Which apron for the kitchen is better to choose. Cheap kitchen apron, inexpensive plastic kitchen aprons

An apron in the kitchen in the context of organizing space is a special wall cladding in the working area (near the stove, cutting surface, sink). Its purpose is to protect walls from contamination with food debris, splashing water and drops of fat. They usually differ from the rest of the surface of the walls in appearance and type of material. For example, the walls can have washable wallpaper, and the apron (wall in the working area 2 m from the floor) is trimmed tiles or moisture resistant plastic.

Special aprons for the working area in the kitchen

The key requirements for the material of the apron are the ability to easily and safely clean without compromising the quality of the surface. Usually, moisture-resistant, durable materials with smooth surface- tiles, porcelain stoneware, mosaics. If it is not possible to engage in full-fledged repairs and purchase expensive material, glue tiles, seal the seams, then you can choose a more affordable and practical way protection of walls in the work area. Special kitchen aprons made of roll-up self-adhesive material, as well as thin rigid CPL panels based on ABS plastic or fibreboard (fiberboard, HDF) perfectly cope with the role of an apron.

Advantages of plastic aprons and fiberboard boards

Their benefits are obvious to many buyers:

• instant installation;
• compactness;
• low cost;
• practicality;
• durability;
• design variability.

Unlike conventional ceramics in the work area, an apron based on plastic or fiberboard is mounted on the wall almost instantly. For this, special construction glue or self-tapping screws are used. Installation takes only a few minutes and requires no outside help. Depending on the nature of the rough surface, the film or tile can be fixed in any convenient way. For a load-bearing concrete wall, which conventional screwdrivers do not take, liquid nails are suitable. Self-tapping screws can be used for wood or drywall.

Most removable kitchen aprons come in small rolls (for ABS plastic) or MDF and HDF panels. The average length of one product is 2-2.6 m, width - 0.6-0.8 m. The low weight of the products - no more than 4 kg - reduces delivery costs.

After installation in the working area, the aprons in the kitchen show excellent performance:

1. resistance to dirt;
2. water-repellent properties;
3. heat resistance and shape stability;
4. resistance to chemical cleaning agents.

Most of the aprons are coated with a special water-repellent compound of a matte or glossy texture. Thanks to it, it becomes possible to cleanse easily and quickly with a damp sponge and ordinary detergents soap-based (dishwashing gels, special solutions for wet cleaning in the kitchen). It is better not to use abrasive powders and metal sponges.

At proper care kitchen aprons retain their original properties for a long time, do not fade in the sun, do not swell under the influence of hot steam and moisture. Manufacturers recommend installing them with caution directly near the hob, because material temperature range is limited. Continuous exposure to heat from the stove can lead to plastic deformation or fire. Perfect place installing an apron - near a sink or cutting surface.

Kitchen apron design: there is plenty to choose from!

In addition to the practical component, kitchen aprons also have a decorative function. Many housewives buy them not so much to protect the wall from splashing grease, but to decorate and stylize the kitchen interior. Manufacturers offer customers a wide range of aprons to choose from. different designs... The great variability and variety of execution of roll and panel aprons determines different ways their use:

• imitation of natural finishing materials using a high-precision image of the texture and pattern of natural stone, wood, ceramics;
• decorating working area in various styles using photo printing or drawing on an apron.

The use of aprons with imitation of the surface of a tile, natural or artificial stone, wood and others natural materials- a popular solution in the design of the kitchen work area. Users choose aprons for granite, marble, sandstone, pebbles, wood veneer. Many people find it more practical to buy and install a panel with an imitation mosaic wall finish - it is much faster, more practical and cheaper. For comparison, a full-fledged finishing of an apron in the working area in the kitchen using ceramic tiles costs an average of 40-50 thousand rubles. The cost of an apron with a length of 2.5 m is about 1340 rubles per unit. At the same time, there is no need to buy additional tile glue, grout, working tool. The benefits of this decision are obvious.

Decorative aprons: a wide field for creativity

For buyers who prefer unusual design solutions in the interior of the kitchen, manufacturers offer aprons with photo printing. This is just a huge field for activity and flight of imagination, which does not require special training and knowledge. There are a huge number of types and types of images on aprons. We list only the main categories:

• macro photography of nature objects (flowers, trees, leaves, grass, fruits);
• panoramic photographs of cities, natural landscapes, beautiful landscapes;
• thematic images (food, drinks);
• abstraction (patterns, animal prints).

