides all the irregularities of the finished surface, does not fade under the influence of sunlight and is easy to clean.
Glass apron or skinali
Represents wall panel from the tempered heat-resistant glass with drawing on special technology of drawing. Moreover, the image can be selected individually from both ready-made drawings and your own original photograph. The thickness of this coating should be at least 6 mm, and its strength should exceed ordinary glass by 5–7 times.
metal apron
The most commonly used material for metal aprons is stainless steel. However, in its pure form, such panels are used quite rarely. Basically, they make a combination in combination with materials such as: glass, MDF, ceramic tiles, wood, plastic and others. Main advantage metal panels is their durability and practicality.
In order to alleviate the feeling of coldness from metal surface panels can be used as a material for the facades of wood cabinets.
There are three ways to decorate a metal apron:
- A thin metal plate as an overlay on a sheet of moisture-resistant plywood or chipboard of the desired size.
- Facing with stainless steel tiles or ceramic tiles with a metal surface.
- Mosaic made of metal.
Apron made of artificial stone or marble
Acrylic stone is most often used as such a finish for the kitchen. With a beautiful appearance it also perfectly protects the wall surface from grease and moisture.
The light weight of artificial stone makes it easy to install. An apron made of this material has the following advantages:
- Large assortment of colors and decor.
- The absence of pores makes it not susceptible to moisture and temperature changes.
- Lack of joints and seams between the countertop and the wall.
- Ease of restoration by grinding damaged areas.
For the best combination apron and countertops, it would be better to order them as a set. So they will look more impressive and harmonious. The only disadvantage of such a cladding is the rather high cost of artificial stone.
Jul 8, 2014 Werri