Macro photography is one of the most popular types of images that users choose when buying an apron for the kitchen. These are large photographs, which clearly show small details (for example, veins of petals and leaves, drops of water on fruits, strawberry grains, and other details). The greatest demand is for large and detailed images of flowers and leaves with dew drops. Another popular topic for macro photography is fruits falling into water. Large and clear photos of juicy and bright fruits look very appropriate in the kitchen, giving aesthetic pleasure and appetizing. Staged shots of food and drinks, products: coffee beans, bread, pastries, chocolate, spices look just as good.

Panoramic shots, urban landscapes, landscapes are usually used to stylize and accentuate the style of the kitchen interior. It can be a black and white shot of the Eiffel Tower or the suburbs of Paris, a panorama of New York or London at night - everything that should emphasize the general direction of the kitchen design in English, French or other style.

Abstract patterns, geometric shapes, animal prints (zebra or tiger stripes, leopard spots), water splashes, concentric circles and large curving lines look great in some interiors.

Which one is right for you?

Which one to choose depends on your preferences and kitchen design features. Aprons with imitation of finishing materials - granite, marble, tiles, small mosaics - look versatile and are suitable for any room. You need to be careful with pictures and macro photographs, because you can always go too far with color, choose the wrong style, ruining the overall impression of the interior ..

It takes ~ 3 minutes to read

With the help of correctly selected materials, their combination, overall dimensions and color scheme, it is possible to highlight the working area in the kitchen area. In this article, we will learn from what to make an apron in the kitchen, as well as get acquainted with the sequence of the workflow.

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Features of arranging an apron from various materials

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

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

Ceramic tile

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

• long operational period;
• high indicators of product durability;
• good water resistance;
• ease of maintenance of the tile surface;
• relative inertness to the effects of chemicals;
• wide range of products.

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

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

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Mosaic

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

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

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

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

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Artificial and natural stone

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

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

The main disadvantages of the considered products are considered to be the complexity of laying, high cost and low level of maintainability.

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

The second artificial material is porcelain stoneware technical specifications similar to ceramic tiles, but differs from its counterpart in increased strength and wear resistance. Such products are not often used for arranging a working area in a kitchen due to their increased weight and high cost. It is better to entrust the laying of porcelain stoneware to an experienced master.

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

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Wood or MDF

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

The main advantage of the products in question is the ability to select the required piece of sheet, because the apron can go beyond the cladding. When working in the kitchen, splashes or dirty spots may appear on the decorative surface. They can be easily removed with a regular glass cleaner and sponge. Do not use abrasive substances for this purpose, as they can scratch the decorative surface.

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

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Glass

Glass is considered the most popular material for apron decoration due to the following advantages:

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

In the working area of ​​the kitchen, triplex glass, reinforced with a film or a tempered analogue, is used. For decoration, use monochrome or transparent models, products with a background pattern effect.

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

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

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Metal

Metal products, specifically stainless steel, are used to create aprons when the kitchen is decorated in high-tech style. Such products are fixed on a glass surface using liquid nails. Such panels have a long shelf life; from the minuses, a small amount must be distinguished design solutions models.

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Brick apron

The working area with imitation of brickwork is carried out in various color solutions... The surface of such products can be smooth or textured. The material looks like a tile, it is laid with the bandaging of the seams like a regular brick. The main disadvantage of such an apron is considered the possibility of accumulation of fat and dirt in the working area, so the working area must be periodically cleaned of dirt. The material is suitable for any interior, it has good water-repellent properties and high strength.

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

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

Choosing an apron option

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

The protective coating is fixed in the immediate vicinity of the stove or sink. Walls in these areas often suffer from waterlogging or splashes of grease, which contribute to the formation of persistent, non-removable stains. Cutting of vegetables or meat can take place in the working area of ​​the kitchen. During work, food particles can also get on the walls, which is why some users place the apron throughout the entire countertop. In addition to functionality, the work area connects the kitchen furniture into a single whole, it should ideally fit into the existing interior.

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Determine the dimensions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Conclusion

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

One of the most important elements of kitchen decoration is an apron - a part of the working wall between hanging and floor cabinets. This area is most polluted, especially in the area of ​​the sink and stove, therefore, along with aesthetic requirements, strict requirements for practicality are imposed on materials for finishing. Only then can a kitchen apron be considered good, when it is pleasant to look at and easy to care for.

What are they made of

A few decades ago, and the question of what to make an apron in the kitchen did not arise: if you were lucky to find a tile, they did it, if not, they just painted it oil paint... As one of the options - glued ordinary paper wallpaper which were varnished. That's the whole choice. Naturally, the tile in this case is the best possible option.

Composite apron for the kitchen - from tiles and mosaics

Today the choice is much wider. There are both traditional tiles and many other materials for the kitchen apron:

• Ceramic tiles and mosaics.
• Made of photo-printed tempered glass.
• Stone and materials based on it (porcelain stoneware, for example).
• Plastic and plastic panels.
• Metal.

Despite the abundance of materials, ceramic tiles are still the most popular. And all because it is in a very wide range of colors and sizes. The second most common apron is made of plastic - it is easy to care for it, and it is also inexpensive. Therefore, it is popular. In third place, perhaps, is a glass kitchen apron. And all because it gives an unusually wide range of design and design possibilities. Its only drawback is its high cost. All other methods of decorating the wall of the working area are not very popular. Some are due to not the best qualities (MDF, for example, does not like moisture and high temperatures) or the complexity of installation on walls (porcelain stoneware and stone). However, all of these materials can be used.

Dimensions (edit)

As for the length, questions usually do not arise: the entire wall or part of it, which is occupied by the kitchen set, requires special care. Therefore, everything is simple with the length. But the width of the lined area should be larger than the open space. That is, the finish should start below the level of the table top of the floor cabinets and end above the level where the hanging cabinets end. This stock is desirable in the area of ​​5 cm. More or less depends on the size of the finishing material, in particular ceramic tiles.

Since there are no lockers above the stove, the apron in this place is made higher. And again: its width should be such that the cabinets hung from the sides lay on the tile with their side. It's more convenient to clean this way.

Tile apron

The most traditional type of work wall decoration in the kitchen is ceramic tiles... It is good because it is easy to clean and has a long service life. Modern technologies let you do it different shapes, colors and sizes, which gives ample opportunities for design.

The disadvantage of a tiled apron in the kitchen is the complexity and duration of installation, the high price of the tile itself and assembly work... The presence of a large number seams. They are rubbed with special compounds, but it is the seams that get dirty and lose their attractiveness in the first place. We have to remove the old grout and process them again with a new one.

Nevertheless, it is the tile apron that is most often made in kitchens. The tile can be small in size - a square with a side of 12-15 cm.

There are tiles in size that are more reminiscent of bricks: rectangular in shape. This tile shape is also called "hog". It is more difficult to lay it - there are more seams, but the apron looks interesting. You can find a brick-like model, or you can make it blue or green. They all look good.

Dark blue tiles in a white kitchen - contrasting and unusual

There are large-format ceramics. It can have dimensions with a side of 60-70 cm. Moreover, it can be either square or rectangular. You can choose such a model that one unit will overlap the entire height of the apron. This is good because such an apron has fewer seams.

Flowers on the walls - pretty

There are collections of tiles of various non-linear shapes, with patterns. They look, of course, great, but it is more difficult to care for: all cracks, irregularities and bends are harder to scrub off than a flat surface. Another disadvantage of such tiles is the high price, much higher than the average. If all this does not scare you, keep in mind that you need to order it with a margin of about 10%. Firstly, the inevitable waste during installation, secondly, there is a battle during delivery, and thirdly, if you are a little mistaken in the calculations, you will have to wait a long time again, and it’s not a fact that there will be such a tile. Many collections are produced in very limited quantities. And they simply may not exist. For the same reason, it is always necessary to keep a few pieces in case of repair. After a few years, even mass collections are discontinued.

There is also ceramic mosaic - very small tiles, from which whole panels can be assembled. It is even more difficult to lay it, but the wall is very effective.

There is one more type of ceramic tile - with photo printing. Before firing, a drawing is applied to the ceramic surface with special ink. After it is covered with glaze and fixed at high temperature in the oven. Even photographs can be applied using this technology, but fruits or flowers are more often chosen for kitchen aprons.

As you can see, there are already a lot of options for a tiled apron for the kitchen. And there are 5 other materials.

Glass apron for kitchen

This type of material began to be used for finishing the work wall in the kitchen relatively recently, but it is quickly gaining popularity. It is even easier to care for a glass apron than for a tiled one - there are almost no seams, the surface is smooth. You can apply almost any pattern - from smooth color to volumetric photography. The technique of applying photographic printing to glass is called “skinned”. It is on aprons in this version that volumetric 3D drawings can be applied.

Floral motifs are one of the most popular in the design of the kitchen. They soften the forced severity of the furniture lines. Black and white kitchens are contrasts in everything.

How to make your own photo printing on glass

The only drawback of a glass apron is its high cost. This is due to the complex technology of drawing the pattern. But you can do it yourself. The technology is not the same as that used in enterprises, but the craftsmen are the craftsmen to find a way out of any situation.

For the manufacture of a glass apron using the skinning technique at home, two glasses of relatively small thickness are taken. If you find or buy a hardened one - great, but the usual, as practice has shown, lasts a long time. Ask a glass workshop to finish the edges and drill holes for the fasteners (or do it yourself if you can). The two glasses must be exactly the same in size, the holes for the fasteners must also match.

A film with a pattern is glued to one of them. This can be a ready-made self-adhesive translucent film, which is usually sold in wallpaper stores. You can order printing on film of any image in a specialized workshop (perhaps you will be helped by an advertising agency that deals with outdoor advertising).

The glass is cleaned of dust, degreased (a mixture of water and dishwashing detergent or glass detergent), wiped off, then sprayed with water from a spray bottle. The protective layer is removed from the film and glued to the wet glass on one side: it is more convenient to work on it and there is less chance of making an air bubble. Then they take a dense and elastic material with smooth edges (you can use a rubber spatula) and expel excess water from under the film. The main task is to prevent the appearance of air bubbles. The glued film is left to dry for several days, and then holes are made in it for fasteners.

Both pieces of glass are folded and mounted on the wall. The film turns out to be clamped on both sides and is perfectly protected from any influences. So that nothing happens to such an apron over time, the joint around the perimeter must be missed silicone sealant(not acrylic, it turns yellow over time). It can be done without a second layer of glass, but then the chances are great that the film will peel off, or dirt will get behind it, which will be visible.

Apron made of MDF and chipboard

If you need to quickly and inexpensively finish a working wall in the kitchen, you can install an apron from panels. You need to choose from moisture-resistant products with a durable coating: you will have to wash often. Therefore, MDF is taken of medium or high density. The higher the density, the better: with a thinner panel, they are more durable, but the denser material is more expensive.

Installed on furniture screws or, if necessary, on dowel-nails. A hole is pre-drilled in the required places. The diameter of the drill is the same as the rod of the hardware or slightly less. To prevent the hats from sticking out, they make a drill in the panel larger diameter than the size of the cap, make a small indentation. In a store that sells furniture fittings, you can find plugs to match the panel. Here, under the leg of the plug, you can select the diameter of the drill: so that it becomes tight.

Before installation, an adhesive is applied to the back surface, then additionally sits on the fasteners. If the apron is obtained from one wall to another, there are no problems, but if there are corners, they must be trimmed somehow. To do this, you can use plastic or aluminum corners - it depends on the style of kitchen furniture (furniture hardware stores).

If we talk about color solutions, then there are monophonic options. different colors, a fairly wide selection of surfaces that imitate different varieties wood, there is an imitation of stone surfaces. There are also exclusive drawings, such as photo printing, flowers, etc.

The drawing is glued to the MDF board. This is a photo-printed film. Since the film must have high density, such panels are decent.

Made of plastic

Plastic aprons are good because they are inexpensive, easy to install. At the same time, the plastic surface is well washed. For the production of aprons, ABS plastic is used. It is neutral to fats, acids, alkalis, but reacts poorly to contact with alcohol. Therefore, it is impossible to wipe with alcohol and alcohol-containing compounds. Physical properties- tough, durable and at the same time plastic - allow you to make housings of household appliances from it. Even some parts in the car interior are made of such plastic. Therefore, aprons in the kitchen are only part of its use.

The temperature range at which such a plastic apron can be used is from -40 ° C to + 90 ° C. Its only drawback is that it reacts poorly to ultraviolet light. Therefore, it is undesirable to put it in kitchens in which the working wall is illuminated from the window.

The choice of colors is wide, and the relatively low price and ease of installation allow you to change the finish if you are really tired of it. Any image is applied to the plastic, then it is covered with a double layer of varnish, which protects the design and prevents scratches. If you try, of course, you can scratch it, but accidentally hitting it is unlikely. In general, not a bad option. If we talk about the price, then a wall panel made of plastic, which is used as a kitchen apron, costs from 1.5 to 6 thousand rubles. Panel width 60-80 cm, length 2-3 m. Some examples of plastic aprons are in the photo gallery.

Traditional theme - coffee beans

Wall panels are mounted on a relatively flat surface. Glue of the "liquid nails" type is applied pointwise and plastic is fixed on it. Its density makes it possible to hide minor surface defects.

Of stone and metal

The least common kitchen aprons are made of stone. Firstly, they are expensive, and secondly, it is not easy to clean off plaque from them: the surface, even very well-processed, has open pores, into which fat and soot, inevitable in the kitchen, are clogged.

Apron for the kitchen made of stone. Looks great in some interiors ... but it's hard to clean

Exceptions are stone-based products, in particular, porcelain stoneware. Its surface can be very smooth. But there is one more thing: the large weight of such a finish. Accordingly, complex installation and powerful fastening system.

They decorate the work wall in the kitchen with metal, but this is a very caustic phenomenon. Such an apron will only fit into minimalism and high-tech, and even then you need to try so that the room does not look like a meat cutting workshop ...

As you can see, you can finish the working wall different materials... There are options for different tastes and wallets. The main thing is to choose an apron for the kitchen so that the set and the rest of the furniture become a single ensemble. Then the kitchen will be cozy.

Decorating the working area in the kitchen requires compliance with a number of conditions. Cooking is a varied and powerful process: steam, cold water, splashes of hot fat, and dyes.

So not every material is suitable for.

Requirements for a kitchen apron

Finishing must simultaneously satisfy both very high practical and aesthetic requirements. The hostess spends a lot of time in the kitchen, and if the person preparing lunch and dinner is surrounded by ugly worn-out objects, the furniture is inconveniently located, and it is impossible to wash away stains of grease and soot from the wall near the stove, oh delicious dishes you can forget.

Ceramic tiles as a finishing of the work area

This option can be safely called the most traditional and the most popular. The “fault” is an extremely successful combination of user qualities, exceptional variety and quite affordable cost. Main feature material is its low porosity. And since there are no pores, then moisture will not be absorbed and bacteria will multiply.

The advantages of this option are mass, so such a cladding is being made and will be doing for a long time.

The disadvantages include the complexity of installation. The tile is not flexible, so the ceramic surface should be perfectly flat. And the styling is better done by professionals, there are many subtleties in this matter.

Mosaic - a stylish option

Quite often, for cladding a small kitchen, they suggest choosing a mosaic: a panel or ordinary masonry from small elements - 5 * 5, 7 * 7 cm. As a rule, ceramic tiles act as the basis, although glass, mirror or metal can be used. Which option is better depends, rather, on the design of the kitchen. However, ceramic mosaics retain all the excellent properties of tiles, but with some reservations.

The decorativeness of the option is undeniable: it is much easier to lay out the mosaic in the form of a complex ornament. And mosaic images will definitely not seem boring or trivial. In addition, unlike tiles, perfect alignment can not be achieved here: the elements are small and easily hide small defects.

The weak point is the seams between the tiles. Grout, unlike ceramics, is not hygienic and accumulates more dirt. But when laying large tiles, this drawback is minimized, but when laying a mosaic, you will have to do additional processing of the seams at least with a sealant. Moreover, expert reviews indicate that the grout loses its moisture-resistant qualities over time, so it must be periodically removed and the seams must be rubbed over, which, of course, I would not want to do.

Natural and artificial stone

This name hides a lot of materials, and not all of them are suitable for the kitchen. The fundamental difference is the number of pores and the ability to absorb water. Material with minimum values ​​is allowed. Which one is better is determined by the distinctive features.

But marble, no matter how impressive it looks, is not suitable for facing a kitchen apron: the material is porous and absorbs dirt. Polishing reduces this effect, but the surface itself is short-lived.

The main disadvantage of this option is not even cost, but low maintainability. If the panel is damaged, it will have to be replaced. Installation of stone is also not easy: the material is very heavy, requires special glue, adjustment of dimensions is almost impossible with the exception of clinker tiles.

Steel aprons

This is an option - for the techno style, where the utility of the material is considered its best advantage. Custom finishes are excellent, although decorative is noticeably lower.

As the reviews indicate, you can still scratch the surface, and abrasives destroy the glossy finish. But if you choose matte and embossed steel tiles and make an apron from it, this feature loses its meaning.

Glass aprons

For this option, you can only use impact-resistant or tempered glass, since ordinary glass is too fragile. The material is extremely popular, since it is not only decorative in itself, but also provides a host of other design possibilities. Glass can serve as a protective screen for any finish - from silk wallpaper to wine corks or solid wood, as in the following photo.

• It is difficult to overestimate the capabilities of the glass itself: colored, matte, transparent, with photo printing, with a pattern, a relief pattern, painting, in the form of a tile, and so on. What cannot be done with glass is combined with tiles.
• Impact-resistant glass can withstand very significant loads, although it is quite possible to scratch it. Do not use abrasives for cleaning. But the glass is completely insensitive to the effects of temperature or humidity. The material does not absorb dirt and is completely hygienic.
• - option for modern styles:, hi-tech, eco. Its effectiveness is difficult to overestimate. In the next photo -.

The disadvantage of this solution is the complexity of installation and cost. To make the work area completely safe, the apron is assembled from a single piece of glass. And with a fair weight of this material and size, its installation is very difficult. Only specialists can do it. The cost is also determined by the material: the procedure for hardening glass, and even more so for triplex, is an expensive process.

Plastic aprons

Plastic is an unusually diverse material, so there are several options to include in this category.

• - the most common option for kitchen cladding. However, in the working area, he does not show himself with better side, as testimonials testify: PVC is sensitive to the action of temperature, and deforms quite quickly near the plate. The same happens with the finish near the sink, because the dampness is too high here, and the plastic changes in volume under the influence of water. As a result, the entire cladding goes in waves and changes color.

For the decoration of other walls, the panels are quite suitable, since they tolerate the general temperature in the kitchen. But at the same time, another factor should be taken into account: plastic, even self-extinguishing, belongs to combustible materials, and at a heating temperature above + 80-110 degrees Celsius, it irreversibly deforms.

According to expert reviews, such cladding is allowed in a kitchen with an electric or induction hob, where the heating is, nevertheless, less.

MDF panel trim

No less dubious option than plastic cladding. MDF is a chipboard, and has almost all the disadvantages of wood. The properties of the panels depend somewhat on the nature of the top finishing layer: it is difficult to say which one is better, since they are all quite sensitive to temperature.

In the photo - MDF with acrylic coating.

MDF boards are more resistant to the influence of water and steam than wood and retain their geometric dimensions. However, the material wears out faster. The finishing is much easier to install: the plates are light, the fasteners are needed the simplest.

However, the mechanical strength for the kitchen is clearly insufficient: an accidental blow is enough to hopelessly ruin the panel. You can not discount the high fire hazard: the material burns well, so that near an open fire source - a gas stove, its use is prohibited.

Accepted by a variety of materials. And if they do not suit you for some reason, you can always find an alternative or use a glass screen as protection.

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

Correct dimensions

• Usually kitchen apron height ranges 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 a couple of centimeters under the lower / upper cabinets.

• As for the width, most often the entire wall is covered with a decorative coating along the working tabletop - from edge to edge of kitchen furniture. If you wish, you can limit yourself to small protective inserts only in the area of ​​the sink and hob.
• In the kitchen with gas stove the distance between the hob and the hood should be at least 75-80 cm. Consider this protrusion in the kitchen design.
• Kitchen apron without top cabinets worth bringing to the very ceiling.

We select the 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 background for a beautiful headset.
• A white apron (plain or with mosaic inserts, bright tiles and ceramic decors) is easy to combine with any kitchen color. Other neutral tones are also popular: milky, creamy, beige, light gray, champagne and ivory.
• A dark glossy finish is impractical; water droplets and splashes of grease will be particularly noticeable.

Photo of aprons in the kitchen: 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 often used, less often thin and lightweight porcelain stoneware. The most popular formats are 10x10, 15x15, 20x30 and 20x40 cm, as well as a different-sized "hog".

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

The tiles have many decors for different tastes and every budget. The surface of ceramics can imitate the texture of stone, wood, metal, concrete.

When choosing a kitchen tile for 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 in the calculation the costs of the leveling mixture, glue, grout for joints, sealant and the work of craftsmen.

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

Durability. It will easily serve you for 15 years or more.

Moisture resistance. ★★★★★

Care . ★★★★★

We have collected modern design ideas and photos of aprons for the kitchen from tiles in real interiors in the selection below:

Original idea apron on the wall in the kitchen-living room with modern interior
Traditional Provence style kitchen design

Options for a bright kitchen with a photo tile apron

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Strained glass

When choosing a picture or a photo in the catalog for an apron for a kitchen made of glass, take into account the color of the facades

A beautiful and practical material that is not inferior to ceramics in many properties. A glass apron is easier to care for than people think, and heat and moisture do not spoil its appearance.

The kitchen uses durable tempered glass with a thickness of 6 and 8 mm with different designs: transparent, colored, tinted, frosted and decorated with photo printing.

Price. Such a finish can hardly be called a budget one: glass panels with photo printing (skinned) are much more expensive than tiles and mosaics, not to mention plastic. In addition to the cost of making the 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 out holes for sockets and other services that are not obvious to an inexperienced buyer. The most inexpensive option is a transparent protective screen, the wall behind which can be painted with paint or pasted over with beautiful wallpaper.

Installation . The main advantage of the 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 provide a 5-year warranty. Of course, we are talking about a 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 seams is much easier to clean than cleaning multiple seams. It is enough to regularly wipe it down with a damp sponge and soapy water and use a 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

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Plastic

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

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

There are two finishes:

• Furniture panel made of MDF, chipboard and fiberboard, faced with decorative HPL plastic - monochromatic or with wood, ceramics, stone, mosaic decor.
• PVC wall panels. Flexible screens are attached to the wall using glue and aluminum profiles. 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-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 renovating a kitchen is its easy installation, which 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, he will lose his "face" the fastest and is unlikely to last more than 3-5 years. But it is easy and inexpensive to replace it.

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 . ★★★★

A plastic apron can be wiped with a damp microfiber cloth or soft sponge. Make sure that water does not flood the edges, otherwise the base of the board may warp and swell.

An apron for a kitchen made of MDF with a photo print is best complemented with neutral facades and a monochromatic finish

A wood-look laminate worktop and apron can be easily combined with a white kitchen

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Mosaic

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

Price. Compared to ceramic tiles and porcelain stoneware, mosaic is a less profitable option for decorating an apron. The laying work will also be more expensive, and necessary materials: you will have to buy special glue and grout. If you want to save money, choose a mosaic tile. It is cheaper and makes installation much easier.

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

Durability. Will serve without complaints for many years. The normal service life of a quality material is 20-25 years.

Moisture resistance. ★★★★★

Care . ★★★★

Examples of real kitchen aprons made of mosaics (glass, ceramic, stone, metal), see the photos below:

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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 a work area in our selection.

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

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

Moisture resistance. ★★★★★

Care . ★★★★★

You can learn more about this finishing material.

Corian Shaped Wall Panel
An apron made of stone is more often chosen for a classic kitchen MORE 7 PHOTOS CLOSE

Did you like dear finishing material, and are you planning to do new renovations soon? Do not deny yourself the pleasure - you will admire a beautiful apron every day! Count up different variants... Moreover, quite a bit of finishing is needed for a typical kitchen.